6 Post-Birth Traits in Babies That New Parents Need to Know About

Every child is unique and possesses distinct characteristics. Some traits may seem unusual to new parents, and it's essential to understand these unique post-natal traits.

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Understanding the unique and seemingly unusual traits of newborns can help parents better care for and support their children. Join us as we explore six post-partum differences in children that parents should be aware of.

1A Disproportionate Body Ratio

Most newborns will have a head-to-body ratio of about 1:7, but some may have larger heads. However, this is normal, so parents need not worry.

After birth, the rate of a child’s body growth doubles, with the upper limbs growing three times and the lower limbs, four. Meanwhile, the size of the head may only increase by approximately one fold, eventually achieving a more proportionate appearance.

Disproportionate Body Ratio

2Newborns are “Short-Sighted”

Newborns up to one month old typically see objects within a range of 20 cm and their vision gradually improves until they are eight months old.

As their eyesight develops, children are drawn to colorful and vibrant toys and objects. Therefore, mothers can opt for colorful toys to stimulate their child’s visual development.

Newborns are “Short-Sighted”

3Entire Body Turns Red During Bowel Movements

Some children make grunting noises and their entire body suddenly turns red while passing stool. This is because newborns find it challenging to defecate during their initial attempts and need to strain to expel feces.

To ease this process, parents can gently massage their baby’s abdomen or pat their back to stimulate digestion and encourage bowel movements.

Entire Body Turns Red During Bowel Movements

4Frog-like Legs

Many newborns have knock-knees, a condition that worries mothers. This occurs because babies tend to curl up and cross their legs while in the womb, causing their feet to turn inward.

However, with time, a child’s leg muscles will strengthen and lengthen, allowing their legs to straighten.

Frog-like Legs

5A Bulging Belly

Many mothers worry when they notice their baby’s bloated stomach, attributing it to gas. However, the primary reason is that a newborn’s abdominal muscles are not yet fully developed, so a full stomach creates the appearance of a larger belly.

As their digestive system matures and strengthens, their stomach will gradually become more toned, so there’s no need for concern.

A Bulging Belly

6Nails Growing into the Flesh

For newborns, nails are typically soft and flexible, capable of changing position and shape, which is a normal part of their development. Thus, while their nails may initially grow into the flesh, they will eventually grow more proportionately as they age.

Nails Growing into the Flesh

These are the six “abnormal” characteristics that newborns may exhibit after birth. We hope this information helps parents better understand their child’s body and provides guidance on how to care for their little ones!

Source: Literary Arts Times

Frequently asked questions

There are several traits new parents should look out for, including: an elongated head shape, which usually rounds out within a few days; a soft spot on the baby’s head, which is a normal part of their skull development; jaundice, a common condition causing yellowing of the skin and eyes; excessive sleeping, which is normal for newborns but should be monitored; and finally, an unusual breathing pattern, which can be a concern if it persists.

It’s quite common for babies to have an elongated head shape after birth due to the birth process itself. This is usually not a cause for concern as the shape of their head tends to round out within a few days. However, if there is significant asymmetry or the condition persists, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

The soft spot, also known as the anterior fontanel, is a gap between the bones of the baby’s skull. This is a normal part of their skull development and allows for brain growth during the first year of life. It’s important to handle the baby’s head with care and avoid any direct impact to this area.

Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, characterized by a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. It is caused by an increase in bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Mild cases of jaundice usually resolve on their own, but more severe cases may require treatment with phototherapy, where the baby is placed under special lights to help break down the bilirubin.

Yes, it is normal for newborns to sleep a lot, often up to 16-18 hours a day. However, it’s important to monitor their sleeping patterns and ensure they are waking up regularly to feed. If your baby seems excessively sleepy and is difficult to wake for feedings, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider.

Unusual breathing patterns in newborns can be concerning. If your baby seems to be breathing rapidly, pausing between breaths, or making grunting noises, it’s important to seek medical advice. These could be signs of respiratory distress and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
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