Newborn Babies

Bonny Bouncing Baby? What is normal? This article examines some physical features of new born babies.

the head comes out first and the pressure on the skull should not be underestimated. It reshapes after a few days although the skull plates may not close for up to eighteen months

if this is not a genetically inherited colour, look out of for a change of eye colour between six and nine months. The eyes do not synchronise with one another until about three months after birth so do not to be too alarmed if your new born is squinting. The birthing process can result in puffy eyes and this tends to go down after a few days. Check for a mild bacterial infection or blocked tear duct if the eyes remain puffy or emit a discharge. Both conditions are relatively simple to treat

your baby may be born with a lot of hair or no hair at all. For babies with hair, this often falls out and then grows again

your baby may remain in the foetal position, look for hands curled ino fists, long fingernails, which require cutting, extremities with a blueish tinge

genitals may enlarge during the birthing process. For little boys, the scrotum may look enlarged, in little girls, breasts may be swollen and producing milk and the labia may be swollen and vaginal discharge present

skin condition can vary considerably, some babies are covered with a downy body hair, known as lanugo. Others may be covered in a white, waxy substance that protects the skin in the womb. This is called vernix. some babies are rosy, whilst others are decidedly wrinkly. Whilst the hands and feet may be blueish, the lips and tongue should be pink.

birthmarks - generally disappear within twelve months but some remain permanently