Welcoming a newborn into the world is one of life’s most magical moments. As a newborn photographer in Buffalo NY, I get to witness firsthand how these tiny humans are full of surprises right from the start. If you’re a new parent or simply curious about newborns, here are five interesting facts about them that will make you appreciate them even more!

1. Newborns Can Hear, But Not Quite Like Adults

Did you know that babies can hear sounds from the outside world while still in the womb? It’s true! By the time they’re born, newborns are already familiar with their mother’s voice and some external sounds, but their hearing is still developing. They can hear sounds at a higher pitch better than lower ones, which is why they may respond more to a gentle coo or a high-pitched voice than to deeper sounds. So, don’t be afraid to sing or talk to your newborn – it’s soothing and familiar to them!

2. They Have More Bones Than Adults

It might surprise you, but newborns are born with about 300 bones, and by the time they reach adulthood, they’ll only have around 206. The reason for this difference is that many of a newborn’s bones are made up of cartilage that will gradually harden into bone over time. This flexibility helps babies during the birth process and aids in their rapid growth during the first few months of life. This also comes in handy for posing them in adorable positions for their newborn portrait session!

3. They Can Recognize Their Parents’ Smell Almost Immediately

Newborns have an incredible sense of smell, and research shows that they can recognize their mother’s scent just hours after birth. It’s one of the first ways they start bonding with you! That familiar scent helps babies feel comforted and safe, which is why you might notice that your little one settles so quickly when held close to you. It’s a sweet reminder of how instinctual the bond between parent and child can be. This also comes in handy during a newborn portrait session if baby is having trouble settling. Mom’s touch always does the trick!

4. They Have Soft Spots on Their Heads

One of the most adorable and distinctive features of a newborn is the soft spot, or fontanel, on their head. These soft areas of the skull are made up of flexible tissue that allows the baby’s brain to grow rapidly during the first year of life. Over time, these soft spots will gradually close as the bones of the skull fuse together. While it’s important to handle a newborn gently around the head, these soft spots are completely normal and help with their development.

5. Newborns Don’t Shed Tears Right Away

It’s hard to imagine a newborn without those big, teary eyes, but when babies are first born, they actually don’t produce tears until they are about two weeks old. They may cry to express their needs or discomfort, but the tears are minimal. Don’t worry – it doesn’t mean they’re not feeling anything! Their tear ducts are simply still developing. As your baby grows, those tear-filled moments will come, and you’ll find that every one of them tugs at your heartstrings.

If you’re looking for a high quality newborn photographer in Buffalo NY, I’d love to meet you! My name is Sarah, owner of Rosebud Studio of Photography in East Aurora. I specialize in newborn & family photography as well as creating heirloom, archival quality printed products for your home. For more information, please visit my website here or contact me here about scheduling a session for your family!