Newborns experience many normal conditions that may cause parents to worry. These are normal conditions or conditions that do not require treatment… because they can resolve on their own!!
Peeling Skin
For full-term births, the skin does not peel in the first 1-2 days. After day 2, peeling usually appears, often on the hands and feet. It will go away on its own within 2-3 weeks after birth and does not require any treatment.
Jaundice
This is a common symptom in newborns. Jaundice appears on days 2-4 after birth due to immature liver function, which causes incomplete excretion of bilirubin from the body, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. Prevention involves keeping the baby with the mother at all times to breastfeed frequently (breast milk helps stimulate bowel movements). If severe jaundice is observed, a doctor should be consulted for care and treatment.
Spitting Up Milk
After feeding, the baby may frequently spit up a small amount of milk, which is normal and not a cause for concern. This is because the newborn’s stomach sphincter does not function well, causing it to close incompletely and allowing a small amount of milk to come back up after feeding. The milk may come out through the nose and mouth. The milk that comes out may appear curdled like tofu because it has been mixed with stomach digestive juices, which is part of the digestion process. Parents may mistakenly think the milk is not digested or that the milk given is not good.
To prevent spitting up, burp the baby or help the baby to burp, and arrange for the baby to lie with the head elevated and on the right side for about half an hour after feeding. In this position, the stomach sphincter is higher, reducing milk reflux.
How to Burp a Baby
- Place the baby sitting upright on your lap, with your thumb and index finger supporting under the baby’s chin and the other three fingers under the armpits. Gently rub or pat the back and the baby will burp naturally.
- Hold the baby over your shoulder in a prone position, with the baby’s chin resting on your shoulder. The baby will burp naturally or you can gently pat the baby’s back to help.
Sneezing
Sneezing is a normal condition found in all newborns. They may sneeze more or less even though they do not have a cold. It is mostly caused by dust particles or dried mucus in the nose causing irritation. The baby will feel itchy in the nose and sneeze. Sometimes it may be caused by the mother using too much powder.
Startle Reflex
The startle reflex or sudden jerking in response to sounds or touch is found in all babies as it indicates a healthy nervous system. It is a simple test to show that the baby hears sounds. The baby responds by raising arms or legs, opening hands, spreading arms out, and then bringing them back together. This response is seen when the baby is in a deep sleep. The startle reflex can be observed until about 6 months of age.
Hiccups
Hiccups occur after feeding due to immature diaphragm function and the stomach expanding from milk and swallowed air touching the diaphragm. If you burp the baby by holding them upright or over your shoulder for a while, the hiccups will stop on their own.
