“Is This Normal?” The Newborn Body Traits Parents Worry About Most

Nothing is more beautiful than your newborn, but if their appearance right after birth isn’t exactly what you pictured, take a deep breath. Many babies arrive with characteristics that can surprise new parents. The good news? Most of these changes are completely normal and often temporary. Here’s a simple guide to some common things you might notice as your newborn adjusts to life outside the womb.

4 Common Newborn Characteristics Explained

Soft Spots and Head Shape

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You may feel two soft areas on the top of your baby’s head. These are called fontanelles, or “soft spots,” and they allow room for your baby’s brain to grow. Over time, the skull bones gradually join together and these areas close naturally.

Some babies born vaginally also have a temporarily pointed or elongated head shape. This happens because the head shifts slightly to pass through the birth canal. The shape usually rounds out on its own within a few days. 

Newborn Skin Conditions

A newborn’s skin goes through many changes in the first few weeks. Some common conditions include:

• Newborn acne: Small red bumps or splotches may appear on your baby’s face around 2–4 weeks of age. These usually clear up on their own.
• Cradle cap: Scaly white or yellow patches on the scalp are very common and typically improve within a few months.
• Milia: Tiny white bumps may develop on the face and usually disappear within a few weeks.
• Jaundice: Over half of all newborns develop some amount of jaundice during the first week. This causes a yellow coloring in their skin and eyes. Your baby will be checked for jaundice in the hospital and again at their first well-baby visit.

Birthmarks

These skin findings may be present at birth:

• Stork bites: Patches of deep-pink skin are often seen on the forehead, the back of the neck or both. These marks almost always disappear as the child grows.
• Bluish-green or gray birthmarks: Also called congenital dermal melanocytosis (CDM), these marks can resemble bruises and often appear on the lower back or upper buttocks, especially in babies with darker skin tones. They typically fade by early childhood.

Hormone Changes

It’s not uncommon to see a tiny bit of blood in your daughter’s diaper for the first couple of weeks. This tiny bit of vaginal bleeding happens when the baby adjusts to the lack of mom’s hormones once she’s out of the womb.  

The Big Picture

Your newborn is learning how to live outside the womb, and their body is adjusting in amazing ways. Many early changes are a normal part of that transition and usually resolve on their own. If you ever feel your baby may be ill, notice symptoms that concern you, or something just doesn’t seem right, always trust your instincts and call your health care provider. 

Still have questions about what to expect during your baby’s first three months? 

Sign up for Overlake’s Understanding Your Newborn class for expert tips and reassurance.

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