Bringing a newborn home can be one of the most beautiful and overwhelming experiences of your life. While you're busy adjusting to sleepless nights and feeding routines, you might also find yourself constantly wondering: "Is this normal?" From odd skin textures to surprising movements, newborns come with a lot of unexpected traits that can catch new parents off guard. The good news? Most of these things are completely normal.
Common newborn characteristics and behaviors that may seem unusual at first, but are nothing to worry about:
Peeling Skin
In the days following birth, it’s totally normal for a baby’s skin to start peeling, especially on the hands and feet. This is simply their body shedding the outer layer of skin that protected them in the womb.
Baby Acne
Tiny red or white bumps may appear on your baby’s face, usually within the first few weeks. This is known as baby acne and is thought to be caused by lingering maternal hormones. It’s harmless and typically clears up on its own without treatment.
Milia
These are small white or yellowish bumps, often found on the nose, cheeks, or chin. Milia occur when dead skin becomes trapped in tiny pockets at the surface of the skin. They don’t cause discomfort and usually fade within a few weeks.
Cradle Cap
This is a common scalp condition where thick, greasy, or flaky patches form on your baby’s head. It might look alarming, but it’s painless and usually clears up on its own with gentle washing and sometimes a bit of baby oil.
Blisters on Lips
Some newborns develop little blisters or calluses on their lips from sucking during feeding. These are called “suck blisters” and are completely harmless. They often disappear on their own as the baby adjusts to feeding.
Body Covered in Hair
Some babies are born with fine, soft hair covering parts of their body, including the back, shoulders, ears, or forehead. This is called lanugo, and it develops in the womb. It usually falls off within the first few weeks after birth.
Birthmarks—Sometimes Lots of Them
Birthmarks are incredibly common and come in many forms, from flat pink patches (like “stork bites”) to darker pigmented spots. Some babies have just one; others have several. Most are harmless and fade or lighten over time.
Lots of Sneezes
Newborns sneeze frequently, not because they’re sick, but because it’s their way of clearing out tiny nasal passages. Unless it’s accompanied by other signs of illness like a fever, this is totally normal.
Frequent Hiccups
Hiccups are incredibly common in newborns and can happen several times a day. They’re caused by an immature diaphragm and are more of a minor annoyance than a health concern. Most babies don’t seem bothered by them at all.
Startle Reflex
Also known as the Moro reflex, this is when your baby suddenly flails their arms and legs in response to a loud sound or sudden movement. It can be surprising to see, but it’s a sign of healthy neurological development. The reflex usually disappears by 3–4 months of age.
Jerky Movements
Newborns often move in a twitchy or jerky manner due to their developing motor skills and immature nervous systems. Over time, as muscle control improves, their movements become smoother and more coordinated.
Irregular Breathing
It can be unsettling to see your baby breathe quickly, pause, and then start again—but this is known as periodic breathing, and it’s typical for newborns. Their bodies are still learning to regulate breathing patterns.
Unpredictable Feeding and Sleeping Habits
Newborns don’t follow schedules. Some days they might cluster-feed every hour, and other times they’ll sleep for long stretches. This unpredictability is entirely normal during the first few weeks as they adjust to life outside the womb.
While all of these traits might raise an eyebrow or two, they’re usually nothing more than signs of a healthy newborn adjusting to their new world. Of course, if something seems off or you’re ever in doubt, it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician. But in most cases, these tiny quirks are just part of the wonderfully weird and perfectly normal early days of babyhood.
