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Newborn Nuances

A Certified Doula Discusses Newborn Characteristics

By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula

Most of us don't have an opportunity to care for a brand-new baby before becoming parents ourselves. This leads to many questions about what is normal and what to expect with a new baby. You will find that a newborn's physical characteristics are unique and her needs somewhat different from those of an older baby. The following frequently asked questions address the baby's first few weeks of life.

A newborn's head is approximately one-fourth of the total size of the body. The baby may have hair on his head, which will eventually be replaced with permanent hair. Babies tend to be 18 to 22 inches long at birth, weighing 6 to 9 pounds. There may be fine hair, called lanugo, on the back and shoulders. This hair is temporary.

Right after delivery, a newborn's skin may be covered with a thick, white substance called vernix. The vernix protects the skin in the womb. If the baby has a longer gestation, the vernix will begin to fade. The baby may have dry, peeling skin if he is very "post-dates."

When babies are born, they may look pale or blue. As the baby starts to breathe, cry, cough and sneeze, she becomes more oxygenated, turning pink and rosy. The hands and feet "pink up" last.

Your baby's arms and legs will be slightly bent. This is a positive sign, showing that your baby has good muscle tone. The baby's legs will appear to be bowed. This is not permanent and the shape of the legs will change as your baby grows.

Newborns can see, hear, taste and smell. They can also communicate by watching and mimicking facial expressions. Your baby already knows the sound of your voice and will begin to recognize your smell, your touch. He is born with a sucking reflex and has probably been sucking on his fist or lip in the womb. Newborns can "root" or look for their mother's breast.

Want to see more?

• Get to Know Your Newborn: A Head-to-toe Look at Your Baby
• The Wonders of Newborns: What Makes Babies So Unique and Special
• Newborn Breathing: Are All Those Little Noises Normal?
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!