Having a new baby can be such an exciting time, especially for first-time parents, but you find out quickly how scary it can be as well. Being well-informed about your baby and the unique things they do can give you peace of mind. Here are ten facts you never knew about newborns to help ease the transition:
1. Temperature Regulation:
Newborns regulate their temperature differently than adults do. Their temperature is regulated through their heads and bellies. After delivery, the nurses will usually swaddle them and put them in a diaper and beanie. You may find that your nurse will tell you to keep either a hat or beanie on them until they start to put on real weight or throughout the cold months. This is because babies have a very disproportionate weight-to-body surface ratio compared to adults which then causes them to lose body heat 4 times faster than we do. It is pertinent to not allow a baby’s temperature to drop below their ideal temperature of 97.7 degrees Fahrenheit as it increases the amount of energy and oxygen they have to use to keep warm. This is especially important for premature and underweight babies.
2. Natural Moisturizers:
A newborn’s skin peels… and it can last for a while after birth. This is completely normal and doesn’t require any special treatment. It may look like they have dry skin, however, it isn’t recommended to apply moisturizer to their skin until after they transition from a sponge bath to a real bath. This peeling layer of skin is called vernix and it acts as a natural moisturizer negating the need for lotion. Baby’s first bath won’t happen until after the umbilical cord falls off, which occurs 2-3 weeks after delivery. Once the vernix layer begins to shed, bath time can start to dry out baby’s skin calling for the use of a gentle and non-fragrant lotion. Unfortunately, those lavender bedtime body washes and lotions can’t be broken out just yet.
3. Social or Gassy:
Those first smiles new parents may see, no matter how cute, are most likely the baby just passing gas. It isn’t until approximately 6 to 8 weeks after birth that babies develop what is called a “social” smile. These are the first smiles that are not just reflux but are intentional and meant to display warmth. When a baby hits this important milestone it is a sign that they are developing and learning regular human behavior. It is a good idea for parents to encourage this development by smiling or giggling back… although it would be hard not to.
4. Milk Bumps:
Babies are born with tiny white bumps on their noses commonly called “milk bumps”. The actual name for this form of newborn acne is milia. They are caused by tiny flakes of skin being trapped in the baby’s small pocket-like pores. Although they are typically seen on the nose, they can also appear on the cheeks, chin, and occasionally on the upper body and legs. These tiny bumps may most prevalently appear in newborns, but they can also be seen in older infants. Similar to neonatal acne, acne that occurs in the first 4 months of life, milia does not need to be specially treated. Also similarly to other forms of acne, milia should clear up within the first 3 to 4 months. If they do not begin to clear by then, an appointment can be made with a pediatrician or dermatologist to assist.
5. Cranial Flat Spots:
When babies are born their skulls are not fully fused yet, which is the reason newborns possess soft spots. This not fully developed state allows for the skull to change shape, making it easier to fit through the birth canal. Usually, their head will take on a normal shape after birth, however, it is possible for them to develop flat spots. It could be due to uneven shaping after birth or a byproduct of them spending too much time laying on their back. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to do supervised tummy time with newborns several times a day. If persistent pressure is allowed to the side or back of the baby’s head those flat spots will occur and the need for correction is paramount. This can come in the form of an infant helmet. If the problem is not fixed it can result in a permanent malformation of the skull.
6. Eye Color Roulette:
Ever wonder why all newborns seem to have the same dark blue, almost black eyes? Up until the baby is between 6 and 9 months old, parents won’t be able to see the true eye color of their child. Between 3 and 6 months, parents will see dramatic changes in the hue of their baby’s eyes. This is caused by the secretion of melanin from melanocytes in the iris. The more melanin produced the darker the baby’s eye will be. Interestingly enough all melanin is brown in color, however, it is the amount of melanin present that dictates whether the eyes would be brown, blue, hazel, or green. Although it is impossible to pinpoint the exact age a baby’s true eye color will solidify, those drastic changes tend to slow down around the 6-month mark giving a closer idea to the eye color they will have for the remainder of their lives.
7. Are You Breathing?:
If having a tiny human to care for wasn’t frightening enough, newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns in comparison to adults. They can transition between fast and slow breathing while occasionally pausing altogether, and those pauses can feel like forever. On top of abnormal breathing patterns, babies also make a variety of different noises. These can range anywhere from whistling to squeaking sounds. The noise produced can help determine what problem has occurred and what breathing passageway is blocked. For example, those whistling noises could mean there is a blockage in one or both of the baby’s nostrils and the squeaking could indicate there is excess tissue present around the larynx. In case of a spike in parental anxiety at these sounds, it is important to note that most of these sounds are nothing to be concerned about, however, it never hurts to send a quick video to the local pediatrician to be sure.
8. Nose Breathers:
Along with their abnormal breathing patterns, newborns also only breathe out of their noses and not their mouths. This allows them to breathe and eat at the same time, however, this also means it’s important to ensure the baby has clear airways through their nose. Their nostrils are tiny passageways that can easily accumulate excess mucus or dried milk from eating resulting in those whistling noises. It isn’t until they are approximately 3 or 4 months old that they develop the reflux to breathe out of their mouths. Until then; bulb syringes, cold air humidifiers, and nasal sprays are baby’s best friend. Parents may find they will need to utilize these tools daily, especially during allergy season.
9. Nighttime Teething:
Infant teething time is never fun, however, the pain can sometimes be worse at night for a baby. Although this isn’t true for all, it is common to see that a baby is experiencing worse teething pain at night than during the day. At night there is less to distract the baby from the pain making it seem more intense. This can lead to a fussier and more distraught infant. Saying that there are plenty of ways parents can minimize their baby’s pain. Some of these remedies can include a gum massage, using a white noise machine, taking a bath, or freezing one of the baby’s teething toys. If all else fails to consult the pediatrician about using infant Tylenol is always an option, though it might be beneficial to note that caffeine will most likely be a parent’s best friend during this stage in the baby’s development.
10. Natal and Neonatal Teeth:
While babies typically don’t start teething until between 4 to 6 months, it is not unheard of for some to be born with teeth. Although, this is definitely not a common occurrence. These teeth are called natal teeth and are usually underdeveloped and have weak roots. They can be loose, discolored, and may cause problems. If problems do arise due to the natal teeth removal of them can be discussed with the pediatrician and dentist. The reason why some newborns are born with natal teeth is unknown.
Along with natal teeth, it is also possible for newborns to have neonatal teeth. These are teeth that come in within the first couple of months of birth. This is the result of premature teething, teething that occurs around 2 months. Since this occurs while the newborn is still really young and light in weight it is important to ask the pediatrician prior to giving the baby infant Tylenol.
