Why Do Babies Have More Bones than Adults?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do babies have more bones than adults?

The Big Idea

Babies have more bones than adults because many of a baby's bones start out as separate little pieces! As you grow, some of those pieces join together into bigger, stronger bones. So you end up with fewer bones, but sturdier ones.

Soft Start

Step one: a soft start. A baby is born with about 300 soft bones and bits of bendy cartilage. Soft, flexible bones help a baby squeeze through a tight space when it is born.

Bones Join

Step two: bones join. As a child grows, some small bones grow together, like puzzle pieces snapping into one. The skull and the bottom of the spine are two places where this happens.

Strong Adult

Step three: strong and sturdy. By adulthood, you have about 206 bones. That is fewer bones than a baby, but each one is harder and stronger.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A baby has lots of small, soft pieces. While kids grow, the bones get harder and bigger. Some pieces fuse, which means they join into one. And that is why adults have fewer bones, with fusion reducing the count.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Babies have about 300 bones and bendy cartilage pieces. Adults have about 206 bones. A baby's skull has soft gaps that let the head change shape a little and let the brain grow. Eating well and moving helps bones grow strong.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Be a detective and ask a grown-up how many bones adults have. Then ask how many bones babies have. See if their answers match what you learned!

Outro

Bones join together as you grow, so you end up with fewer but stronger ones. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!