Newborns are Weird

We want to tell you some of the weirdest newborn quirks so you have the potential to be the most confident and empowered parent you can be!

Here are our top 8 weird but normal newborn quirks:

1. Loud, big and messy poops:

Sometimes they poop before they’re even born, sometimes they take days to poop, other times it seems like you’re changing a poop diaper on the hour.

The first tar-like and sticky poops, called meconium, transition to less sticky over the first few days of life. Those poops can fill a diaper, sometimes even shoot halfway up their backs.

Don’t let their little bodies fool you, those poop sounds can wake you up at night!

2. Shaking

The newborn startle reflex lives up to its name, it can be startling as a parent!

The “moro reflex” is normal and designed for their safety. Loud sounds or movements can trigger this startle reflex. But even stranger, lots of newborns love lout sounds because it mimics being in the womb! This is why swaddling is so soothing to many babies, because it makes them feel safer.

Looks like they’re terrified or cold, but we promise, they’re just doing what their bodies are designed to do

3. Sneezing

Their tine little nostrils can get claustrophobic even with a drop or two of fluid.

Sneezing is their little bodies’ way of clearing out the extra amniotic fluid or healthy nasal moisture so it doesn’t inhibit their breathing. Try to limit overusing the bulb syringe, it can irritate their tine passages even more.

Sneezing doesn’t mean they are sick.

4. Sleepiness

Newborn sleep is all over the place.

Sometimes they’re awake for hours at a time, others they’re asleep for hours at a time, other times they’re asleep but moving and making noises like crazy.

No matter what, newborns will almost always sleep while the birthing mama is holding them. Making it difficult for mom to feed baby in those early days.

Bottom line, newborns sleep a lot, it just looks different than adult sleep.

5. Funny breathing

Their lungs start to work the second that umbilical cord is cut. So we give their lungs a lot of slack in learning how to their job.

They breathe fast, and they breathe irregularly. Meaning they take a few quick breaths can take a couple second pause, then pick up with quick breathing again. Other times they seemingly do inhales that are on top of one another.

6. Cross-eyed

Just like their lungs, their eyes need time to get their bearings as well.

Their eye muscles and focusing abilities take weeks to hone their new-found talents.

While newborns are sleeping, you may also see their eyes begin to roll back, that’s when you know their REM sleep is starting in that sleep cycle.

7. They're scrunchy and squirmy

Your newborn will probably love to keep their bodies in a similar position that they were in while in your tummy, because they’re used to it.

Newborn positioning is often curled and flexed. Their muscles are taking time to strengthen and develop. The curling even extends to those tiny little palms that can get a little death grip on anything that grazes near them.

They may look like they’re ready to roll over in those first couple weeks, but when safe sleep is practiced, they won’t roll over yet!

8. They’re obsessed with you

Your amniotic fluid smell is reproduced by your areola!

Amniotic fluid has a similar taste to breastmilk!

Your heartbeat is your baby’s favorite sound.

Snuggling will be infinitely calming to them because they love how you smell and sound.

Don’t sell your mama super powers short, you’re a rockstar!

We want to encourage you to keep an open dialogue with your baby’s pediatrician about their development and milestones. If something doesn’t feel right to you, please mention it!

What weird things did you newborn do?!?

Your postpartum nurses Meg and Carly here to prepare you for postpartum and beyond. We want to make sure you have the education you need to care for your own healing body after birth, not just your baby.

Postpartum prep courses occurring virtually and regularly intended to be taken during pregnancy are now open for registration. Our return to work support group is pay what you can and supports that tough back to work transition. Then join us in our online community for the growth, support and empowerment to continue <3