Is there anything more delightful and cozy than a newborn? The initial days with each of my little ones were sheer happiness. Sure, there were challenges and a whirlwind of emotions—birth is no walk in the park. But those tiny bundles of joy? Pure perfection. Thinking back to those serene moments with a tiny, wrinkled baby dozing on my chest brings a wave of tranquility. Newborns truly are a little slice of heaven, especially when they belong to you.
Yet, newborns can also be quite intimidating. They’re so fragile and unable to communicate! In fact, during the early days, they don’t even always cry when they’re hungry. They’re utterly helpless.
Newborns often come with a range of surprising (though usually harmless) bodily quirks that can catch any new parent off guard. A friend recently reminded me that baby girls can experience a bit of vaginal bleeding at birth, and I realized if that had happened to my daughter, I might have panicked. I might have known this at some point, but it’s not something people usually talk about during pregnancy.
If you’re expecting and haven’t been reminded about some of these lesser-known newborn details, I’ve compiled a list for you. Here are a few unusual but typically harmless things you might encounter with your newborn:
- Both Boys and Girls Can Lactate: Believe it or not, infants of either sex can start lactating shortly after birth. This phenomenon, known as “witch’s milk” or “galactorrhea of the newborn,” is due to hormonal changes and usually resolves on its own. Just inform your pediatrician, and they’ll monitor it.
- Baby Girls Can Have “False Periods”: It can be alarming to find blood in your baby girl’s diaper, but this is often a normal response to hormonal shifts after birth. This “false menses” should only last a couple of days. Gently clean her with warm water and consult your pediatrician for guidance.
- Swollen Genitals in Baby Boys: It’s not uncommon for baby boys to be born with swollen genitals due to fluid accumulation during birth. This typically resolves within a few months, so no need to worry.
- Check for a Sacral Dimple: Some newborns, like my son, have a sacral dimple—a small indentation at the base of their spine. Most of the time, these are benign, but occasionally they can indicate spinal abnormalities, so it’s worth mentioning to your doctor.
- Tiny Ear Pits or Tags: If you notice a small pinhole or growth near your baby’s ear, these are known as preauricular pits or ear tags. They are generally harmless, but your pediatrician can provide advice if they cause any issues.
- Various Types of Birthmarks: Newborns can be born with a range of birthmarks, most of which are harmless. Vascular birthmarks include angel’s kisses and hemangiomas, while pigmented birthmarks like moles and Mongolian spots are also common. Point them out to your doctor for identification.
- Natal Teeth: Some newborns may arrive with natal teeth—teeth that are present at birth. While they can sometimes indicate underlying issues, they are often harmless and can be evaluated by your doctor.
- Fuzzy Babies: Many babies are born with lanugo, a fine layer of hair that usually falls out before birth. Premature babies or even some full-term babies might still have this soft fuzz, but it will disappear soon enough.
- Extra Digits: It’s not as rare as you might think for babies to be born with extra fingers or toes, a condition known as polydactyly. While not harmful itself, an extra digit may need to be surgically removed if it’s not securely attached.
This list is by no means exhaustive. Babies are full of surprises, and even the most prepared parents can encounter the unexpected. However, most of these quirks are nothing to worry about, and knowing about them in advance can ease some of the anxiety if you do experience them. Your baby’s doctor will be there to help you navigate any concerns!
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Summary
Newborns come with a variety of surprising but typically harmless characteristics that can bewilder new parents. From unexpected lactation to harmless birthmarks, knowing about these quirks can help ease concerns. Most of these differences are benign, so don’t hesitate to consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or worries.
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