Newborns often experience a daily period of intense fussiness, commonly known as the witching hour, typically occurring in the late afternoon or evening. Understanding the Phenomenon of Intense Evening Fussiness Newborns are known for their unpredictable crying spells, but many parents notice a pattern: a stretch of heightened crying or fussiness that seems to hit […]

Newborns do not have visible teeth in their skulls, but their primary teeth develop within the jawbone before birth. Understanding Tooth Development Before Birth Teeth don’t just pop up overnight; they start forming well before a baby sees the light of day. Inside a newborn’s skull, there are tiny tooth buds embedded deep within the

Newborns can experience stomach discomfort due to immature digestion, gas, or colic, but they cannot verbally express pain. Understanding Newborn Digestive Sensations Newborns enter the world with developing digestive systems that often lead to sensations adults might interpret as stomach pain. Their gastrointestinal tract is immature and sensitive, making digestion a complex and sometimes uncomfortable

Newborns do have snot; their tiny nasal passages produce mucus to protect and clear their airways from irritants and germs. Understanding Newborn Nasal Mucus Newborn babies produce nasal mucus just like adults, but the amount and consistency can differ significantly due to their developing bodies. This mucus, commonly called snot, serves a vital role in

Newborns have skulls made of multiple bones joined by flexible sutures and fontanelles to allow brain growth and passage through the birth canal. The Structure of a Newborn’s Skull The skull of a newborn is quite different from that of an adult. Instead of being a solid, fused bone, it consists of several separate bones

Newborns possess highly sensitive hearing, capable of detecting a wide range of sounds even before birth. How Newborn Hearing Develops Before Birth The journey of hearing begins well before a baby takes its first breath. Inside the womb, the auditory system starts forming early in pregnancy. By around 18 weeks gestation, the inner ear structures

Newborns exhibit several innate reflexes essential for survival and neurological development right from birth. Understanding Newborn Reflexes Newborn reflexes are automatic, involuntary movements or actions that babies display immediately after birth. These reflexes are crucial indicators of a baby’s neurological health and overall development. They help infants survive in their earliest days by triggering responses

Newborns do have necks, but they are short and underdeveloped, making them less visible compared to adults. Understanding the Anatomy of a Newborn’s Neck Newborn babies possess necks like adults, but their structure is quite different. The neck of a newborn is much shorter and less prominent. This difference primarily arises because the bones, muscles,

Newborns receive temporary immunity from their mothers through antibodies transferred before birth and via breastfeeding. Understanding Passive Immunity in Newborns Newborn babies enter the world with an immune system that’s still developing. Thankfully, they are not entirely defenseless. The protection they gain from their mothers is known as passive immunity. This form of immunity involves

Most newborns experience jaundice within the first week due to excess bilirubin, which usually resolves without serious complications. Understanding Jaundice in Newborns Jaundice is a common condition affecting many infants shortly after birth. It shows up as a yellowish tint on the skin and eyes, caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin