The newborn stage comes with many unfamiliar sounds, movements and behaviors. While it is natural for parents to worry, many things that seem concerning at first are normal parts of early development.
Danielle Larsen, MD, a WashU Medicine pediatrician at Arch Pediatrics, helps families understand what is expected during the first weeks and months of life so they can feel confident caring for their baby.
Is my baby sneezing too much?
Sneezing is very common in newborns and is one of the main ways babies clear their nasal passages. Their noses are small and sensitive, so even normal household dust, lint or milk droplets can trigger sneezing. Sneezing alone does not mean your baby has a cold or allergies. As long as there is no fever, difficulty breathing or trouble feeding, frequent sneezing is usually normal.
Why is my newborn hiccupping so much?
Hiccups happen often in babies because their nervous systems are still developing. These immature nerve signals can cause the diaphragm (belly) to contract suddenly, leading to hiccups. Swallowing air during feeds or eating quickly can also contribute. Many parents remember feeling their baby hiccup frequently during pregnancy, which shows how common this reflex is. Hiccups are harmless and usually stop on their own without any intervention.
Is baby congestion dangerous?
It is normal for babies to have mucus in their noses, just like older children and adults. Because newborn nasal passages are very small, even a small amount of mucus can sound loud. If your baby is breathing comfortably and feeding well, this congestion is usually not a concern. Gentle suction with saline drops and a bulb syringe can help if needed, especially before feeding or sleeping.
Why is my baby so noisy when sleeping at night?
Newborns often make a variety of noises while they sleep, including grunting, squeaking and snorting. They also kick their legs and move around a lot. These sounds can be surprising and may make it seem like your baby is awake or uncomfortable. In most cases, babies are sleeping normally. If your baby is breathing comfortably, noisy sleep is common and expected in the newborn period.
Is it normal for babies to struggle to poop?
Many babies strain, grunt and turn red when having a bowel movement. This happens because they are still learning how to coordinate the tightening of their stomach muscles while relaxing their bottom. This can look uncomfortable but most often is normal. Baby poop should be soft and the color should be yellow, green, orange or brown. Red blood in the stool should be discussed with your pediatrician right away.
Is my newborn spitting up too much?
Spitting up is very common in babies because the connection between the throat and stomach is not fully developed. This allows milk to come back up easily, especially after eating. If your baby is gaining weight well, the spit up looks white or milky and your baby does not seem bothered by it, this is considered normal reflux. Spitting up typically improves as babies grow and spend more time upright.
Why are my baby’s hands and feet purple?
Newborns often have purple or bluish hands and feet. This happens because their circulation system is still immature and blood flow to the extremities can fluctuate. As long as the baby’s face and chest remain pink and they are breathing comfortably, this color change is normal.
Is it okay for newborn skin to peel?
Peeling skin is very common in newborns. Some of this may be leftover vernix, the protective white coating babies are born with, and some is simply normal skin shedding. This peeling will resolve on its own over time. Parents may use fragrance-free, dye-free lotion or petroleum jelly if desired, but treatment is not required.
Is my baby’s rash normal?
Many newborns develop red, bumpy rashes during the first few weeks of life. These rashes are common, harmless and often come and go. Newborn skin is sensitive as they adjust to life outside the womb. Most rashes improve without any treatment. If a rash occurs with a fever, is very dark, or shows signs of infection, parents should call their pediatrician.
What causes lumps in baby’s breasts?
Some babies, both girls and boys, develop small lumps or swelling under their nipples. This is caused by maternal hormones passed to the baby before birth. This breast tissue is common and will gradually go away on its own.
When to call your pediatrician
If something does not feel right or you are unsure whether a behavior is normal, it is always appropriate to call your pediatrician. No question is too small, especially during the newborn stage.
If you need a pediatrician, Dr. Larsen and the team at Arch Pediatrics partner with families to provide guidance, reassurance and care from the earliest days of life. They see patients at:
Arch Pediatrics
3844 South Lindbergh Boulevard
Suite: 216
St. Louis, MO 63127
To schedule an appointment, please call 314-525-0580.