12 Surprising But Normal Things Newborns Do

Bringing home a new baby is the most exciting thing you can do. You finally hold your bundle of joy after nine months of waiting. Along with the excitement comes the overwhelming reality of the newborn phase. This is especially true for new mothers. While adorable, newborns can have some unexpected behaviors. This can make you feel confused, worried, or even scared.

You probably prepared yourself for the endless burps and spit up, as well as the frequent diaper changes and constant feedings in the middle of the night. As you get used to your new routine you may notice that your baby is doing some bizarre, unexpected things. It’s common for new parents, who are often concerned about these strange behaviors, to wonder if something is wrong. Many of these behaviors are perfectly normal and healthy.

This blog will explore the strange things newborns do, which may make you feel worried. We’ll reassure you that these behaviors are normal. If you feel that something is seriously wrong with your child, it’s important to consult your pediatrician. Before you panic, remember that most of these “strange behaviors” are perfectly normal and are usually just temporary phases of development.

1. They can stop breathing for up to 10 seconds at a time

The moment you notice your baby isn’t breathing can be a terrifying experience for new parents. Although it may seem like hours pass, the actual time is usually only a few moments. It’s not uncommon for newborns to breathe irregularly in the first few months. This can include short pauses of up to 10 second.

This is called “periodic breath” by Dr. Gary Kramer, a pediatrician in Miami. It is perfectly normal. He says that newborns can breathe in a erratic manner, alternately between fast and slow breathing. There may be pauses of up to 10 second duration. This is normal for babies who are asleep. If you notice this happening, don’t panic. This is a normal part of development. As their respiratory system matures you will see less irregular breathing and eventually more regular breathing.

2. The Sleeping Eyes of the Blind

Many newborns sleep partially opened eyes. It can be a little alarming if you are used to seeing babies with their eyes shut when they sleep. There’s no reason to be alarmed. The sleep cycle of newborns is different from that of older infants and adults. They spend a large portion in “active sleep.”

Carrie Bruno, RN and IBCLC and founder of The Mama Coach explains that “active sleep is important for new-borns, as it stimulates regions of the brain involved in learning and development.” In this phase, babies may seem restless with their eyes wide open, and make subtle movements such as grunting or tossing. It may seem unsettling but it actually helps your baby’s development. This is perfectly normal and shouldn’t cause any concern.

3. It’s possible to appear choked and spit up out of their nose when they are not.

It’s a common misconception that newborns choke. This is especially true when they are healthy. It’s not unusual for babies to look like they are choking and spit up is coming out of their nostrils.

Dr. Kramer says, “This is normal because infants can’t control the direction in which the milk or spit up goes.” It’s normal to be concerned if you see milk spit-up or coming from your baby’s nostrils. If your baby’s skin is still pink or red then they are not in distress. Although it can be unsettling, the body’s gag reflex is a great defense against choking. It’s unlikely that your child will choke or aspirate.

4. They sneeze all the time

Sneezing in newborns is normal, particularly during the first few weeks. Babies often sneeze, sometimes multiple times. As board-certified pediatrician Dr. Alison Mitzner points out: “Newborns breath through their noses and their nasal passages have very small sizes, so sneezing helps to clear the airways.”

It can be alarming to hear your baby sneeze frequently, but it is a normal reflex. Some babies sneeze because they are still getting used to breathing outside of the womb. Sneezing is normal in newborns unless your baby has signs of illness, such as fever or persistent nasal congestion.

5. The startle often

The Moro Reflex, or “startle reflex,” can be one of the very first reflexes that a newborn will display after birth. Your baby may throw their arms or their head forward in a dramatic way. This startle reaction may occur when your baby feels like falling or is startled by an unexpected noise or movement. It is normal for their nervous system to be still developing.

According to Dr. Mitzner, the Moro reflex is an indicator that the nervous systems is working properly. The Moro reflex usually disappears between 2 and 4 months as the baby gains more control of their muscles. 

6. These are very noisy sleepers

You may be wrong! Sleeping newborn babies can be noisy. While they sleep, babies grunt and snort. They also sigh. The noises are caused by a variety of factors. One is their narrow nasal passages which can cause them to whistle and snore when they breathe.

Dr. Kramer says that “laryngomalacia” is another cause of noisy breathing. This condition is caused by a narrow and floppy upper airway, which causes noisy breathing. By 4 to 6 month, the condition usually resolves as the airway of the baby strengthens. These sounds are not harmful and can be a source of concern.

7. The genital area is swollen

Both male and female newborns have normal swollen genitals. The hormones that were present in the womb or during delivery are responsible for this. The swelling usually occurs in the scrotum for boys and the labia for girls. The swelling can also result from fluids that have accumulated after a long labor or delivery.

Carrie Bruno, RN and IBCLC, explains the swelling usually resolves itself within a few weeks. Your baby’s genitals return to normal size as the maternal hormones fade and excess fluids are absorbed.

8. They have what seems like diarrhea, but it’s normal

The stools of newborns, especially those who have been breastfed, can be watery, yellow, or soft. New parents may worry that their infant has diarrhea. This is normal for the newborn stage.

Dr. Mitzner says that most breastfed babies have multiple bowel movements per day. Their stool should be soft and runny. If your baby seems to be happy, is gaining weight and appears to be well-fed, you don’t need to worry.

9. They spit up all day long

Spit-up can be a part of a newborn’s life. It may feel like they spit up more than what they actually eat. The lower esophageal muscle (the one that separates stomach and esophagus in a newborn) may still be developing, making it difficult to stop milk from coming up.

Dr. Bruno says that as long as your baby is eating well and is gaining weight, it is not a cause for concern. If your child is not eating or not gaining weight and seems uninterested, it’s best to speak with your pediatrician.

10. Acne can be found on their face

Acne in newborns is not unusual. You may see little bumps or pimples on the face of your baby, particularly around the chin and forehead. About 20% of babies are affected by newborn acne.

Bruno says that while the cause of newborn acne is not fully understood, it may be due to the stimulation or yeast present on the baby’s face. Although it may seem alarming, newborn acne will usually go away on its own in a matter of weeks.

11. The skin can peel off

Skin peeling is a completely normal and common process. Many parents are aware of this in their newborns. Your baby’s skin spent nine months constantly in contact with moisture. Once they are born, their skin may take some time to adjust to the outside air. As their skin sheds its outer layer, this adjustment can cause dryness and peeling. Peeling can occur on the elbows, hands, feet and other areas.

Dr. Mitzner assures parents that the shedding of skin occurs naturally and is not indicative of any underlying problems. She says, “The skin will peel off by itself and the skin beneath is soft and healthy.” It may take several weeks before the new skin is smooth and free from flakes. It is normal for some babies to experience more peeling than others. This is simply a sign of their skin adjusting to the outside world.

It’s important to not panic, even though this peeling may look alarming. It’s not necessary to take drastic measures to correct the problem. Keep your baby’s delicate skin moisturized, and protect it from dry air. The best way to moisturize your baby’s sensitive skin is with a hypoallergenic baby lotion. Avoid using lotions that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances, as they could irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Try to bathe your child with lukewarm or warm water. Hot water can cause dry skin.

12. There’s an Area on Their Head that Pulses Like it’s Living

New parents are often surprised when they notice a soft pulsing area on their baby’s scalp. The “fontanel” is a soft area where the skull still hasn’t fully fused. Font

Anelles are perfectly normal and allow for rapid brain growth in the baby’s first year.

Carrie Bruno explains: “Fontanelles on your baby’s scalp are soft areas that will close over time as your baby grows.” It’s perfectly normal to hear your baby’s heartbeat. The fontanelles close over time. This usually happens between 9 and 18 months of age.

Conclusion 

The experience of bringing a new baby home can be life-changing, and it is often overwhelming. This is a time of excitement, joy and, let’s be honest, anxiety. You might be overwhelmed as a new parent by the strange and unknown behaviors that your child exhibits. These seemingly strange behaviors, such as erratic breathing or random bursts in noisy sleep are normal for your baby.

Remember that your baby’s unpredictable behavior is nothing to worry about. All of these behaviors are signs that your child’s body adjusts to life outside the womb. Some of these behavior may disappear within the first few weeks, but others will change as your baby gets older and becomes more used to life outside of the womb.

It’s normal to be uneasy if your baby does something unusual or unexpected. Never doubt your parental instincts, and don’t be afraid to contact your pediatrician if you are ever worried. You can rely on them to answer all your questions and guide you through the sometimes exciting, but also often daunting, journey of parenting.

Take comfort in the fact that your baby’s strange behavior is a phase that every infant goes through. Your baby will become stronger, more alert and more interactive as time goes on. You’ll also both feel more comfortable with your new roles. Accept the quirks of these early months because your child will soon be reaching new milestones and you will look back at them as part of an amazing journey as a parent. You can do it!