Looking at a newborn, things seem straightforward. We understand conception, gender randomness, and post-birth influences on development. The truth, however, is much more flexible and bizarre. Here are ten surprising facts about babies that might just break your reality.
10. The IVF Club Is Huge
Record Number of Babies Born via IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) has been a game-changer for those struggling to conceive. Since the first IVF baby was born in 1978, over 13 million people owe their existence to this technique. Remarkably, a "test tube" baby is born every 35 seconds. The true number might be even higher, as many countries don’t report their IVF statistics.
9. Winter Babies Are Crawling Champs
Baby Crawling Styles
A study from the University of Haifa found that babies born in winter start crawling earlier than those born in summer—30 weeks versus 35 weeks. The reason remains unclear, but seasonal differences in climate may enhance development.
8. But Summer Babies Are Healthier
Pregnancy Risks Reduced by Sun Exposure
Research indicates that babies born in summer have higher birth weights and grow taller as adults. This may be due to mothers absorbing more vitamin D from sunlight during pregnancy, which could contribute to healthier children.
7. The First Remotely Created Baby
What is Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)?
In 2025, the first baby was born through remotely operated IVF. Scientists in New York controlled AI and robots in Mexico to perform the delicate process of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), showing how technology can revolutionize reproduction.
6. Older Moms Are Now Having Smarter Kids
Study: Kids Born to Older Moms May Be Smarter
Contrary to past beliefs, children born to older mothers today tend to outperform those of younger mothers in cognitive tests. This shift is attributed to older mothers being more educated and financially stable, allowing them to provide better resources for their children.
5. Breech Births Run in the Family
What is a Breech Baby?
Breech births, where the baby is born bottom-first, have a genetic component. A 2008 study found that if one or both parents were breech babies, their firstborn children are twice as likely to be breech as well.
4. The Oldest Baby Born Was 30
World’s ‘Oldest’ Baby Born from Embryo Frozen in 1994
In 2025, a boy was born from an embryo that had been frozen for over 30 years. This remarkable case highlights the advancements in cryopreservation and the unique dynamics of family age disparities.
3. More Girls Are Born During Famine
More Girls, Fewer Boys: How Famine Distorts Sex Ratios
During famines, more girls than boys are born. One theory suggests that female babies are more likely to survive in harsh conditions, helping to ensure the continuation of the mother’s genetic line despite limited resources.
2. Space Kids Are Pure Fantasy (for Now)
How Giving Birth in Space Will Be Different
The logistics of childbirth in space remain largely unknown, with concerns about gravity's absence potentially affecting development and safety during delivery. Current technology is not yet prepared for successful births beyond Earth.
1. The Last Human Baby
The Last Human – A Glimpse Into The Far Future
In a worst-case scenario where humanity faces extinction, if the last baby is born just before a fertility crisis, experts suggest that humanity could last only about 60 to 70 years. The diminishing population would struggle to maintain essential resources, leading to societal collapse.
These facts reveal the complexities and unexpected realities surrounding human reproduction, challenging our understanding of life itself.