Background: The hemostatic system is complex and evolves continuously since gestation and well into the adult years, in a process known as “developmental hemostasis”.

Data sources: A comprehensive review was performed after an extensive literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE concerning developmental hemostasis during the neonatal period. Relevant cross references were also included.

Results: Although part of a system, each component of the hemostatic system evolves differently, with many displaying both quantitative and qualitative age-related differences. This leads to drastic disparities between the coagulation system of neonates and both other children’s and adults’, while still maintaining a generally balanced and physiological hemostasis. The motives behind this process remain to be fully elucidated but may be, at least in part, related to non-hemostatic factors.