Weird (but normal) things to know about your newborn

Your friends and midwives must have told you of all the labour and delivery related facts, breastfeeding, and sleepless nights you're about to have with a newborn at home. But there are just some things they somehow will 'forget' to tell you. Before rushing off to call your paediatrician, know that these funny things going on with your baby are totally normal, which you'll soon discover!

Frequent sneezing

Remember that everything in this world is very new to the baby, and is extra sensitive to a lot of things that you are already immune to. So if your baby is constantly sneezing but is looking fine, your baby is probably just sneezing out little particles in the air that has gotten into his or her nasal passage. Another common cause for the baby to sneeze could also be to get rid of the amniotic fluid from their respiratory system.

*Keep checking on your baby, and if the sneezing is accompanied by wheezing, it is best to contact your paediatrician to rule out asthma or other related ailments that will need treatment.

Crossed eyes

As a newborn, your baby is still figuring out how to master his newfound abilities and this includes his sense of sight. It will take some time for them to master their focus, so it is normal that your baby's eyes may wander or cross occasionally during his first few months of life. In your baby's 4th to 6th month, their eyes will usually straighten out. However, if your baby's eyes still seem crossed after 6 months it is best to make an appointment to see if something else is at play, such as lazy eye.

Baby boobs

With all the hormones going around your body while you were pregnant for 9 months, they affect your baby too! The hormones in your body can also cause your baby's breast tissue to develop and this is totally normal - the hormones will wear off and it will go away in no time.

Strange groaning noises

If you were expecting little cries and coos, think again because babies make all kinds of noises. There will be grunts, snorts and other sounds you will hear throughout the day. Studies have shown that these noises and added sound effects are often due to the narrow nasal passage that a baby has, causing mucus to accumulate and creating all the funny noises you hear. If this is the case, you will just need to clear out your baby's nose with a nasal aspirator. 

*Always take note of your baby's breath with each grunt or cry, if your baby is having trouble breathing, urgently contact your paediatrician.

Out-of-shape heads

You aren't the only one doing all the work during delivery, your baby is also working just as hard getting down that birth canal - and it is only normal for your baby to come out purple and looking a little swollen. But your baby's head and skull are still very soft, going past your pelvic bone could cause your baby's head to slightly flatten. A flat head could also happen when you lay your baby on his or her back for too long. This could be avoided by regularly changing your baby's position on the mattress, and have some 'tummy time' when your baby is awake. 

If your baby's head still seems flat over time, your paediatrician may suggest that your baby wear's a temporary helmet to correct the shape of his or her head - but wear it as soon as possible while your baby's head is still soft and 'shapeable'.

Photo courtesy of Chrissy Teigen's Instagram post

Watery, sometimes 'explosive' poop

We just don't know how to tell you this, but a newborn's poop is mostly liquid (from all the breastfeeding) so it doesn't take much for your baby to excrete - be prepared for a 'totally normal' diaper blowout now and then. You will not be the first mom or dad to clean off poop from your shirt or off your bathroom walls. As long as your baby looks happy, there is simply nothing to worry about!