While each baby is a unique individual, there are certain characteristics and behaviors that are common to newborns. This section will describe some of the physical and behavioral traits you may notice in your baby during the first few weeks of life.

Head
Because of pressure before or during birth, your baby’s head may be temporarily misshapen, also called molding. Normal head shape usually returns by the end of the first week. Babies delivered by Cesarean birth usually do not have this head molding.

Soft Spots
Your baby has two obvious soft spots or fontanels. One is on the top of the head and the other is near the back of the head. Both fontanels are covered by a tough membrane, and with normal handling and care you can’t damage the soft spots when shampooing, brushing, or stroking your baby’s head. The soft spot in the front usually closes by 18 months of age, and the one in the back by two to six months.

Eyes
Color, Tears and Swelling
Caucasian infants have grayish-blue eyes at birth. Infants of other ethnic backgrounds may have grayish-brown eyes. However, an infant’s true eye color may not be known for several months.

Tear ducts are small at birth. Tears are usually not produced in noticeable amounts with crying until your baby is one to two months of age.

Swollen, puffy, or red looking eyes are often noticed after delivery and result from pressure during birth. Swelling and inflammation usually go away in a few days.

Eye Discharge
Occasionally a baby may have irritation from the antibiotic ointment given at birth. You may notice a small amount of yellow discharge from your baby’s eyes during your hospital stay. This usually clears up within 24 hours. If you notice continued yellow discharge or crusting on your baby’s lids and lashes after you get home, please notify your doctor. This can be a symptom of infection. If your baby has white matter collecting in the inner corner of the eye, it may be from a blocked tear duct. Your doctor should be notified.

Vision
A newborn’s eyes often do not seem to work together. As the eye muscles strengthen, the baby’s eyes should focus in line with each other. Babies are near-sighted at birth. They see objects best that are eight to 12 inches from their nose. When you talk to your baby, hold him close to your face so that he can see you. Your baby sees in color and prefers bright colors, black and white, and circular shapes.

Ears
From the Start
Newborns have a wide variety of ear sizes, shapes and positions that are normal. At birth your baby’s ears may bend easily. In time, the ear will feel firmer.

Ear Discharge
It is normal for a baby’s ears to produce wax. It is not normal for them to produce any other kind of discharge. If you think the discharge from your baby’s ear is not wax, please consult your physician. Q-tips should not be used in your baby’s ears at any time. Ears can be cleaned well with the corner of a clean, damp washcloth.

Breasts
Swollen breasts
During the first days after birth, it is normal for both baby boys and baby girls to have swollen breasts. This swelling is caused by hormones the baby gets from its mother during pregnancy. Occasionally a baby may produce a small amount of milk. If your baby does produce milk, or has breast swelling, do not attempt to squeeze out the milk as this might cause infection. The swelling will go down as the baby’s body rids itself of mother’s hormones.

Skin
The skin is thin and dry. You may see some veins through it. The skin of the Caucasian newborn is a pink to reddish color. As babies cry, they may become a deeper red. In the Black infant, the skin color appears as a reddish-black color that darkens as the baby gets older. In Asian babies the skin is a tea rose color.

Frequently, dark bluish spots may appear on the lower portion of the back or buttocks of babies with Black, Asian, Mediterranean or Native American descent. These are called Mongolian spots. They are caused by a temporary accumulation of pigment under the skin and they usually fade without treatment during the preschool years. Despite the name, these spots have nothing to do with Mongolism or Down Syndrome.

In the newborn it is common for the baby’s hands and feet to appear bluish. This is called acrocyanosis. In the first few days of life this is seen because the baby’s circulatory system is not yet efficient at getting blood around the extremities.