According to the custom in Datong, when a baby is born, its maternal grandfather and grandmother gives clothes, quilts, pillows, shoes and socks as presents.

On the 12th day after the birth, female relatives will come to visit the mother, bringing brown sugar, fine dried noodles and cakes for her health. The baby’s family will in return prepare a dinner to entertain the guests.

During the mother's prenatal period, people except family members, especially men, are forbidden to enter the room of the mother. In order to avoid somebody abruptly entering the room, a stripe of red cloth is hung on the door to remind others not to enter.

The baby is named by its parents or other senior relatives before it reaches one month old. The name is usually a nickname, with its official name given later.

The family often holds three celebrations for the birth of the baby: one month, 100 days and one-year birthdays. All friends and relatives bring presents to congratulate the family and enjoy a banquet served by the parents.

Nowadays, as most families only have one child, these three celebrations have become even grander. When the child reaches 12 years old, another celebration, called Yuan Suo (local coming-of-age ceremony), is held.