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Babies are adorable, but did you know that they come with some seriously weird and fascinating quirks? A lot of them are not even that well known. So, if you’re interested in knowing how quirky a baby’s anatomy can be, you are at the right place. Here’s a peek into the world of babies, where the unusual reigns supreme. Read on to explore the complete list!
1. Born Without Kneecaps
Yes, you read that right! Newborn babies don’t have kneecaps. Instead, they have a structure of cartilage that gradually turns into bone as they grow. So those adorable knee dimples? Just cartilage doing its thing.
2. Taste Bud Tales
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Ever wondered why babies make those funny faces when they taste something new? Well, they’re born with around 10,000 taste buds, and that’s way more than adults (1)! But here’s the twist: they prefer sweet flavors from birth, possibly nature’s way of making sure they take to mother’s milk.
3. Super Sensitivity to Sound
Babies are incredibly sensitive to sound, and they can hear a wide range of frequencies. This heightened sensitivity is why sudden loud noises can startle them easily during their early months.
4. Lovable Pout
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When babies breastfeed or suck on a bottle, they often exhibit a ‘sucking reflex’ that involves puckering their lips in an adorable pout. This reflex helps them latch onto the nipple or bottle, ensuring they get the nourishment they need.
5. Involuntary Arm Jerks
You might notice your baby’s arms or legs suddenly jerking or twitching while they sleep. These movements are known as the Moro reflex and are involuntary (2).
6. Baby Cries In Different Dialects
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Babies cry to communicate, but here’s the kicker: their cries can differ based on their native language! Studies show that newborns mimic the intonation patterns of their mother’s language when they cry, adapting to the unique rhythm and melody (3).
7. Superhuman Strength
Relative to their size, babies are incredibly strong! They can grip onto objects with surprising force, showcasing their innate reflexes. This strong grip is known as the ‘palmar grasp reflex,’ and it’s nature’s way of helping them hold onto caregivers for support (4).
8. Endless Sleep Cycles
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Babies spend more time in REM (rapid eye movement) sleep than adults (5). This deep sleep phase, where dreams occur, aids in their brain development and learning processes. It’s a crucial part of their sleep cycle, contributing to their growth and cognitive development.
9. Unpredictable Sleep Patterns
Newborns have a sleep pattern that’s completely different from adults. They sleep for short bursts of a few hours at a time, regardless of day or night. It’s a rollercoaster ride for parents until they establish a more regular sleep routine.
10. Reflexive Smiles
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Ever noticed your baby smiling in their sleep? Those adorable little grins aren’t just random—they’re reflexive smiles! Babies often smile in their sleep during the early months, a reflex caused by their developing nervous system rather than a response to a funny dream.
11. Born With 300 Bones
When babies are born, they have around 300 bones in their bodies (6). Surprisingly, this is more than adults, but as they start growing up, some of these bones fuse together. By the time they are adults, the number decreases to 206 as bones join up, making them stronger.
12. Smell Of Sweetness
Babies are born with an innate sense of smell, and they’re naturally drawn to the scent of their mothers. Studies suggest that newborns have a preference for the smell of breast milk over other scents, guiding them towards food and comfort (7).
13. Bizarre Sleep Habits
Babies have a habit of falling asleep in the most unusual places and situations. They might snooze during a loud family gathering or amidst the chaos of everyday life. Their ability to sleep almost anywhere is an amazing survival tactic in their early months.
14. Babbling Melodies
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Before uttering their first words, babies engage in ‘babbling.’ This delightful stage involves making various sounds and experimenting with syllables, laying the foundation for language development. It’s their way of practicing and learning the rhythm of speech.
15. Growing Hair Mysteries
Ever heard of ‘lanugo’? It’s the soft, downy hair covering a newborn’s body, serving as a protective layer in the womb. Most babies shed this hair before birth, but some are born with traces of it. Don’t worry; it usually disappears within a few weeks.
16. Surprise Hiccups
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Babies get hiccups more often than adults. It’s a common occurrence and completely normal due to their developing diaphragm muscles. These tiny hiccups might sometimes seem worrisome to us, but they’re just another part of a baby’s quirky repertoire!
17. Unusual Sleep Positions
While sleeping, babies can strike some pretty odd poses! From legs tucked under their bodies to arms flung wide, they’re comfortable in positions that might seem awkward to adults. Their flexibility and relaxed muscles allow for these charming sleeping antics.
Babies are full of surprises, from their superhuman reflexes to their quirky behaviors. These unusual facts add to the wonder and amazement of watching these tiny humans grow and learn in their own unique ways. Who knew babies packed so much weirdness into those adorable little bundles?
