Weird things newborns do

Is this normal?

Newborns are brand new humans adjusting to life outside the womb, and almost everything about them feels unfamiliar at first. Many of the behaviors and physical changes that worry parents most are actually signs of normal development. Below are some of the most common questions I hear in my office, along with what is truly normal and when to take a breath. If you find yourself watching every movement, sound, or skin change closely, you are not doing anything wrong. This stage comes with a lot of uncertainty, and reassurance matters.

Why do newborns sleep so much?

Newborns sleep a lot because their bodies and brains are growing at an extraordinary rate. Sleep is when much of that development happens. While every baby is different, it can be completely normal for a newborn to sleep up to 22 hours in a 24 hour period, especially in the early weeks.

Sleep patterns will vary day to day and are often fragmented. Long stretches of sleep do not necessarily mean something is wrong, just as frequent waking does not mean something is wrong. As long as your baby is waking to feed, gaining weight, and having appropriate wet and dirty diapers, the amount of sleep is usually not a concern.

Why is their skin peeling?

Skin peeling is extremely common during the first few weeks of life. Your baby’s skin is transitioning from a fluid filled environment to a dry one, and that adjustment takes time. The skin is also very thin and sensitive during this period.

Peeling does not mean your baby is uncomfortable or in need of aggressive treatment. Less is more. I recommend using plain petroleum jelly or Aquaphor if needed during the first few weeks, not scented lotions or multiple products. The peeling will resolve on its own, and there is nothing dangerous about it.

Why does their breathing look so strange?

Newborn breathing patterns can be alarming if you have not seen them before. Infants commonly have what is called periodic breathing. They may breathe rapidly for a short time, then pause for several seconds, then take a deep breath and resume normal breathing.

This pattern reflects an immature brain and nervous system and is normal in newborns. It does not indicate lung disease or breathing trouble when it happens in isolation and your baby otherwise looks comfortable and well. Over time, as the nervous system matures, breathing becomes more regular.

What are the raised red spots that look like flea bites?

Many newborns develop a rash often referred to as newborn rash. Medically, this is a harmless reaction caused by certain white blood cells moving to the surface of the skin.

The rash may appear and disappear over the course of days or weeks and can look worse before it looks better. It does not require treatment and should be left alone. It is not contagious, painful, or dangerous, even if it looks dramatic.

What about pimples? Will they scar?

Baby acne is common and normal. It often shows up around two weeks of age and can last several weeks, sometimes up to six to eight weeks. It may involve the face, scalp, or upper chest and can look inflamed or rough.

This happens due to hormonal shifts after birth as your baby adjusts to life without exposure to maternal hormones. The most important thing to know is that it should not be treated with acne products or picked. Left alone, it will resolve on its own and will not cause scarring, even if it looks concerning at first.

Many of these newborn changes overlap with one another, which can make things feel confusing. It is normal to worry about what is normal, especially when advice online is inconsistent or fear driven.

If something does not feel right to you, you should always feel comfortable bringing it up with your pediatrician. At the same time, it helps to know that newborns are allowed to be a little strange. Not everything needs fixing, and not every change is a problem.