From head to toe: your newborn
Scroll through your baby’s body to see what is usually normal in the first weeks and what to tell a doctor.
Meet your newborn. Scroll down. The glow moves to each part of the body. Drawing for illustration only. Every baby looks a little different.
Head
A newborn’s skull is made of soft plates that move over each other during birth. Odd shapes usually settle by themselves.
Usually normal
- Soft spots on top of the head are normal and safe to touch gently
- A swelling from the birth settles over days to weeks
- Cradle cap (yellow flaky scalp) is harmless
Tell a doctor
Eyes
Eye colour often keeps changing for the first few months. Puffy lids, tears and brief crossing of the eyes are common.
Usually normal
- Sticky eyes with a white eye are often a blocked tear duct; clean with cooled boiled water
- Red spot in the white of the eye after birth clears in 1 to 2 weeks
Tell a doctor
Ears
Ear shape varies widely at birth. Every baby should have a hearing screen in the first weeks.
Usually normal
- Folded or cupped ears often straighten in the first weeks
- A little wax is normal. Never clean inside the ear canal
Tell a doctor
Nose & mouth
Newborns breathe through the nose, so sneezes and little snuffles are routine.
Usually normal
- Sneezing and a snuffly nose while feeding is going well
- Small white-yellow dots on the gums or palate are harmless
- Blisters on the lips from sucking are harmless
Tell a doctor
Neck
Newborn necks are short and creased. Milk and sweat collect in the folds.
Usually normal
- A rash in the neck folds: wipe, dry well and keep the area open to air
Tell a doctor
Chest & breathing
Newborns breathe quickly and unevenly, often 30 to 60 breaths a minute, with short pauses of a few seconds.
Usually normal
- Breathing that speeds up and slows down while asleep
- Slightly swollen breasts from mum’s hormones settle on their own
Tell a doctor
Tummy & cord
The cord stump dries, turns dark and falls off in about 1 to 3 weeks. A round tummy is normal.
Usually normal
- Keep the stump clean and dry, with the nappy folded below it
- A soft bulge at the belly button when crying is common and usually closes by itself
Tell a doctor
Skin & jaundice
Newborn skin changes a lot in the first weeks: peeling, blotches, spots and a yellow tinge are all common.
Usually normal
- Blue-grey patches on the back and bottom (Mongolian spots) are very common and fade over the years
- Tiny white dots (milia) and blotchy red spots with a white centre come and go
- Mild yellow colour after day 2 is common, but it should be checked by a doctor or nurse
Tell a doctor
Arms & hands
Hands are mostly closed in fists in the first weeks. Arms move in sudden bursts.
Usually normal
- Startle (Moro) reflex: arms fling out then pull in; fades by about 4 months
- Brief trembling that stops when you hold the arm gently
Tell a doctor
Hips & legs
Hips are checked at every newborn examination. Bowed legs and curved feet are very common.
Usually normal
- Bowed legs in the first months are normal
- Swaddle with the legs free to bend up and out, not held straight
Tell a doctor
Nappy area
Stools change in the first days from black-green meconium to yellow milk stools. Wet nappies are the best sign that baby is getting enough milk.
Usually normal
- First stool (meconium) within 24 hours
- Pink or orange stains in the first days (urates) are common
- Straining and going red before a soft stool is common
Tell a doctor
Feet & toes
Newborn feet are often curved inward and toes may overlap. Most correct themselves with movement.
Usually normal
- Hands and feet that look blue-ish and cool in the first days while the body is warm
- Dry peeling skin on the soles is normal
Tell a doctor
Your list for the doctor
Tap “I’ve noticed this” under any chapter. Your list and what to do next appear here.
In Sri Lanka, for an emergency call the 1990 Suwa Seriya ambulance or go to the nearest hospital. For other worries, talk to your PHM, clinic or doctor.
General information written for parents in Sri Lanka by Dr. Beneeta Hettiarachchi. It does not replace an examination of your child.
Have a question about your baby?
Emergency? Do not wait for a reply. Call 1990 (Suwa Seriya ambulance) or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). When to seek help