10 Weird (But Totally Normal) Things About Your Newborn

You’ve just embarked on the thrilling journey of parenthood. It’s a whirlwind of joy, love, and a touch of confusion, especially regarding your newborn’s peculiar habits. But don’t fret; they’re just part of your baby’s unique growth journey. This article will shed light on ten weird yet utterly normal things about your newborn, giving you some much-needed peace of mind. So, buckle up, and let’s unravel these baby mysteries together.

Newborn Skin Conditions

Let’s dive into some common skin conditions that you might notice on your newborn, like cradle cap and baby acne. Cradle cap might give your baby a dandruff-like appearance, with a dry and scaly scalp. Don’t fret, it’s a common condition and usually disappears within a few months. You can help by gently massaging baby oil onto their scalp and brushing it with a fine-toothed comb. If it worsens or spreads, consult your doctor.

Baby acne is another common condition due to hormonal changes. These tiny red bumps on your baby’s face should resolve on their own, so avoid any harsh products. Ensure you’re gentle when cleaning their face. If the acne worsens or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s time to call the pediatrician.

Digestive Quirks in Infants

Moving on from skin conditions, you might also notice some peculiarities with your baby’s digestion, such as explosive poop and frequent spit-ups. Don’t fret; it’s just their digestive system getting the hang of things. Here are three common digestive quirks:

1. Explosive Poop: These are often just a sign of a healthy, well-fed baby. If the poop is bright green or has mucus or blood, contact your pediatrician.
2. Frequent Spit-Ups: Infants’ immature digestive systems often lead to spit-ups. Keep a burp cloth handy, burp your baby regularly, and don’t overfeed.
3. Gassiness: Babies swallow air when they feed, which can cause them to be gassy. Try burping them more often or changing feeding positions.

Unusual Breast and Genital Features

While you’re getting used to your baby’s digestive quirks, you might also notice some uncommon features in their breasts and genitals, but don’t be alarmed – this is usually perfectly normal. For instance, you may see your little one with ‘baby boobage’ or swollen genitals.

Unusual Feature	What to Do
Baby Boobage	It’s temporary. If there’s redness or fever, see a doctor.
Swollen Genitals (Boys)	Usually resolves in a few days. Persistent swelling? See a doctor.
Swollen Genitals (Girls)	Typically resolves on its own. Persistent swelling? Consult a pediatrician.
Hydrocele in Boys	If suspected, consult a doctor.
Maternal Hormone Effects	Usually temporary. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

Breathing and Nasal Anomalies

Continuing from unusual features, another set of quirks you might notice in your newborn are related to their breathing and nasal functions.

1. Frequent Sneezing: Don’t worry if your baby sneezes a lot. This is their way of clearing their nasal passages from lint, dust, and other airborne particles. However, if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like wheezing or a runny nose, it’s best to consult a pediatrician.
2. Noisy Breathing: Newborns often make strange breathing sounds. This is usually because their nasal passages are narrow and may have some mucus. A nasal aspirator can be helpful to clear their tiny nostrils.
3. Rapid Breathing: Infants’ breathing rates can vary, and occasionally they may breathe rapidly. If this happens frequently or lasts longer than a minute, seek medical advice.

Newborn Movements and Reflexes

Another set of quirks you might notice involves your newborn’s movements and reflexes. Those sudden, jerky movements you see? They’re completely normal.

This is your baby’s way of testing out their new muscles and nervous system. Similarly, the startle reflex, which might cause your baby to suddenly fling out their arms and legs, is a normal response to unexpected stimuli.

Be aware, though, that a lack of these movements and reflexes could be a cause for concern, so don’t hesitate to consult your doctor. Swaddling can often help your baby feel secure and control these reflexes.

Remember, these movements and reflexes are your baby’s way of exploring their new world. So, sit back and enjoy these early signs of growth and development.

Odd Head Shape and Eye Movements

Don’t be alarmed if you notice your baby’s head shape seems a bit odd or their eyes appear crossed, as these are normal occurrences in newborns. Here’s why:

1. Head shape:
   Newborns can have heads temporarily misshapen due to the birth canal or lying on their back too much. Increasing tummy time and alternating toy placement can help. If persistent, consult your pediatrician.
2. Crossed eyes:
   Babies initially have poor muscle control, creating a wonky-eye appearance. Moreover, extra skin folds can create an optical illusion. Watch for improvements over time.
3. Monitoring:
   Keep a keen eye on your baby’s development. If the crossed eyes or misshapen head persist beyond six months, seek medical advice.

Blood in Stool and Diaper

Switching gears, you might also notice some blood in your newborn’s stool or diaper, which, although it can be alarming, is often a normal part of early infancy. This could be due to your baby swallowing maternal blood during birth, or it might be from a minor anal fissure. It’s vital to remember that the tiny blood vessels in a newborn’s delicate skin can easily rupture, causing slight bleeding.

In their diaper, blood might appear due to factors like a rough bowel movement, circumcision, or even a severe diaper rash. While it’s typically nothing to panic about, you should always call your baby’s doctor to rule out any potential concerns. You’re doing great—navigating through these new experiences with attentiveness and care.

Understanding Newborn Jaundice

Often, you’ll notice a yellowish tint in your newborn’s skin and eyes, which is typically a sign of jaundice. This is very common in newborns and is caused by high levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during normal breakdown of red blood cells.

Here are three key things to understand:

1. It’s usually harmless: Most cases of newborn jaundice resolve on their own within 2 to 3 weeks and don’t require any special treatment.
2. Monitor their poop: The color of your baby’s poop can give clues about bilirubin levels. Yellowish poop is a good sign, whereas pale or chalky poop could indicate a problem.
3. Stay in touch with your pediatrician: Regular check-ups are important to monitor your baby’s condition and ensure it’s improving.

Dealing With Newborn Hiccups

You’ll likely notice your newborn experiencing a bout of hiccups, which is completely normal due to their immature diaphragm muscles. As a new parent, it’s natural to fret over these seemingly random hiccup bouts, but rest assured, they’re usually harmless. Hiccups in newborns are primarily a developmental occurrence.

Here’s what you can do to help your little one: Try to feed your baby slowly, ensuring they swallow less air. Burping your baby during and after feedings can also help prevent hiccups. But remember, these methods aren’t foolproof, and your baby might still get hiccups. If your newborn’s hiccups persist for a prolonged period or are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician.

Frequent Newborn Sneezing

Just like those harmless hiccups, another common thing you might notice is your newborn’s constant sneezing. Don’t worry, this is totally normal. It’s one of your baby’s ways of clearing their tiny nasal passages.

1. Dust and Irritants: Even minute particles can trigger a newborn’s sneeze reflex. Keeping your baby’s environment clean can help reduce sneezing episodes.
2. Bright Lights: Yes, your baby might be photic! Bright lights can cause sneezing in newborns. This is no cause for alarm.
3. Cold Air: A sudden change in temperature, particularly colder air, can cause your baby to sneeze.