Appearance
Newborns may look different than you expect . They go through many changes during birth and in the first few days . The following pages contain information on some common physical characteristics .
Head Molding and Swelling
Soft Spots front of head
The newborn skull is made of separate bones that slide over each other . This lets the head fit through the birth canal . The head may also get puffy from the pressure of birth , called caput . These things can make your baby ’ s head look long and oddly shaped . This cone-head appearance goes away soon after birth .
Some babies get a puffy spot on their head called a cephalohematoma . Depending on the location , it may require examination by a doctor . Most of these spots are not dangerous and usually heal on their own in the first few weeks or months .
Many babies are born with puffy , swollen faces . This is because of hormones and the pressure of birth . Swelling goes down quickly . back of head
Preview
The separate skull bones allow the baby ’ s brain to grow after birth . You ’ ll notice two soft spots , also called fontanels , between bones ( the blue areas above ). The smaller spot on the back of baby ’ s head closes within the first month or two . The one in the front may not close completely until nineteen months . A strong membrane protects these spots while the bones grow together . They are safe to touch .
Swollen Genitals / Breast Buds
Newborns often have swollen genitals due to pregnancy hormones . Girls may have vaginal discharge ( including some blood ). Babies of either sex may have swollen breast tissue ( breast buds ), which can feel like a small lump under the nipple . You may see witch ’ s milk , a filmy white substance , coming from the nipples . This is called galactorrhea . These things lessen in the first week or two .
Baby ’ s head is large in comparison to their body , and heavy for their neck . For the first several months , make sure that your baby ’ s head is carefully supported every time they are being picked up and held .
Newborn Appearance and Abilities 25