A newborn baby has between 275 to 300 bones at birth.
Understanding Baby Bones
It might surprise you to learn that babies have significantly more bones than adults. Here's a breakdown of why:
- More Bones Initially: A newborn is born with 275 to 300 bones, while most adults have only 206.
- Bone Fusion: As a baby grows, many of these smaller bones fuse, or join together, to form the larger bones that adults have. This process continues throughout childhood and adolescence.
- Cartilage: Much of a baby's skeleton is made up of cartilage, which is a flexible tissue, and gradually turns into bone as they grow.
Key Differences in Skeletal Development
Here's a table illustrating the key differences:
| Feature | Newborn Baby | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Number of bones | 275-300 | 206 |
| Bone Composition | More cartilage, less bone | Mostly hardened bone |
| Bone Development | Bones fuse over time | Fully fused bones |
According to Pediatrician Matthew Badgett, MD, the baby bones are different and undergo development until adulthood. The bones actually grow and fuse together, leading to the lower number in adults.
