The excitement that comes with the arrival of a newborn is truly unparalleled. It is during this incredibly intense moment in their lives that every mother and father long to comprehend their newborn’s needs and cater to them accordingly. However, doubts inevitably arise, and every parent fears making mistakes when tending to their little one’s needs.
Therefore, whether it is their first or subsequent experience with parenthood, parents must seek expert advice if they suspect any abnormalities or concerns.
Skin in the Newborn
One of the primary concerns for new parents is their baby’s skin. It is common for newborns to exhibit two temporary skin conditions that may worry parents:
- Toxic erythema of the newborn: Characterized by reddish or reddish-swollen patches, small vesicles or pustules sometimes accompany it. In general, it does not require any specific treatments like creams or cleansers and disappears quickly.
- Newborn’s milia: Characterized by the presence of white dots – known as sebaceous cysts – on the tip of the nose, it results from the immaturity of the sebaceous glands and hormonal changes that occur in the first few days of life. It is important not to squeeze or apply creams to these pimples. The condition will resolve on its own within a few days.
Mucohematous Discharge
In baby girls, vaginal mucohematous discharge is a result of the “genital crisis” caused by maternal hormones that pass through the placenta. These discharges typically disappear after the first few weeks. Additionally, there may be enlargement of the mammary glands (hypertrophy) due to the same maternal hormonal influence, which is more common in females than males.
It is also expected to observe orange streaks in the infant’s diaper during the initial days of life, which is caused by the accumulation of urate in the urine.
Stool Consistency and Number of Bowel Movements
The appearance and frequency of an infant’s bowel movements often raise questions for families. What should they look like? How often should the baby have a bowel movement?
According to experts, golden-yellow stools are normal for infants who are exclusively breastfed. These stools are semi-liquid in consistency and may initially occur after each feeding. Over time, the frequency of bowel movements may reduce to 1-2 times a day or once every 2-3 days. On the other hand, formula-fed infants may have a bowel movement once a day or every 2-3 days, and there is no cause for concern.”
Sleep Jerks, Hiccups, and Sneezing
Parents also tend to worry about specific jerking movements that their infants exhibit during sleep, which may resemble twitches or shakes. These involuntary startles, known as spontaneous startles, indicate the normal development and function of the central nervous system and typically resolve independently within the first few months of life. Hiccups are also a common occurrence in newborns and can be alleviated by breastfeeding or, if necessary, using a pacifier.
Furthermore, even sneezing, when not accompanied by other signs of a runny nose or respiratory distress, should not be a cause for concern. It is a natural response by the baby’s nasal passages to clear any obstructions and a result of heightened sensitivity in the nasal mucosa of infants.
