It might come as a surprise, but babies are born without kneecaps! Instead, they have soft cartilage in their knees, which gradually ossifies (hardens) into bone as they grow and develop. It's not until around age three that their kneecaps become fully formed.

Newborns have irregular sleep patterns, often sleeping for short periods, roughly 2-3 hours at a time. This pattern aligns with their feeding needs, as frequent feedings are essential for their growth. Over time, as they develop, their sleep patterns become more consolidated.

Babies have a soft spot on their heads, known as the fontanelle. This soft area is where the skull bones haven't completely fused. While it may seem delicate, it's well-protected by a strong membrane. The fontanelle allows for the baby's brain to grow and accommodates the rapid brain development that occurs during infancy. It usually closes between 12 to 18 months of age.

Beyond being unique, fingerprints serve an essential purpose. They help babies grasp objects and prevent slipping. The ridges and patterns on their fingertips provide traction, aiding in their exploration of the world through touch.

Newborns have limited color vision at birth. They see the world in black, white, and shades of gray. Over the first few months, their color perception gradually develops. Red is usually the first color they can distinguish, followed by other colors.

Babies are born with various reflexes that serve specific functions. The rooting reflex, for example, helps them locate the breast or bottle for feeding. The grasp reflex causes them to automatically grasp objects placed in their palms. These reflexes gradually disappear as babies grow and gain more voluntary control.

During the first year of life, babies grow faster than at any other time. On average, they double their birth weight by six months and triple it by their first birthday. Adequate nutrition and regular check-ups are crucial to support this rapid growth.