How did Newt survive while she was alone?

Question

In Aliens, how did Newt survive while she was alone?

Early in the movie, it is revealed that the little girl, Newt, had survived alone for several days among the aliens -- the very same aliens that seemed to have no trouble killing every other person in Newt's colony, and later killed several professional soldiers.

It seems to me the aliens might have let Newt live, perhaps because they have some sort of taboo against killing unaccompanied kids -- or they leave her as bait to entice more humans. But maybe Newt just found a secret compartment or something. Is there any decent evidence, in-movie or otherwise, that sheds light on how Newt survived?

Answer 1

The short (pun) answer is she was small.

The long answer is a series of lucky circumstances left Newt the lone survivor of the alien infestation.

Size

This is from JamesCameronOnline.com:

The entire colony was enormous in size, with multiple large complexes connected together. And as seen in the movie, aliens retreated to the hive deserting the entire place. Newt played with other kids hiding in the vents before the colony became infested and she was the best in fitting in tight spots. That's why she got called Newt. That's how she survived the initial attack by going into small places no one else could fit and then when the alien warriors deserted the place and retreated into the hive under the heat exchanger, she moved around through the vent tunnels. By that point the place was relatively safe since aliens lied dormant in their hives.

Age

Her age also probably helped since she would have been considered too young to assist with the defense of Hadley's Hope.

Gender

Newt's gender may have also helped. While Newt's brother, Tim may have had the size requirements to fit in the hiding places Newt used, he may have felt the need to defend his sister causing his death.

Interests

Newt's interests may have also helped. In her introductory scene she expresses her interest in mazes:

NEWT "Daddy, when are we going back to town?"

JORDEN "When we get rich, Newt."

NEWT "You always say that. I wanna go back. I wanna play 'Monster Maze.'"

TIM "You cheat too much."

NEWT "Do not. I'm just the best."

Answer 2

The Director's Cut version includes pre-alien-attack footage from the settlement. All the children play hide-and-seek in the air ducts, and Newt is the best. So not only does this set up Newt's survival, it also sets up the later alien assault on the barricaded room via the air ducts.