As a new parent, it is completely normal to be hyper-aware of every twitch, cry, or odd expression your baby makes.
Many of these signs can be confusing or alarming, especially if it’s your first experience with newborns. However, some behaviors that seem unusual are actually typical developmental milestones.
In this blog, we will cover six common signs in newborns that often cause concern but are usually nothing to worry about.
#1 Jerky or Twitchy Movement in Newborns: What's Normal and What's Not
Newborns sometimes make jerky or twitchy movements, especially when falling asleep or crying. These movements are a result of the immature nervous system and underdeveloped pathways between the brain and muscles. Over time, usually within the first few months, your baby's movements will become smoother as their nervous system matures.
However, it is crucial to differentiate these normal motions from potential seizures.
If movements occur during awake times without stimuli, or seem rhythmic and repetitive, that's when to call a paediatric provider. Recording these events to show your healthcare professional can help with an accurate diagnosis. Early medical input ensures peace of mind and prompt treatment if necessary.
#2 Baby Crying Without Tears: Understanding Tear Gland Development
Newborns often cry without visible tears, which might concern some parents. This is completely normal at birth. A baby's tear glands only produce enough moisture to keep the eyes lubricated, not to show emotional tears. Tear production for crying typically begins between 1 to 3 months of age.
This is just one of the many developmental mini-milestones your baby will experience. If you are unsure where to get guidance on your child's growth and developmental milestones, it is a good idea to find a trusted paediatric provider or use a reliable milestone tracker for support.
#3 Watery Eyes in Newborns: When It’s a Blocked Tear Duct, and Not an Infection
Seeing a baby's eyes water persistently may alarm parents and trigger concerns about infections like conjunctivitis. In reality, this is often due to a blocked tear duct, a very common and usually harmless condition in babies under 12 weeks.
Tears are produced by glands under the eyelids and typically drain through tiny ducts into the nose if these ducts are blocked or underdeveloped the tiers will overflow most blocked ducts resolve on their own by a baby's first birthday.
Still if you notice redness or swelling it's best to find a pediatric provider for your newborn's assessment to rule out infections or other complications.
#4 Spitting Up or Reflux: Common and Usually Harmless
Spitting up is common among infants, mainly because the muscle (sphincter) between the stomach and esophagus is still immature. This allows milk to flow back up easily, especially since their entire diet is liquid.
As babies grow and begin to spend more time upright, spitting up typically subsides.
It's usually not a concern unless your baby shows signs of discomfort, poor weight gain, or feeding refusal. In those cases, your pediatric provider can assess the reflux-related conditions and suggest treatments or feeding adjustments. This highlights exactly why a pediatric provider is important; they monitor both growth and comfort in the early stages of life.
#5 Red Bumps on Baby’s Face: Likely Just Baby Acne
Another surprising but harmless sign is baby acne. If your baby develops small red bumps on the cheeks, forehead, or nose within the first few weeks, this is likely due to maternal hormones or underdeveloped pores reacting to external stimuli. It affects nearly 20% of newborns.
There is no need to treat it. Baby acne resolves on its own within 3 to 4 months. Avoid using acne treatment meant for adults.
If you are concerned it might be something else, such as an allergic reaction or eczema, speak to your pediatric provider during your next well-baby visit.
#6 Misshapen Head or Flat Spots: Understand the Cause and When to Act
Newborns often have oddly shaped heads due to their position in the womb, passage through the birth canal, or use of instruments during delivery. This is generally temporary, and most head shapes normalize within six weeks after birth.
However, if you notice a persistent flat spot (often at the back or side of the head) after 6 to 8 weeks, or your baby's head shape appears abnormal, consider consulting a physiotherapist or pediatric provider.
They will assess for conditions like positional plagiocephaly or craniosynostosis, which, though rare, require early treatment. In such situations, knowing when to connect with a pediatric provider becomes critical.
Understanding which signs are harmless and which require attention can reduce stress during your baby's early weeks. If you are ever in doubt, trust your instincts and reach out to your healthcare provider. They are there to support your baby's development and your peace of mind.
For expert guidance and compassionate newborn care, consider booking a consultation with Pristine Pediatrics and Family Medicine.