Newborn Body Appearance: Common Concerns & What's Normal

What Should You Do If You're Unsure?

If you're uncertain about any aspect of your newborn's health or appearance, contact your healthcare provider or pediatrician for guidance. During the first week after birth, you can also reach out to the hospital where your baby was born. For urgent concerns or if your baby seems unwell, seek medical care immediately.

Newborn babies are delicate and vulnerable, and it's completely normal for new parents to have many questions and concerns about their baby's body. The first weeks of life bring rapid changes as your baby adjusts to life outside the womb, and many of these changes can look alarming even though they're perfectly normal developmental processes.

Healthcare providers understand that caring for a newborn can be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. They are there to help you navigate this new experience and can provide reassurance or identify genuine concerns. Never hesitate to reach out if you're worried about your baby's health or development.

Understanding what to expect during these early weeks can help reduce anxiety and allow you to better recognize when something truly requires medical attention. This guide covers the most common concerns parents have about their newborn's appearance and body, explaining what's normal and when to seek care.

What Happens to My Baby's Umbilical Cord?

The umbilical cord stump dries out and falls off naturally within 1-3 weeks after birth. Keep it clean and dry, and avoid submerging your baby in water until it detaches. Some bleeding and mild odor is normal, but seek care if there's significant redness, swelling, or foul discharge.

After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump attached to your baby's belly button. This stump is the remnant of the lifeline that connected your baby to the placenta during pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrients throughout fetal development.

The umbilical stump will gradually dry out, changing color from yellowish-green to brown or black as it desiccates. This process typically takes between one and three weeks, though some babies' cords may take longer to fall off. The drying process is a natural form of mummification that allows the stump to separate safely from the underlying tissue.

During this time, you may notice some changes that seem concerning but are actually normal. A small amount of bleeding when the cord separates is common and usually stops quickly. The area may also produce a small amount of clear or slightly yellow discharge, and there may be a mild odor. These are all part of the normal healing process.

How to Care for the Umbilical Cord

Modern guidelines recommend keeping the umbilical stump clean and dry rather than applying alcohol or antiseptics, which was previously common practice. Research has shown that dry cord care leads to faster separation and lower infection rates in healthy, full-term newborns.

To clean the cord area, use a cotton swab dipped in plain water to gently wipe around the base of the stump if it becomes soiled. Allow the area to air dry completely afterward. When diapering, fold the top of the diaper below the stump to keep it dry and prevent urine from irritating the area.

Give your baby sponge baths rather than tub baths until the cord falls off. This helps keep the stump dry and reduces the risk of infection. Once the cord separates and the underlying skin has healed completely, you can begin giving regular baths.

Umbilical Granuloma

Sometimes, after the cord stump falls off, you may notice a small piece of pink or red tissue in the belly button. This is called an umbilical granuloma, which is a small area of moist tissue that didn't heal completely. Granulomas are common and usually harmless, often healing on their own within a few weeks.

If the granuloma doesn't resolve, your healthcare provider can treat it easily. The most common treatment involves applying silver nitrate, a chemical that cauterizes the tissue and promotes healing. This procedure is quick and painless for your baby.

What Are Normal Bowel Movements and Urination Patterns?

Your baby's first stools (meconium) are dark and sticky, transitioning to yellow or green within a few days. Breastfed babies may have very frequent stools initially, then sometimes go days or even up to 10-12 days between bowel movements. The first urine may appear orange or red due to urate crystals, which is normal.

One of the most common concerns new parents have involves their baby's diaper contents. Understanding what's normal at different stages can help you recognize healthy patterns and know when to seek guidance.

During the first 24-48 hours of life, your baby will pass meconium, which is a thick, sticky, dark green to black substance. Meconium consists of materials your baby ingested while in the womb, including amniotic fluid, mucus, skin cells, and bile. This is completely normal and indicates that your baby's digestive system is working properly.

Over the next several days, as your baby begins feeding, the stools transition through several stages. They become greenish-brown, then yellow and seedy in appearance for breastfed babies, or tan and more formed for formula-fed babies. This transition usually occurs within the first 3-5 days of life.

Stool Patterns After the First Week

After about a week, bowel movement patterns vary considerably between babies and depend largely on how they're fed. Breastfed babies often have very frequent bowel movements initially, sometimes with every feeding. The stool is typically yellow, seedy, and loose, which is completely normal.

As breastfed babies get older, they may begin having bowel movements less frequently. Some babies may go several days between stools, and in some cases, healthy breastfed babies can go up to 10-12 days without a bowel movement. This is normal as long as the baby is feeding well, gaining weight appropriately, and the stool remains soft when it does come.

Formula-fed babies typically have bowel movements several times per day, though some may go a few days between movements. Their stools tend to be firmer and more tan or brown in color compared to breastfed babies.

Normal Urination

Your baby's first urine may appear orange or reddish, which can be alarming but is usually harmless. This color comes from urate crystals, which are normal byproducts of metabolism that concentrate in the urine during the first few days before milk intake increases.

As your baby begins feeding more, urine should become pale yellow and more frequent. By day 3-4, your baby should have at least 4-6 wet diapers per day, increasing to 6-8 or more by day 5 and beyond. This is an important indicator that your baby is getting enough fluids.

Why Does My Newborn Have Nasal Congestion?

Newborns have very small nasal passages and often sound congested, especially during the first few weeks. They sneeze frequently to clear mucus and amniotic fluid from their airways. This is normal and different from cold symptoms. Saline drops can help if congestion interferes with feeding.

Many parents notice that their newborn sounds congested or snuffly, even without any signs of illness. This is extremely common and usually not a cause for concern. Newborn nasal passages are tiny, and even small amounts of mucus or dried secretions can make breathing sound noisy.

Babies are obligate nasal breathers during the first few months of life, meaning they breathe primarily through their noses rather than their mouths. This is actually an adaptive feature that allows them to breathe while feeding at the breast or bottle. However, it also means that any nasal congestion can make feeding more difficult.

Frequent sneezing is another normal phenomenon in newborns that often worries parents. Unlike in adults, where sneezing usually indicates illness or allergies, newborn sneezing is typically a healthy reflex that helps clear the nasal passages of mucus, amniotic fluid residue, dust, and other particles. Your baby may sneeze many times throughout the day, and this is not a sign of a cold.

Helping Your Baby Breathe More Easily

If nasal congestion makes feeding difficult, you can try placing a few drops of saline solution or breast milk in each nostril shortly before feeding. This helps loosen mucus and makes it easier for your baby to breathe while eating. Saline drops designed for infants are available at pharmacies without a prescription.

Using a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator can also help remove excess mucus, though this should be done gently and not too frequently, as it can irritate the delicate nasal lining. A cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room may help keep nasal passages moist and reduce congestion.

What Is Oral Thrush in Newborns?

Oral thrush is a common fungal infection that appears as white patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, and lips. It's caused by Candida yeast and often resolves without treatment. However, it can spread from a breastfeeding baby to the mother's nipples, causing pain during feeding.

Thrush is one of the most common infections in newborns and young infants. It's caused by an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast that normally lives in small amounts in the mouth and digestive tract. In newborns, whose immune systems are still developing, this yeast can sometimes multiply and cause visible symptoms.

The most noticeable sign of thrush is white patches inside the mouth that look like cottage cheese or milk curds. Unlike milk residue, which wipes away easily, thrush patches adhere to the underlying tissue and may leave red, raw areas if scraped. These patches can appear on the tongue, inside the cheeks, on the gums, and on the roof of the mouth.

Many babies with thrush show no signs of discomfort and continue feeding normally. However, some babies may seem fussy during feeding or have difficulty latching. The infection often clears on its own within a couple of weeks as the baby's immune system develops and the natural balance of organisms in the mouth is restored.

Thrush and Breastfeeding

If you're breastfeeding, thrush can spread from your baby's mouth to your nipples, causing a secondary infection. Signs of nipple thrush include sudden onset of nipple pain during or after feeding, pink or red shiny nipples, itching, and pain that may feel like stabbing or burning deep in the breast.

If either you or your baby develops thrush, it's important to treat both of you simultaneously to prevent passing the infection back and forth. Your healthcare provider can prescribe appropriate antifungal treatments for both mother and baby.

What About Nail Infections in Newborns?

Newborns can develop infections around their nails (paronychia), appearing as redness, swelling, and sometimes pus around the nail bed. Mild infections can be treated by keeping the area clean, but more severe infections may need antibiotic treatment.

The skin around a newborn's nails is delicate and can become infected, especially if there are small breaks in the skin from scratching or other minor trauma. These infections, called paronychia, are not uncommon and usually respond well to treatment.

Signs of a nail infection include redness and swelling around the nail, warmth to the touch, and sometimes the formation of pus. The affected finger or toe may be tender, and your baby might seem uncomfortable when the area is touched or during diaper changes if a toe is affected.

Mild infections can often be managed at home by keeping the area clean. Wash gently with soap and water, or apply diluted antiseptic solution. If the infection doesn't improve within a day or two, or if it seems to be spreading or your baby develops other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider for evaluation.

Why Does My Baby Have Blisters on Their Lips?

Small blisters or calluses on a newborn's upper lip are called sucking blisters and result from vigorous sucking during feeding. They're completely harmless, don't cause pain, and typically disappear on their own within a few weeks.

Sucking blisters, also known as nursing blisters or friction blisters, are a common finding in newborns, particularly those who are vigorous feeders. These appear as small, fluid-filled or callused areas on the upper lip, right in the center where the lip makes contact with the breast or bottle nipple.

These blisters form due to the friction and suction pressure created during feeding. They're essentially small areas where the skin has thickened in response to repeated rubbing, similar to how calluses form on hands from manual work. The blisters don't hurt your baby and don't interfere with feeding.

No treatment is needed for sucking blisters. They typically come and go during the early weeks of life and eventually disappear as your baby grows and their skin becomes more resilient. Some babies never develop them at all, while others may have them repeatedly during the first few months.

What Are Common Newborn Skin Conditions?

Newborn skin undergoes many changes in the first weeks. Common harmless conditions include milia (tiny white bumps), erythema toxicum (blotchy red rash), baby acne, dry flaky skin, and heat rash. Most resolve within days to weeks without treatment.

A newborn's skin is adjusting to life outside the womb, where it was constantly immersed in amniotic fluid. This transition can lead to various temporary skin conditions that often concern parents but are completely normal and harmless.

At birth, your baby's skin may be covered with vernix caseosa, a waxy white substance that protected the skin in utero. Some babies have more vernix than others, and healthcare providers typically leave it to absorb naturally rather than washing it off immediately. The skin may also appear wrinkled, especially if your baby was born past their due date.

In the first days and weeks, you may notice dry, peeling skin, particularly on the hands, feet, wrists, and ankles. This is normal as the outer layer of skin, which was adapted to the aquatic environment of the womb, sheds. Light moisturizing with baby oil can help if the skin is very dry, but peeling usually resolves on its own.

Milia (Milk Spots)

Milia are tiny white or yellowish bumps that commonly appear on a newborn's nose, cheeks, and chin. They occur when dead skin cells become trapped in small pockets on the skin's surface. Milia are harmless and typically disappear within a few weeks as the baby's skin matures and naturally exfoliates.

Erythema Toxicum (Newborn Rash)

Despite its alarming name, erythema toxicum is a harmless rash that affects up to half of all newborns. It appears as red blotches with small white or yellow bumps in the center, resembling small pimples. The rash can appear anywhere on the body except the palms and soles, and individual spots may come and go over hours. No treatment is needed, and it typically resolves within a few days to weeks.

Heat Rash

Heat rash develops when sweat glands become blocked, creating small red bumps or blisters. It's common in skin folds and areas where clothing fits snugly. The rash appears when babies become overheated and resolves once the skin cools down. Dressing your baby appropriately for the temperature and keeping skin folds dry can help prevent heat rash.

Baby Acne

Some babies develop small red or white bumps on their face, similar to teenage acne. This typically appears around 2-4 weeks of age and is thought to be related to maternal hormones that crossed the placenta during pregnancy. Baby acne usually clears on its own within a few weeks to months without treatment.

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) appears as thick, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp, and sometimes the eyebrows. It's caused by overactive oil glands and is not related to poor hygiene. Cradle cap is harmless and usually clears up on its own, though gentle brushing and washing can help loosen the scales.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is inflammation of the skin in the diaper area, appearing as red, irritated patches. It can be caused by prolonged contact with wet or soiled diapers, friction, or sensitivity to diaper products. Sometimes a yeast infection can develop in the diaper area, causing a shiny red rash with satellite spots.

Newborn Jaundice

Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, is very common in newborns, affecting about 60% of full-term babies. It's caused by elevated levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Newborns produce more bilirubin than adults, and their immature livers may be slower to process and eliminate it.

Mild jaundice typically appears on day 2-3 of life, peaks around day 3-5, and resolves within 1-2 weeks. It usually starts on the face and spreads downward to the chest and legs as bilirubin levels increase. In babies with darker skin, jaundice may be harder to see on the skin but can often be detected in the whites of the eyes.

While mild jaundice is normal and harmless, high bilirubin levels can be dangerous if left untreated. Your baby's bilirubin levels will be monitored in the hospital, and you may need follow-up testing after discharge. Treatment with phototherapy (special blue lights) may be needed if levels are too high.

Why Are My Baby's Breasts and Genitals Swollen?

Newborn breast swelling and genital swelling are caused by maternal hormones that crossed the placenta during pregnancy. Both boys and girls may have swollen breasts, sometimes producing small amounts of milk-like discharge. Female babies may have vaginal discharge, sometimes blood-tinged. These are normal and resolve within weeks.

One of the more surprising aspects of newborn appearance for many parents is swelling of the breasts and genitals. This swelling is caused by maternal hormones, particularly estrogen, that crossed the placenta during pregnancy. These hormones can affect your baby's tissues in ways that mirror some aspects of puberty.

Both male and female newborns may have noticeably swollen breast tissue, which can sometimes feel like small lumps under the nipples. In some cases, babies may even produce small amounts of a milk-like fluid from their nipples, sometimes called "witch's milk." This is harmless and will resolve as the maternal hormones clear from your baby's system over the first few weeks of life.

The swollen breast tissue should not be squeezed or manipulated, as this can introduce bacteria and cause infection. Simply leave it alone, and it will gradually return to normal.

Genital Swelling and Discharge

Newborn boys and girls often have swollen, reddened genitals at birth. This is normal and typically resolves within the first week. Boys may have swollen scrotums, which is usually harmless but should be monitored to ensure any swelling decreases rather than increases.

Female newborns may have vaginal discharge during the first few days of life. This discharge is typically white or mucousy and is caused by the same maternal hormones affecting breast tissue. Sometimes, the discharge may be blood-tinged or contain small amounts of blood – a phenomenon sometimes called "mini-period" or pseudomenses. This is normal and not a cause for concern.

Why Is My Baby's Head Shaped Unusually?

A newborn's head may appear cone-shaped, elongated, or asymmetrical after vaginal delivery because the skull bones are not yet fused and can mold during birth. This is completely normal and protects the brain. The head shape typically rounds out within 1-2 weeks. The soft spots (fontanelles) are covered by a strong protective membrane.

Perhaps no aspect of newborn appearance surprises new parents more than the shape of their baby's head immediately after vaginal delivery. The head may appear elongated, cone-shaped, or even somewhat lopsided. While this can look alarming, it's actually a brilliant adaptation that allows your baby to navigate through the birth canal safely.

A newborn's skull consists of several bones that are not yet fused together. The spaces between these bones, connected by flexible fibrous tissue, allow the skull to mold and compress during delivery. This flexibility protects your baby's brain during the intense pressure of birth and allows the head to fit through the mother's pelvis.

After delivery, the head gradually returns to a more rounded shape, usually within the first one to two weeks. Some asymmetry may persist longer, particularly if your baby was in a certain position in the womb for an extended period or if the delivery was prolonged.

Understanding the Fontanelles

The fontanelles, commonly called "soft spots," are the areas where the skull bones have not yet joined together. The most noticeable is the anterior fontanelle on the top of the head, which is diamond-shaped and may appear to pulse with your baby's heartbeat. There's also a smaller posterior fontanelle at the back of the head.

Many parents worry about touching the fontanelles, but these areas are well-protected by a tough membrane. You can safely and gently touch, wash, and stroke your baby's head over the soft spots. The anterior fontanelle gradually closes between 12 and 18 months of age as the skull bones grow together.

Preventing Flat Head Syndrome

Because babies' skulls are soft and malleable, consistently lying in one position can lead to flat areas on the skull, called positional plagiocephaly. While babies should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), you can help prevent flat spots by varying your baby's position during supervised awake time.

Tummy time, where your baby lies on their stomach while supervised and awake, is important for muscle development and gives the back of the head a break from pressure. You can also alternate which direction your baby's head faces in the crib and limit time in car seats, swings, and bouncy seats where the head rests against a surface.

What Eye Changes Are Normal in Newborns?

Newborn eyes may appear swollen, have small hemorrhages in the whites (subconjunctival hemorrhages), or produce yellow discharge due to blocked tear ducts. Swelling and hemorrhages resolve within weeks. Blocked tear ducts usually clear by 12 months. Seek care for significant discharge, redness, or swelling suggesting infection.

A newborn's eyes may look quite different from what parents expect, and several normal variations can cause concern. Understanding these common findings can help you distinguish normal newborn eye changes from conditions that need medical attention.

Immediately after birth, your baby's eyelids may be swollen and puffy, especially if the labor was prolonged or if the baby was delivered face-first. This swelling typically resolves within the first few days. You may also notice small red spots on the whites of your baby's eyes – these are subconjunctival hemorrhages, or tiny broken blood vessels, caused by the pressure of delivery. They're harmless and disappear within a few weeks.

Many newborns have blocked tear ducts, which causes tears to accumulate and sometimes leads to yellow or greenish discharge that crusts on the eyelids, especially after sleep. This happens because the tear ducts, which normally drain tears from the eyes into the nose, haven't fully opened yet. The condition is very common and usually resolves on its own by 12 months of age.

Caring for Your Baby's Eyes

If your baby has discharge from blocked tear ducts, you can clean the eyes gently with a soft, clean cloth or cotton ball moistened with sterile saline or cooled boiled water. Wipe from the inner corner of the eye outward, using a fresh section of cloth for each eye to avoid spreading any infection.

Your healthcare provider may show you how to massage the tear duct area to help encourage opening. This involves placing your clean finger at the inner corner of the eye and gently stroking downward toward the nose, which can help clear the blockage.

Why Are Newborns Especially Vulnerable to Infections?

Newborns have immature immune systems and limited ability to fight infections, making them vulnerable especially during the first month. While they receive some antibody protection from the mother during pregnancy and through breastfeeding, they can still become seriously ill quickly. Avoid exposure to sick people and practice good hand hygiene.

During pregnancy, your baby received antibodies from you through the placenta, providing some protection against infections you've been exposed to or vaccinated against. If you're breastfeeding, you continue to pass antibodies to your baby through your milk. However, despite this transferred immunity, newborns remain vulnerable to many infections.

A newborn's immune system is still developing and learning to recognize and fight pathogens. Their bodies may not mount the same robust response to infection that older children or adults can. Additionally, because newborns can't tell us when something is wrong, infections can progress before they're detected.

The first month of life is the most vulnerable period. Fever in a newborn under one month old is always a medical emergency and requires immediate evaluation, as serious bacterial infections can develop rapidly. As your baby grows and their immune system matures, they become more resilient to common infections.

Protecting Your Newborn from Illness

There are several practical steps you can take to reduce your newborn's exposure to infections during these vulnerable early weeks. Anyone who will be holding or touching your baby should wash their hands first, and avoid letting people kiss your baby on the face or hands.

Try to avoid crowded places and situations where your baby might be exposed to many people, especially during cold and flu season. This includes shopping centers, public transport, and large gatherings. Keep visits short and consider asking visitors to postpone if they've recently been ill or exposed to illness.

Be particularly careful to protect your baby from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause severe illness in young infants. Keep your baby away from anyone with cold symptoms, and teach older siblings good hand-washing habits.

What Should I Know About Giving Medications to My Newborn?

Never give any medication to a newborn under six months without consulting your healthcare provider first. Newborn bodies process medications differently than older children or adults. If medication is needed, use the exact dosing device provided and follow instructions precisely.

Newborn babies metabolize and excrete medications very differently from older children and adults. Their liver and kidney function is still developing, which affects how drugs are processed and eliminated from their bodies. Even medications considered safe for older children may not be appropriate for newborns.

Before giving any medication to your baby – including over-the-counter products – always consult your pediatrician or healthcare provider first. This includes pain relievers, cold medicines, and natural or herbal remedies. Many products that are safe for adults can be dangerous for newborns.

If your healthcare provider prescribes or recommends medication for your baby, always use the dosing device that comes with the medication, such as an oral syringe or dosing spoon. Household teaspoons are not accurate enough for measuring infant doses. Give liquid medications slowly into the cheek rather than squirting them directly toward the throat, which can cause choking.