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Head to Toe

Getting to Know Your Newborn Quiz

By Donna Smith

For new parents, babies can be mysterious creatures that sometimes seem as fragile as fine porcelain and other times tough as steel. But how much do you know about your newborn's body? Take our quiz and find out!

1. A baby's head only needs to be supported during the first two weeks.
True or False

2. Baby's fontanels, or soft spots, should not be touched at all until they close completely.
True or False

3. Cradle cap will go away on its own.
True or False

4. Call the doctor immediately if white blemishes appear on your newborn's face.
True or False

5. Eye color will develop within the first few months.
True or False

6. Baby's nails will not grow until they are at least 6 months of age.
True or False

7. To make the umbilical cord fall off quicker, alcohol should be applied after every diaper change.
True or False

8. Toenails should be trimmed.
True or False

1. False. During Baby's first weeks, you're sure to hear, "Watch her head!" more times than you can count. Your baby is not used to having to support her head, so she will need help with this for a while. Baby's neck muscles develop rapidly, so expect greater control within the first two months.

2. False. Another feature of a newborn's head are two soft spots, or fontanels. One is located on the top of her head, and another one is near the back. These spots are open areas between plates of bone and should be handled with care, though not feared. The spots are covered with a fibrous membrane, so don't be afraid to wash or touch Baby's head. The back fontanel usually closes first, around 1 month of age. The front closes much slower, somewhere between 9 and 18 months.

Want to see more?

• BabyFace Album
• Newborn Surprises: Skin Transformations, Bizarre Behavior and Other Perfectly Normal Oddities that Worry First-time Parents
• Talk about it!

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