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All babies arrive "gift wrapped and packaged" differently. Some are big, some small; lots of hair or totally bald; boys or girls; some sleep all the time and some spend most of their time crying. Despite these differences, all babies have the same general characteristics and behaviors. As you live with your baby, you will discover his/her own distinct personality.
Following are some averages in appearance will notice about your newborn:
- Weight between six and eight pounds and are 19" to 21" in length.
- You may notice a white, waxy covering on the baby immediately after birth. This is called vernis and looks like cream cheese.
- Within the first week, newborns generally lose five to 10 percent of their birth weight (which usually amounts to eight to 12 ounces).
- Newborns have an unstable heat regulating mechanism and can lose heat from their heads. (Sock caps retain heat.)
- Circulation is not fully established and the hands and feet will remain somewhat blue.
- The skin appears thin and will flake or peel during the first week of life. Hands are usually fisted. Both hands and feet are finely lined with thin nails. The dry, loose fitting skin has deep creases at the wrists and ankles.
- Downy hair is sometimes present on shoulders and ears.
- The newborn's head appears too big for the body and may be lopsided or elongated due to pressure before or during birth. This is called molding (cone head). After 24 to 48 hours, the head is nearly back to a normal shape. Occasionally, the baby may have a bruised area on the head. This is called a cephalohematoma. Cesarean babies are usually born with unmolded heads.
Baby's Body Characteristics
- Short neck
- Sloping shoulders
- Swollen breasts
- Large, rounded abdomen
- Slender, narrow pelvis and hips
- Females may have a swollen labia and may have some vaginal bleeding or discharge. This is due to the high levels of hormones during pregnancy.
- Males may have a swollen scrotum.
- Legs appear short and round - more or less bowed.
- Face may be puffy with pudgy cheeks, a broad flat nose, receding chin and undersized lower jaw.
- A general rash may come and go. Some babies have sensitive skin.
- Cradle cap is a crusty-like material in the scalp. This too is normal even if you keep the scalp very clean.
- Stork bites and reddish spots usually go away. Often they are more noticeable when baby cries.
- A sucking blister may appear on the lips or fingers from sucking.
- Milia are tiny white papules appearing on the face resulting from unopened sebaceous glands.
- Some babies appear to be cross-eyed at birth. This should take care of itself as they learn to focus. If you are concerned or it lasts longer than three months, consult with your pediatrician.
- If you notice your baby hiccuping, try giving a little warm water or a pacifier. Hiccups are little spasms of the baby's abdominal muscles. These suggestions are sometimes helpful for giving you and your baby a break from hiccups, but they usually tend to recur.
- It is perfectly normal for babies to spit up or let food dribble out of their mouth. When baby is burped it is common for him to regurgitate small amounts of undigested food.
Your Baby's Senses
- Sight - newborns can focus about six to eight inches. Eyes should be the same size and shape.
- Hear - newborn can hear but not with precision. Baby's ears are self-cleaning and wax is pushed out naturally.
- Smell - newborns seem to have an acute sense of smell.
- Touch consistently provokes a special response in your baby. Lips, tongues, cheeks, ears and forehead are especially sensitive to touch.
- Taste - newborns have the ability to distinguish between tastes. Various types of solutions elicit different facial responses.
Newborn Reflexes
- Newborns are commonly known for their startle reflex or moro reflex. It is stimulated when a sudden loud noise or movement occurs.
- Rooting is activated when the cheek is touched. Baby will turn his head in the direction of the touch.
- Tonic neck reflex looks like a fencing position.
- Sucking reflex is provoked when anything touches the lips.
Breastfeeding
Baby Care
Crying and Stress
Newborn Appearance
Toys and Games
When to Call the Doctor
Older Siblings
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