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What is a Newborn Baby Like?

As parents welcome their bundle into the world the expectation of what and who the baby will look like is exciting and can sometimes be a little daunting. Many new parents do not know quite what to expect so it can be helpful to have an insight as to what a new born baby is like.

Skin At first babies can look red and wrinkled and their skin can be dry and peeling or covered in a white substance called vernix. Vernix is natures moisturiser so don’t wash it off. Don’t worry if your baby is peeling you don’t need to put cream or lotion on them, things will settle down soon. Occasionally babies are born with other marks and spots that may concern parents.

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Strawberry Marks – raised red marks that can grow rapidly - they usually disappear after 6 months or so. Stork Marks – these are small red marks that appear on the back of the neck or eye lids – they usually disappear after a few months. Port Wine Stains – these are darker red marks that may be permanent – they can be treated by laser. Rashes, spots and dry skin – babies’ skin is very sensitive and may break out in spots and rashes easily, most of these only last a few days. These do not need treatment these unless they last for a longer period or are causing the baby discomfort. A health visitor or doctor can offer support if they are causing concern. It is not always possible to identify the cause of rashes, but some common causes are a reaction to skin or laundry products, skin that has not been cleaned or dried properly or something in the milk (what mother eats can go into her milk). Jaundice – A day or two after birth baby may start looking slightly tanned or yellowish, the whites of eyes can look yellowish too, their poo may be very pale and their urine darker. A midwife or doctor should be contacted if baby appears jaundiced. Jaundice usually clears by itself but can be treated if necessary, with light therapy.

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Baby’s Head A baby's head is larger as a proportion of their overall body sizes than children or adults. It can have a squashed appearance at birth especially if they have had a difficult, forceps or vacuum assisted birth.

Fontanelles - Babies have soft spots on their head called fontanelles where the bones of the skull have not yet fused together. These should be flat or slightly concave, they can bulge when your baby cries, but if they bulge visibly all the time consult a doctor. Don’t worry about hurting baby, fontanelles are covered by a tough membrane and baby's hair can be washed and their head can be touched

gently as normal. Baby’s Hair - Babies are often born with a lot of hair this can often rub off within the first few months and new hair, maybe in a different colour will grow. Umbilical Cord - When a baby’s cord is cut at birth a short whitish piece will be left on usually with a clip to prevent bleeding. The cord will be whitish for the first few days and will slowly become dried up and darker in colour before it falls of at around a week old.

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Size and weight - Babies range widely in size and weight and how big a bump mum has had is not always an indicator of how big baby will be. Nearly all new born babies look slightly skinny at first but they fill out quickly. Genitals - Genitals on girls and boys can be swollen or engorged at birth and they may appear to have swollen breasts, that can even show a few drips of milk. This is normal and things will settle down after a few days. Eyes - Eyes can seem slightly puffy at birth and baby will not focus on anything for long. Many Caucasian babies are born with blue eyes and their natural eye colour will develop over time. Reflexes All babies are born with natural reflexes designed to protect them until they develop voluntary movements independently. Most reflexes will disappear within the first few months. The presence of these reflexes is tested at birth as they are one of the signs of a healthy well-developed baby.

Rooting Reflex – baby will turn and open its mouth if its cheek is stroked meaning that baby can automatically search for and find the nipple to feed. Sucking Reflex – a baby will automatically suck if a nipple or teat is placed in their mouth. Grasping Reflex - a new born will automatically close their hand around anything that is placed in their palm.

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Startle/Moro Reflex - a baby will extend their legs and arms if they are startled by a loud noise. Tonic Neck reflex – this reflex means when baby’s head is turned to one side that side arm is out stretched and the opposite arm is bent at the elbow Step Reflex – if a baby’s feet are held against a surface, they will raise one foot as though stepping. Breathing - baby’s breathing can be snuffly and uneven, this is normal. When they are feeding make sure that their nose has clear space around to ensure they can breathe. If a baby’s snuffly nose regularly affects their feeding speak to a midwife or health visitor, a nasal aspirator and saline spray may be helpful. Warmth – new babies are not able to regulate their temperature well so they need to be kept warm, but not too hot! Light layers are better than thick clothing. Sleep – some baby’s may sleep a lot in first few days and it is ok to let them sleep, as long as they don’t miss more than one feed, but if they continue to be sleep or seem dopey a lot of the time, contact a midwife or doctor.