So you’ve got your newborn checklist covered, breastfeeding how-to’s sorted, and all set to welcome your baby. But what about the newborn quirks that no books or classes ever told you about? We’ve got the scoop on all the strange, but very normal things you’ll soon discover about your baby in the first few weeks after birth.
Their first poop is black and doesn’t stink
That tar-like stuff is meconium – made up of cells, proteins and fats. It may even smell sweet! That’s because it doesn’t yet have the gut bacteria that makes poop smelly. Once baby starts feeding, their stool becomes looser and lighter in colour. Sometimes explosive too! Breastfed babies typically have seedy, yellow poop, while formula-fed ones have firmer, brownish stool.
Look ma, no tears!
Newborns can't produce tears until around one month old, as their tear ducts are still developing. They produce enough to keep their eyes moist, but not enough to form tears that trickle down their cheeks.
Swollen genitals
Newborns are born with extra fluid in their bodies, which often collects in areas like the face, causing puffy eyes, and genitalia, resulting in swollen labia in girls or a swollen scrotum in boys. Hormone exposure in the womb just before birth can also contribute to the swelling. Either way, it's harmless, and the puffiness usually clears up within a few days as the fluid is flushed out through urine.
Blood in the diaper
It’s easy to freak out when you see blood in the diaper. During pregnancy, babies share their mum’s hormones, so baby girls may experience vaginal discharge or a “mini-period” due to estrogen withdrawal. This usually levels out soon. Sometimes, a rough bowel movement can also cause a small scratch and blood in the diaper.
Baby boobs
At birth, both baby boys and girls may appear to have small breasts, and they might even leak milk. Again, this is due to hormones absorbed from mum, and typically clears up within a few weeks.
Random, jerky movements
A newborn is born with around 70 reflexes. In response to a loud noise, a change in position, or sometimes for no reason at all, they may get “startled” with their arms and legs suddenly splayed out. This twitchy movement is called the Moro reflex, which peaks in the first month and usually disappears by two months. Since this reflex can occur during sleep and even wake the baby, we recommend swaddling for better comfort.
Cone-shaped head
Giving birth is tough. Since a baby’s head is soft and malleable at birth, squeezing through the pelvic bone to exit the birth canal can mould it into a long, pointy shape. Scalp swelling from pressure during labour can also contribute to an irregular shape. However, your baby’s head will return to its normal roundness on its own within a few days to a few weeks.
Bless you!
Primarily, newborns sneeze a lot because they have to. Their smaller nasal passages, compared to adults', can get clogged more easily. If your baby is sneezing frequently but doesn't seem sick, he’s likely clearing out anything from breast milk to mucus, smoke, or even dust in the air.
World of tastes
At birth, babies have around 10,000 tastebuds - three times the number adults have! These tastebuds begin developing during the last trimester of pregnancy. In the first three months after birth, babies can distinguish between sweet and bitter tastes, with a preference for sweet flavours, like breast milk.
Tip
Studies suggest that what mothers eat during pregnancy can influence their child’s food preferences. Researchers recommend eating a variety of foods in the third trimester to pass these tastes onto your baby, which may help reduce fussiness during the weaning process.
Still unsure about your newborn's strange behaviour? Always trust your maternal instincts and consult your paediatrician if you're concerned. Don't wait too long to speak up if something feels off.
Getting ready for those first few weeks?
A calm newborn routine is mostly about comfort and gentle care. A few essentials that help:
- A soft, breathable infant swaddle to ease the startle reflex and support better sleep
- A tear-free baby bath wash that's gentle on delicate newborn skin
- Everyday baby care products to keep baby soft, clean and comfortable