Amazing fact

[4getmenot]

I got sent an e-mail today that had a list of amazing facts in it and one was -

Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until the child reaches 2-6 years of age.

Is this true?

[andy-hughes]

No. Since most babies are walking around twelve months, they would find that simple task impossible without kneecaps!

The only parts of a baby that continue to develop after birth - apart from normal growth - is the digestive system, which is why they need particular milk, and to be 'winded' after feeding.

Another urban myth trashed!

Next week, the Bon Holness / Baker Street debate ...

[4getmenot]

Thats what I thought, that surely if they are walking they must have knee caps. I think they put these things in just to confuse you. But had to be sure :-)

[chazza]

They are born with three separate bones in the skull though which continue to grow until completely joined

[4getmenot]

Yer thats why they have that soft spot on their head isnt it?

[BlueHeaven]

"Babies are normally born with kneecaps. Kneecaps only start to turn bony (ossify) at 3 years of age, before that they are made of cartilage.
There is a condition known as 'Nail Patella Syndrome' where a baby could be born without kneecaps."

From: http://www.thedoctorslounge.net/pediatrics/for ums/backup/topic-5896.html

[redcrx]

Its partly true as they are not kneecaps as we know them.

The solidify by the time they are 2-6 years old.

[lukey121]

Yes that is true. Try for yourself, Feel a babies knees,you won't feel any knee caps.

[4getmenot]

My nephew better watch out. :-) I'll be feeling his knees tomorrow. :-)

[redcrx]

Your nephew says if you try and feel his knees he wont show you how well he can walk now. lol

[boobesque]

it is true that babies are born without kneecaps BUT they are developed by the age of 6 months or walking would not be possible

[ugly_bob]

it must be true - you got it in an e-mail ;-)

[4getmenot]

Thats why I asked ugly bob and hey it was true. :-)

[Lolliemma]

Its a true fact but they develop at about 6 months to 1 year it was in my mother and baby magazine the other week