Know Your Newborn
Avoid surprises to enjoy parenthood more.
- Soft Spots
The two soft areas (fontanels) on your newborn's head will remain until the bones in the skull knit together. The spots may pulse along with the baby's heartbeat and bulge when your child cries. - Rashes
Tiny white bumps (milia) on your baby's face will go away in a few weeks. Scaly whitish patches on the scalp (cradle cap) usually are gone in a few months. - Rapid Breathing
Healthy newborns average 40 breaths a minute. Their breathing may pause for up to 10 seconds before they resume breathing. - Yellowish Skin
Two to five days after birth, skin and the whites of babies' eyes may develop a yellowish tint (jaundice). This usually lasts about two weeks, but can last up to six weeks in breastfed babies. - Cord Color
Your baby's umbilical cord stump will turn yellow and then brown or black before falling off. - Birthmarks
These common spots and stains may be present at birth and are usually harmless. Many eventually disappear without treatment.
While many things that seem alarming may end up being typical for a newborn, don't hesitate to call your doctor if you feel your child is ill or if something just doesn't seem right.
