Someone tried to sit a newborn baby down, and for a moment, it looked like the baby was about to resign from the job of being human.
The head wobbled, the body leaned, and the little arms seemed to have their own plans!
But here’s the fascinating part: the baby wasn’t being stubborn or clumsy.
A newborn’s brain is still learning how to coordinate muscles. The neck, back and tummy muscles aren’t strong enough to keep the body upright.
Sitting is a skill that develops with time, practice and growth.
For now, that little human needs support. Please don’t try to make a newborn sit independently.
A newborn’s first cry has a scientific job!
Researchers studied 17 healthy newborns and analysed 1,401 breaths. Crying accounted for 80.9% of breathing patterns in the first minute.
Why? Those early cries help keep air in the lungs as babies transition to breathing independently.
Nature is fascinating!