20 Surprising Things You Wish You Knew About Newborns

Do you have a newborn?

Newborns have fascinating quirks that often catch new parents off guard.

From unexpected reflexes to unique sleep patterns, these surprises make the first weeks unforgettable.

There are tips as a mom you should always have in your mind and you navigate your parenting journey.

Here you will find the best tips explained in a simple way.

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Surprising Things You Wish You Knew About Newborns

1. Newborns Sleep More Than You Expect

Babies sleep almost all day.

• They sleep 16 to 18 hours daily.
• Sleep happens in short, unpredictable bursts.
• They wake often for feeding and comfort.

2. They Wake Up Frequently at Night

Newborns need constant feeding.

• Their small stomachs empty very quickly.
• They eat every two to three hours.
• Night waking helps establish milk supply.

3. They Recognize Your Voice Immediately

Your baby knows your voice.

• Hearing develops in the womb before birth.
• Familiar voices soothe and calm them.
• They prefer high-pitched, gentle tones.

4. Their Skin Peels in the First Weeks

Flaky skin is completely normal.

• A newborn’s skin sheds protective layers.
• Peeling happens mostly on hands and feet.
• Moisturizing helps reduce excessive dryness.

5. Their Breathing Sounds Unusual

Newborns breathe in patterns.

• Short pauses are completely normal.
• Grunts and sighs happen frequently.
• Their lungs adjust to outside air.

6. Hiccups Are Completely Normal

Tiny hiccups happen often.

• The diaphragm is still developing.
• Hiccups don’t cause babies discomfort.
• Feeding slowly may help prevent them.

7. Newborns Cry Without Tears at First

Tears take time to form.

• Tear ducts aren’t fully developed yet.
• Babies cry but eyes stay dry.
• Tears appear by three to four weeks.

8. Their Poop Changes Colors Often

Diapers look very different.

• Meconium is thick, sticky, and black.
• Poop turns green, yellow, or brown.
• Color depends on diet and digestion.

9. They Start Smiling Before You Expect

Smiles come before they mean it.

• Reflex smiles happen during sleep.
• Social smiles start around six weeks.
• Eye contact encourages early smiling.

10. They Use Reflexes to Move

Newborns rely on instincts.

• The Moro reflex causes sudden movements.
• They grip anything placed in their hands.
• Rooting helps them find the breast.

11. Their Vision Is Blurry at Birth

Babies see very close up.

• They focus best at 8 to 12 inches.
• Black-and-white patterns attract attention.
• Faces become clearer over time.

12. They Prefer High-Pitched Voices

Soft voices grab attention.

• Newborns like gentle, soothing tones.
• High-pitched voices help them feel safe.
• Sing-song speech keeps them engaged.

13. They Have Hair That May Disappear

Lanugo sheds after birth.

• Some babies are born with fine hair.
• Hair falls off within a few weeks.
• New hair grows in later months.

14. They Love Skin-to-Skin Contact

Touch helps them feel safe.

• Skin-to-skin regulates their body temperature.
• It promotes bonding and breastfeeding success.
• Babies cry less when held close.

15. They Recognize Your Smell Quickly

Your scent is comforting.

• Babies know their mother’s unique smell.
• Familiar scents help them feel secure.
• Your skin produces natural bonding chemicals.

16. Their Heads May Look Oddly Shaped

Birth affects head shape.

• Pressure causes temporary molding and swelling.
• Soft spots allow room for brain growth.
• The skull rounds out within months.

17. Their Hands and Feet Stay Cold

Circulation takes time to develop.

• Blood flow focuses on vital organs first.
• Cold hands don’t mean they’re freezing.
• Warm body means they’re comfortable.

18. They Can Hear While Sleeping

Noises won’t wake them easily.

• Babies sleep through loud background sounds.
• White noise mimics the womb environment.
• Sudden changes startle them more easily.

19. They Start Learning Right Away

Newborns absorb everything.

• They study faces, voices, and movements.
• They recognize patterns and routines quickly.
• Talking helps boost early brain development.

20. Growth Spurts Happen Suddenly

Babies grow in bursts.

• They nurse more during growth spurts.
• Growth phases last a few days.
• Extra sleep often follows rapid growth.

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Final Thoughts

Newborns bring surprises every day, from their tiny reflexes to their unique sleeping patterns.

Knowing these little quirks can help new parents feel more confident and prepared.

Embrace the journey, trust your instincts, and enjoy every moment with your baby.

FAQs: Newborns

Why does my newborn grunt while sleeping?

Newborns breathe noisily because their airways are developing.

How often should my baby poop?

Breastfed babies poop often, while formula-fed babies poop less.

When will my newborn sleep longer?

Babies sleep longer around three to four months old.

Why do newborns startle so easily?

The Moro reflex makes them react to sudden movement.

When do babies recognize their parents?

Newborns know your voice immediately and your face soon after.