9 Weird Things About Newborns That are Totally Normal

Newborns are fascinating little beings, and many of their characteristics and behaviors can seem quite strange to new parents. However, these peculiarities are usually completely normal. Here are some weird things about newborns that are totally normal:

1. Mottled Skin

It's quite common for newborns to exhibit mottled skin, characterized by a distinctive pattern of red and pale patches. This phenomenon occurs due to the immaturity of their circulatory system. In newborns, the blood vessels are still learning to regulate blood flow efficiently, leading to this patchy skin appearance. These vessels constrict and dilate in response to temperature changes and other stimuli, causing the mottling. Typically, this condition is harmless and temporary, often resolving on its own as the baby's circulatory system matures over the first few weeks to months of life. Parents might notice that the mottling becomes more pronounced when the baby is cold or unsettled, but it usually fades away without the need for medical intervention.

2. Lanugo

Many newborns, particularly those born prematurely, arrive with a covering of fine, soft hair known as lanugo. This delicate hair is usually present on the baby's back, shoulders, forehead, and other parts of the body. Lanugo develops in the womb as a part of normal fetal growth, helping to hold the vernix caseosa (a protective waxy coating) on the skin. While it might look unusual, lanugo is perfectly normal and serves an essential role during fetal development. In most cases, this hair starts to shed before birth, but it can remain for a few weeks after the baby is born. Parents might observe it gradually falling off on its own, often without any noticeable shedding process. By the end of the first month, most babies have lost their lanugo as their more permanent hair begins to grow in.

3. Crossed Eyes

It's quite normal for newborns to have crossed or wandering eyes during the early months of life. This occurs because their eye muscles are still developing and strengthening. As a result, the baby may not always be able to coordinate both eyes to focus on a single object. This lack of coordination can make the eyes appear crossed or misaligned. Generally, as the baby's eye muscles mature and gain proper control, this issue resolves on its own. It can take a few months for the baby's eyes to align correctly and track together consistently. However, if the crossing persists beyond six months or if one eye seems to be consistently misaligned, it's advisable to consult a pediatrician or an eye specialist to rule out any underlying issues.

4. Sneezing

Frequent sneezing is a common and normal occurrence in newborns. This reflex helps them clear their nasal passages of residual amniotic fluid, mucus, and other debris that may have accumulated during birth and in the early days of life. Unlike in older children and adults, newborns’ sneezing is rarely a sign of a cold or allergy. Instead, it’s their way of keeping their tiny airways clear and ensuring they can breathe easily. Parents might notice their baby sneezing multiple times a day, which is perfectly normal and usually not a cause for concern. This frequent sneezing typically decreases as the baby grows and their nasal passages become more efficient at clearing out irritants.

5. Soft Spots (Fontanelles)

Newborns have soft spots on their heads, known as fontanelles, which are completely normal. These areas are gaps between the bones of the skull that have not yet fused together. Fontanelles serve an essential purpose, allowing for the rapid growth and expansion of the baby's brain during the early months of life. There are typically two main fontanelles: the larger anterior fontanelle, located on the top of the head, and the smaller posterior fontanelle, found at the back of the head.

The anterior fontanelle is diamond-shaped and usually closes between 12 to 18 months of age, while the posterior fontanelle is smaller and generally closes within the first few months. These soft spots enable the baby's head to be flexible enough to pass through the birth canal and provide space for brain development. Over time, as the brain grows and the skull bones gradually come together, the fontanelles close up naturally. Parents might feel the slight give when gently touching these areas, but there's no need to worry as the membranes covering the fontanelles are tough and protective.

6. Cone-Shaped Head

After a vaginal delivery, it's not uncommon for a newborn's head to appear cone-shaped or elongated. This temporary condition is due to the pressure exerted on the baby's head as it passes through the birth canal. The bones in a newborn's skull are not yet fused, allowing them to overlap slightly during birth, a process known as molding. This flexibility helps the baby navigate the narrow birth canal but can result in a cone-shaped head immediately after birth.

Fortunately, this unusual shape is usually temporary. Within a few days to weeks, the baby's head will gradually round out as the bones shift back into place and the skull takes on a more symmetrical appearance. This natural process of reshaping is helped along by the baby's natural movements and the growth of the head. Parents can be reassured that a cone-shaped head after birth is a normal part of the birthing process and typically resolves on its own without any need for intervention.

7. Milia

Many newborns develop tiny white bumps on their nose, chin, or cheeks, known as milia. These small cysts form when dead skin flakes become trapped in small pockets on the skin’s surface. Milia are common and harmless, typically appearing within the first few days after birth. They are not a result of infection or poor hygiene but are simply a natural part of the newborn's skin adapting to its new environment.

These bumps usually resolve on their own without any treatment. As the baby's skin continues to exfoliate and renew, the trapped skin flakes will eventually be shed, and the milia will disappear. This process can take a few weeks, but there’s no need for concern or intervention. It’s important not to try to squeeze or scrub the bumps, as this can irritate the baby's sensitive skin. Just gentle cleansing with water and a mild baby soap is sufficient to keep the skin clean and promote the natural resolution of milia.

8. Startle Reflex (Moro Reflex)

Newborns frequently exhibit the startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex. When startled by a loud noise, sudden movement, or a feeling of falling, babies will respond by flinging their arms and legs outward, spreading their fingers, and then quickly pulling their limbs back in. This reflex is an involuntary reaction and is completely normal, indicating a healthy nervous system.

The Moro reflex is most prominent in the first few weeks of life and typically starts to diminish by around 3 to 4 months of age. It is believed to be a primitive protective response. As the baby's nervous system matures, this reflex gradually fades, and the baby gains more controlled and deliberate movements.
Parents might notice their baby startling during sleep or when being moved. Swaddling can help reduce the frequency and intensity of the Moro reflex by providing a sense of security and preventing sudden movements. However, as the baby grows and the reflex diminishes, less swaddling will be necessary.

9. Swollen Genitals

It's common for both male and female newborns to have swollen genitals shortly after birth. This swelling is due to exposure to maternal hormones while in the womb. In female infants, the labia may appear enlarged and sometimes have a white or blood-tinged discharge, while in male infants, the scrotum can appear quite large and puffy.

This condition is entirely normal and typically resolves on its own within the first few weeks of life as the baby’s body adjusts to the outside world and the maternal hormones gradually dissipate. There is no need for any special treatment or intervention. Parents should just keep the area clean and dry, following regular diaper-changing routines. If the swelling does not reduce after a few weeks or if there are other signs of discomfort or abnormal discharge, it's advisable to consult a pediatrician for further evaluation.

Finally, Newborns are tiny bundles of joy, but they come with a few quirks that can surprise even the most prepared parents.
Embrace these oddities, they’re just signs that your newborn is navigating the early stages of life perfectly.
What do you think about this 9 weird things listed here, does it happen to your newborn? react and comment with your replies.