We’re three pediatricians who thought nothing could surprise us after years of training and patient care. Then we had our own babies. Even knowing all the science, newborns still make you question everything — from loud sleep sounds to sudden flailing.
Here’s a guide from our combined “doctor + mom” perspective on the weird-but-normal things newborns do in those first few weeks so you can spend more time snuggling and taking cute pics and less time panic googling.
1. Quick jerky movements
You may notice your baby suddenly fling out an arm or leg or make a quick jerking motion like a karate master. This happens because their nervous system is still immature and learning how to respond to the world. These movements are brief, usually lasting just a few seconds, and they resolve on their own.
2. Cross-eyed cuties
It’s common for newborns to appear a little cross-eyed in the early months, especially when falling asleep or when milk drunk. The muscles that control eye movements are still developing, and with time they become stronger and more coordinated. By about 4 to 6 months, eye movements are usually well aligned.
3. Sneeze machines
Frequent sneezing doesn’t mean your baby is sick. In the womb, their lungs were filled with fluid, and although most clear with those first breaths, it can take weeks to fully resolve. Since the mouth and nose are connected, a little milk or saliva can also enter the nose, especially when lying down. Sneezing is simply their way of keeping the airway clear.
4. Cracked, dry, flaky skin
After nine months living in a swimming pool (a.k.a. the womb), baby skin has some adjusting to do. It’s super common for newborns to peel and flake like a tiny lizard. Totally harmless. If it lasts more than a few days, a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer is fine.
5. Professional Poopers!
We could honestly write an encyclopedia on baby poop because it’s one of the most common questions. It comes in all colors and textures and most of them are completely fine. Black meconium is expected in the first few days, but beyond that, poop we worry about is: black, red like blood or white like a sheet of paper. Everything else: green, yellow, seedy, even a little mucus is usually in the normal range.
The bottom line
Babies are quirky, but quirky doesn’t mean something’s wrong. From sneezes to startles to ever-changing diapers, it’s all part of being a newborn — and it’s usually perfectly normal.
Also check out: Types of Baby Poop – What is Normal