When do babies get taste buds?

Babies develop taste buds early in gestation, around 8 to 13 weeks. By the time they are born, they have around 9,000 taste buds, which are fully functional. This allows them to taste the amniotic fluid, and they may show preferences for certain flavors even before they start eating solid foods. Their taste preferences can evolve as they are introduced to different foods during weaning.