Newborns are cute, cuddly, and full of surprises. But they do not come with a manual, and many of the things they do can catch new parents off guard.
It is common to find yourself wondering in the middle of the night, “Is this normal?” The good news is that many of the strange things newborns do are completely harmless.
As a pediatrician, I am often asked about these unexpected newborn behaviors. Here are 17 weird but normal things you may notice, and when you should check with your doctor.
Key Takeaways
- Many newborn behaviors that seem unusual are completely normal
- Skin changes, breathing patterns, and movements often look concerning but are harmless
- Most issues resolve on their own without treatment
- Always contact your pediatrician if symptoms seem severe or unusual
- Trust your instincts when something does not feel right
17 Weird but Normal Things About Newborns
These are some of the most common newborn behaviors that can surprise parents but are usually completely normal.
1. What Are All These Spots on Their Face?
Baby acne. This usually develops in the first six weeks due to hormones from mom. It’s usually located on the cheeks and nose. In most cases, it is best to do nothing, as it will resolve on its own. Some products can irritate the skin and make acne worse. Speak to your pediatrician if it’s very severe or lasts for more than a few months.1 We sometimes recommend topical ointments to prevent scarring.10 In most babies, less is more; it will go away one day like nothing happened.1
Related: Understanding Baby Acne and How To Treat It
2. What’s on Their Scalp?
Cradle cap. These are greasy scales on the scalp or eyebrows. Cradle cap is thought to be caused by hormones.2 It will typically go away on its own, but you can use coconut oil on the scalp and then comb with a soft brush.2,11
3. Are Those Bruises?
Those are dermal melanocytosis (formerly known as Mongolian spots).3 They’re darker spots that look like bruises, but are a common skin condition in babies.12,13 They commonly appear on the sacrum, the thighs, the back, or, less commonly, the arms and chest.3,13,14 These spots go away on their own, yet some people can have them slightly there in adulthood.3,13,14 They’re more common in people with melanin in their skin and are nothing to be concerned about.14
4. Why Is Their Skin Peeling So Much?
Your baby spent nine months in a fluid-filled environment and may develop peeling skin after birth. There’s nothing to do — it will peel off. If it’s cosmetically bothersome to you, you can use non-fragranced baby lotion or ointment. But it will all come off similarly to natural skin shedding, leaving smooth skin.15
5. What Are These Tremors?
Newborns have many jerky movements.16 When startled, they will jerk. When sleeping, they will jerk.17
Speak to your pediatrician if you notice:18
- Rhythmic jerking with eye-rolling
- Jerking that does not stop when you hold the extremity
Related: Why Do Newborn Babies Startle? The Moro Reflex
6. Why Are Their Hands Blue?
This is called acrocyanosis. It’s common due to normal, limited blood flow to the area.4 Luckily, this self-resolves!19 Your baby’s feet can also be blue.4 They’re not necessarily cold, so there’s no need to use mittens. (Though I do like onesies, as nobody wants to sleep with cold feet.) Please let a clinician know if your baby’s face or chest appears bluish.
7. Why Do Newborns Make Noisy Breathing Sounds?
Newborns will grunt a lot and make whimpers and sounds while they sleep. They breathe through their nose (obligate nose breathers), which can lead to a very musical sleep. Totally normal!20 Always put them in a safe sleep environment if you’re not watching them 100%. Otherwise, there’s no need to hover over them while they sleep (but I know you may anyway!).
Speak to your pediatrician if your baby is awake and you notice:21
- Rib retractions
- Color changes
- Signs of distress
8. Why Do They Breathe Fast and Then Slow?
This is called periodic breathing. However, rest assured that they’re breathing fine throughout.5 A more advanced breathing pattern will come.
Speak to your pediatrician if you notice:21
- Constant rapid breathing
- Rib retractions
- Color changes
9. Should I Give Them Water for These Hiccups?
No. Hiccups are common, especially if you felt this in utero! Don’t startle them or make them drink water, as you do for adults. It will go away on its own. You may notice it’s more prominent around feeding times because the nerve that goes down to the diaphragm can become irritated during feeding, causing the hiccup — no need to do anything differently.22
Related: Newborn Hiccups: Everything You Need to Know
10. Are They Cross-Eyed?
This is normal and is largely due to their flat noses and newborn anatomy.23
Speak to your pediatrician if:24
- Cross-eyes persist past six months
- One eye appears worse than the other
- Your baby is not tracking objects by 2 months old
11. Why Do They Have Bumps on the Base of Their Skull?
These are likely occipital lymph nodes.6 They should be small and mobile (like tiny marbles). If they’re large and fixed, let a clinician know.25
12. Why Does Their Eye Have Discharge?
A blocked tear duct is likely the cause.26 You can gently wipe away the mucus and massage the inner eye with your clean finger or Q-tip.26,27
Speak to your pediatrician if:
- The eye appears bright red
- Symptoms persist past 1 year of age
13. They’re Constantly Sneezing! Are They Sick?
Babies commonly sneeze.28 This is more common in C-section babies since they didn’t have the pressure of the vaginal canal to squeeze out any fluid from in utero. If baby seems congested and bothered, use saline and suction — otherwise, monitor them.29
Contact your clinician if your baby:30
- Appears unwell
- Has a fever over 100.4 F
Related: Fever in Babies: A Parent’s Guide and Treatment Tips
14. Why Does My Baby Have Breast Buds?
If you feel your newborn’s nipples, you may feel breast buds!31 Don’t worry; they’re not going through puberty. This is actually common. Try not to touch them or play with them. Let them be!31
15. Why Do Newborn Baby Girls Have Vaginal Bleeding?
Vaginal bleeding is very common in newborn girls and may also have some mucus.7 It’s thought to be from maternal hormones, mimicking almost a mini period. Also common is vaginal discharge — and it’s all benign.7
16. Why Are My Son’s Testicles Large?
This is called a hydrocele (fluid in the testicle) and is common.8 Your child’s clinician may shine a light through it to confirm the diagnosis, but it goes away on its own. If you notice large testicles that suddenly develop, please speak to your clinician.
17. Why Is There Brick-Colored Dust in My Baby’s Diaper?
These are called urate crystals and are very common initially as feeding is established.9 It’s residue from the lining of the bladder and should go away. If baby is poorly feeding and you see this, speak to your pediatrician. But, if they’re doing well with feedings and making wet diapers, monitor them.32
Related: 12 Types of Baby Poop and What They Mean
Many of these newborn behaviors can look surprising at first, but most are completely normal.
If something ever feels concerning, do not hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. They are there to support you and help you feel confident in caring for your baby.
