10 Weird But Totally Normal Things About Your Newborn

Hi, Mama! If you’re reading this, congratulations! You’ve brought a tiny, beautiful human into the world, and now you’re probably analyzing every little thing they do (or don’t do). Babies are fascinating, but they can also be a little weird—at least compared to what we expect! As a nurse, I see a lot of new moms worry about things that are actually completely normal. So, let’s talk about some of the quirks your little one might have.

1. Cradle Cap (That Flaky Scalp)

If your baby’s head looks like it has a patchy, flaky rash, don’t panic! Cradle cap is super common and totally harmless. It’s caused by excess oil production and can be managed by gently washing your baby’s scalp and using a soft brush to loosen the flakes. It usually clears up on its own within the first few months.

2. Baby Acne

Yes, even newborns can get pimples! Around 2-4 weeks old, your baby might develop little red or white bumps on their face. This is due to hormones passed from you during pregnancy, and it will go away on its own—no special treatment needed.

3. Their Stomach is Tiny (So They Don’t Need Much!)

One of the most common concerns I hear from new moms is, “Are they eating enough?” In the first few days, your baby’s stomach is about the size of a cherry; even after a week, it’s only the size of a walnut. This means they don’t need large amounts of milk at once. Frequent, small feedings are normal and expected!

4. Grunting, Gurgling, and Noisy Sleep

If your baby sounds like a tiny farm animal while sleeping, don’t worry! Newborns have immature airways and still have a lot of mucus from birth. They’ll often grunt, gurgle, or make other noises while breathing, especially in the first few weeks.

5. Seedy Poop from Breastfeeding

If you’re breastfeeding, don’t be alarmed if your baby’s poop looks like mustard with little seeds in it. This is completely normal! Breastfed babies often have stools that are loose, yellow, and filled with tiny seed-like bits. It’s a sign that their digestive system works just as it should.

6. Baby Boobs (Yes, Really!)

It might surprise you, but some newborns—both boys and girls—can have swollen breast tissue, sometimes even with a tiny bit of milk secretion (nicknamed "witch’s milk"). This happens due to leftover hormones from pregnancy and is completely normal. The swelling usually goes away on its own within a few weeks, so there’s no need to worry or try to massage the area.

7. Mini Periods in Baby Girls

If you have a baby girl, you might be alarmed to find a small amount of blood in her diaper. This is called a “mini period” and is caused by withdrawal from the hormones she was exposed to during pregnancy. It’s completely normal and usually resolves within a few days without any intervention.

8. Swollen Testicles in Baby Boys

If you have a baby boy, you might notice that his testicles look unusually large and swollen at birth. This is often due to extra fluid or hormones from pregnancy and usually goes away within a few weeks. As long as the swelling isn’t red or hard, it’s nothing to worry about!

9. Peeling Skin

Many newborns start to peel a little in their first few days, especially on their hands, feet, and ankles. This is completely normal and happens because they’ve been in amniotic fluid for months. It doesn’t mean their skin is dry or needs lotion—just let it flake off naturally!

10. Gas (Lots of It!)

Babies are naturally gassy, and sometimes it can seem like they’re constantly passing gas, grunting, or pulling their legs up to their tummy. Their tiny digestive systems are still developing, and they swallow air while feeding, which can lead to lots of gas. If your little one seems uncomfortable, gentle tummy massages, bicycle leg movements, and burping more frequently during feeds can help ease the discomfort.

Being a new mom is full of surprises, but remember, you’re doing great! If something about your baby concerns you, never hesitate to ask your pediatrician. But in the meantime, rest assured that some of these “weird” things are just part of newborn life.  See how we can help with Breast Feeding, Newborn Care, and Postpartum.

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