New mothers often worry when their newborn shows certain symptoms, especially after months of anticipation filled with excitement and anxiety. However, many of these signs are completely normal from a medical perspective. Understanding which symptoms are typical can help mothers avoid unnecessary stress and focus on proper care, rather than relying on myths or advice from others.
Dr. Raghda Abdelalim, a pediatric and neonatology specialist, highlights six common symptoms in newborns that may concern mothers but are generally harmless:
1. Long Periods of Sleep
It is normal for newborns to sleep for long stretches. This is due to their adjustment from the womb to the outside world. As long as the baby feeds well and regularly passes urine and stool after each feeding, their health is generally good.
Always place your baby on their back to sleep; avoid stomach sleeping except during supervised burping.
Long and deep sleep in the first months is a sign of healthy development.
Seek medical advice only if prolonged sleep comes with inactivity, poor feeding, or weakness.
2. Baby Acne (Red Bumps on the Face)
Red bumps on the cheeks, nose, and around the eyes are common in newborns. This condition, known as neonatal acne, is caused by hormones transferred from the mother.
About 20% of newborns experience baby acne, typically appearing in the second week and peaking around the sixth week.
The condition usually resolves on its own during the first six months of life.
Avoid squeezing the bumps or applying creams without medical advice to prevent irritation or infection.
3. Peeling Skin and Hair Loss
Peeling skin and hair shedding are normal occurrences in newborns.
The waxy layer on the skin formed in the womb protects the baby in amniotic fluid. After birth, this layer naturally peels away.
Hair may fall out gradually in babies born with thick hair, usually within the first six months, before the permanent hair grows.
Genetics plays a major role in the hair’s future texture and density.
4. Sounds During Sleep
Newborns often make noises while sleeping, including sighs, grunts, or light snoring.
These sounds are normal due to the immature respiratory system and soft airways.
Active sleep phases may include small movements, smiles, or noises.
Consult a doctor if these sounds are accompanied by feeding difficulties, unusual weight changes, or changes in skin color.
5. Frequent Burping and Hiccups
Hiccups and frequent burping are typical in newborns.
They occur due to involuntary diaphragm contractions, often from swallowing excess air during feeding.
Usually, these resolve naturally as the baby grows.
Seek medical advice if hiccups or burping are accompanied by vomiting, excessive crying, discomfort after feeding, breathing difficulties, or color changes.
6. Frequent Sneezing During the Day
Sneezing and mild nasal discharge are common in newborns, especially after hospital birth.
Babies adapt from the warm environment of the womb to the outside air, which can cause temporary sneezing.
Sneezing generally decreases as the baby becomes accustomed to natural airflow.
For mild nasal congestion, placing a drop of breast milk in the baby’s nostrils or gently cleaning with a warm, damp cloth can help.
Avoid overusing nasal drops unless prescribed by a doctor.
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