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Aside from baby’s first yell, another typical cry in birthing suites across the country is “He looks like my dad!” or “She looks just like Aunty Selma!” and these exclamations tend to continue for years to come, as friends and family weigh in on the new baby's features.
Even before the baby is born, speculation is often intense, and neonatal sonographers make a pretty penny from parents keen to get an early view on their bundle of joy.
Celebrity babies suffer this scrutiny not only from their own families, but from the world at large too, and the freshest Royal baby is no exception.
A Royal birth announcement
Prince Harry beamed as he announced the birth of his first child, a son, with his wife Meghan Markle on 6 May, but am I the only one who was disappointed at his comment about only revealing the baby to the world in two days’ time?
I’ll be the first to say that I am unjustified in my disappointment. As a mother of two little ones myself, I fully understand every family’s’ right to privacy, regardless of their status as public figures.
The first few weeks, even months, after a birth are precious and should be protected and respected as such. I always felt sorry for poor Kate, who stood so serenely on the steps of St Mary’s hospital within hours of giving birth each time.
But on the other hand, who doesn’t want to see an adorable newborn? And of course, it’s exciting to see who the little Prince (or Duke?) will take after.
Another Royal redhead would be a lovely addition to the family, don't you think? Let us know who you think the little one will take after.
What does the science say?
In general, the saying goes that the first born will look like the father, and the second born will look like the mother. Scientifically, it’s not provable that newborns look more like their fathers.
The only way to establish who a child looks like is to ask people their opinions and those are extremely subjective, as proven in two studies, published in the journal Evolution & Human Behavior.
In both, observers who weren’t related to either parent said that newborns actually looked more like their mothers than their fathers in the first three days of their lives – but the babies’ mothers said just the opposite, emphasising the child’s resemblance to the dad.
Well, see for yourself! We'll have to wait a little longer for a glimpse of his fuzzy hair, and as Prince Harry himself says the little one is changing every day, so they're also unsure of who exactly he takes after.
What do you think?
Chat back:
Did your first child look like their dad? Share your story with us, and we could publish your letter. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
