6 Things No One Tells You About Newborns

All of those lamaze classes and parenting books may have prepared you for labor and delivery, but there are a few things about newborn babies that no one warns you about. Before call your pediatrician, learn some more about the strange things you may discover happening with your baby.

Here are six things you may not be prepared for:

1. Cradle cap

There’s no denying that cradle cap can be scary, but it’s really not a cause for concern. Cradle cap refers to red (or yellow), irritated, oily skin that may form discolored, scaly, crusty patches on your newborn’s scalp (basically infant dandruff). Cradle cap isn’t a sign of poor hygiene and usually goes away by a baby’s first birthday. Certain shampoos and topical oils may help treat cradle cap.

2. Baby hiccups

They sound cute and sweet, but you’re probably wondering, “Are baby hiccups normal?” The answer is yes. Hiccups are caused by spasms of a baby’s tiny and developing diaphragm and are a normal part of growth and development. Newborn hiccups are most frequently caused by overfeeding, or when a baby eats too quickly.

3. Explosive poop

Diaper blowouts are a rite of passage for new parents. Baby poop is mostly liquid, so it doesn’t take much for it to seep out of a diaper and through that nice new onesie your sister-in-law got you for your baby shower. The first few months with your newborn will be filled with blowouts, no matter how well you’ve mastered the art of changing diapers.

4. Constipation

On the other end (well, the same end really), you may be worried about constipation with your newborn. There’s a pretty wide range of what’s normal when it comes to how often a baby should poop. In order for a child to be diagnosed with constipation, he or she must produce two or less bowel movements per week. Symptoms like irritability and a decreased appetite are usually associated with constipation.

5. Constant sneezing

The whole world is new to your little one, so there are a few different causes for excessive sneezing. Your baby’s nose is extra sensitive to common allergens that you’ve become immune to, so sneezing is just a way to banish those foreign particles from his or her nose. Looking at the light is also an adjustment for your newborn so being exposed to bright lights can trigger sneezing. Sneezing can also be a way for babies to get rid of extra mucus or even amniotic fluid from his or her respiratory airway.

6. Flat head syndrome

When your baby is born, his or her head is soft and malleable. Some flattening can occur during delivery while his or her head travels through the birth canal. Some babies also get flat spots later on from lying on their back too much. Tummy time can help prevent flat head syndrome. In some cases, a baby may need to wear a temporary helmet to correct the shape of his or her head.

Having a baby is both wonderful and confusing. Along with all the joy and love parenthood brings, there are many concerns you’ll face after your little one makes his or her debut. Understanding normal symptoms in newborns can provide you with peace of mind as you navigate the wild world of parenthood.