7 traits babies inherit from their father, according to paediatric experts

Babies inherit genes from both parents, but some traits are more influenced by fathers. Experts explain 7 common characteristics passed down from dads. (Image: Pexels)

• Babies inherit traits such as height, eye color, and facial features from their dad.
• Father's genes affect metabolism, hair texture, and risk of certain conditions.
• The father's chromosome determines the baby's gender

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One of the first questions that parents and relatives have when a baby is born: Who does the baby look like? Though the genetic endowments of both parents are similar, certain characteristics that stem from dads appear to have a stronger effect on their kids than others.

All babies get half of their DNA from mom and half from dad but research has shown that daddy genes have the upper hand in some surprising ways. These qualities may not appear immediately, they often emerge as the child gets older, many times showing an uncanny resemblance to their dad.

"Parents will gain more knowledge when they've learned about genetic inheritance to appreciate the biological distinctiveness of their child, even in terms of body image," says Dr Sharmistha Rao, Senior Paediatrician and Child Development Specialist. Looks and metabolism are not the only things fathers can share with their kids, there are seven DNA traits that babies can inherit from their father, according to paediatric science.

Also Read: From energy levels to brain health, things that are shaped by maternal genes

Height Potential

A father's height has a strong impact on a child’s maximum possible growth, since bone length genes and the growth hormone receptor have been found to be paternally inherited. Other than nutrition and general health, the final height children grow to is largely determined by genetic factors which tend to be paternal.

Eye Colour

Eye colour is a product of complex genes, but the dominants that come from the father (like brown) can make an impact on baby’s eye colour. Although it's typical for many infants to be born with light eyes, paternal genes usually start to take over once melanin production steadies within early childhood.

Facial Features

The father often shares structural facial characteristics with his son, including jawline shape, prominence of cheek bones, width of nose and chin structure. These characteristics are inherited via dominant genes which may not be visible at birth but emerge as the child's facial bones grow and develop over time.

Hair Texture and Hairline

How straight or curly hair is depends on what you get from your dad's genes.

Gender of the Baby

A father determines the sex of his child. Mothers provide an X chromosome, but fathers can provide either an X or a Y chromosome. An X chromosome will produce a female child, and a Y chromosome will create a male offspring.

Metabolism and Body Composition

Genetic factors influencing metabolism, muscle development and distribution of fat can be inherited from the father. And these traits can affect how well a child processes calories, puts on muscle mass and stores fat — all of which could influence energy level, athletic ability and weight predisposition down the line.

Also Read: Ageing faster? Biological age a better health indicator than years that you’ve lived

Risk of Certain Genetic Conditions

Genetic predispositions from fathers affect allergies, vision problems, asthma and other inherited conditions. Though not all potential genetically inherited risk is realized in the form of disease, knowing a father’s family history can contribute to the recognition and early treatment of symptoms as well as other methods of preventive care.

FAQs on Genetic Traits Babies Get from Their Dad

1. What role does a father’s height play in a child's growth?

A father's height significantly influences a child's maximum growth potential due to paternally inherited genes responsible for bone length and growth hormone receptors.

2. How does a father's genetics determine eye colour?

Dominant genes from the father, such as those for brown eyes, can influence the baby's eye colour as melanin production stabilises in early childhood.

3. Which facial features can be inherited from the father?

Structural facial characteristics like jawline shape, cheekbone prominence, nose width, and chin structure can be inherited from the father.

4. How does the father's genetics affect the child's hair texture?

The texture of a child's hair, whether straight or curly, is influenced by the genes inherited from the father.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.