Having a baby is a joyous but challenging time in most people’s lives. Whether you are currently pregnant or thinking about adopting a newborn baby, you might enjoy learning these three interesting facts about babies.
1. Newborns Cry Without Tears
From around the age that they begin to cry until about a month of age, newborns cry but do not shed tears. It can be frustrating when a newborn is crying for seemingly no reason and nothing you do seems to help, but enjoy this short and interesting time in their lives when they are able to cry yet produce no tears. The reason behind this phenomenon is that very young babies only produce enough water to protect the eyes, leaving no fluid behind to become a teardrop.
2. Many Birthmarks Disappear
Common birthmarks in babies include “stork bites” which appear as a pink or reddish area on the forehead, nose, or back of the neck, and Mongolian spots which are bluish patches on the lower back. The causes of these birthmarks are largely unknown but generally disappear within a few years or so. Most birthmarks are harmless and disappear on their own without any treatment, but always see your doctor if you have any concerns.
3. They Have No Body Clock
Babies are infamous for waking up in the middle of the night, and there is a good reason for this. Newborns have an unreliable sleep schedule during their early weeks of life, but it usually begins to even out between three and five months of age. This is how long it takes for them to develop a circadian rhythm, the mechanism by which adults know when to sleep and be awake throughout a 24-hour period.
Babies are interesting humans who display behaviors that are unique to their age group. Recognize and enjoy their exceptional qualities.