It’s an exciting time to welcome a new baby. Trying to keep up with feedings, diaper changes, and sleepless nights can also be exhausting. As you get to know your child, it may be useful to be aware of some of the unexpected behaviors that are normal for newborns.
Here are a few of the most common newborn quirks that new parents ask me about. Even if these are generally normal behaviors, do not be afraid to bring them up with your child’s pediatrician. We’d rather provide reassurance about something that isn’t a cause for concern than overlook something that is.
Your baby may “startle” with arms and legs suddenly stretched out in response to loud noise, a change in position, or seemingly for no reason at all. The Moro reflex causes these jerky movements, which usually peak in the first month and disappear after two months. This reflex can occur while a baby is sleeping and can even wake them up. Swaddling your baby to sleep can help reduce the likelihood of this happening. If you are concerned about your baby’s movements, record a video and bring it to his or her next well visit.
The first poop of a baby is usually black and sticky. This is known as meconium poop. The Baby’s poop should progress from black to brown to green to yellow over the course of a few days. Baby poop is typically soft and sometimes runny. This means it can sometimes seep out the sides of the diaper, up their back, and all over them. The first explosive poop is usually a surprise to new parents, but don’t worry, you’ll be a pro at dealing with these blowouts in no time. Many babies will poop after every feed, while others will poop once a day, and some babies may go several days between poops. This is usually not a cause for concern as long as the baby has a soft poop when they go.
If you notice any white or chalky poop after two or more diaper changes, contact your pediatrician to ensure everything is fine. Check out this blog post by one of my colleagues for more information on newborn poop.