When you have a newborn baby, you are bound to notice that at certain stages throughout the day, they exhibit behavior that can seem a little strange. These behaviors often leave parents worried and concerned, thinking that they need to take action to help their little one. But fret not, because in this video, I want to alleviate your concerns by discussing five strange behaviors that newborns commonly demonstrate and whether or not they are cause for concern. We’ll cover everything from your baby’s vision to their hand movements, providing you with the reassurance and knowledge you need to understand and navigate these behaviors with confidence. Additionally, we’ll touch on the topic of developmental milestones, ensuring that you are well-prepared for your baby’s first year of life. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into this informative discussion together.
One of the first strange behaviors we will address is your baby’s eye movements. It’s common for their eyes to occasionally appear crossed or look in different directions, but this doesn’t necessarily indicate a vision problem. Rather, it’s a sign that their eye muscles are developing and still learning how to coordinate. Notice if the crossed-eye appearance is temporary and resolves by four to six months of age. If it persists or becomes more severe, seeking professional advice is recommended. We’ll cover more intriguing behaviors in this video, providing you with the guidance you need to navigate your baby’s development with confidence.
Strange Behaviors in Newborns
When you have a newborn baby, you’re going to notice that at some stages in their day, they do things that seem a little strange. While these behaviors can often raise concerns among parents, it’s important to know that most of them are completely normal and nothing to worry about. In this article, we will explore five strange behaviors that newborns often exhibit and provide you with the information you need to determine whether or not they require further attention.
Crossed Eyes
One of the strange behaviors that parents often notice in their newborns is crossed eyes. You may observe that your baby’s eyes occasionally appear to cross or look in different directions. While this can be concerning, it’s important to understand that it does not necessarily indicate a vision impairment or problem. In fact, it is quite common for newborns to have crossed eyes as their eye muscles are not yet strong enough to hold them straight. It’s normal for your baby to appear cross-eyed for only fleeting periods, and this should resolve by four to six months of age.
Startle Reflex
Another behavior that can be alarming for parents is when their newborn suddenly throws back their head and extends their arms and legs. This movement may look severe and make you think that your baby is having a seizure, but it is actually the startle reflex, also known as the Moro reflex. This reflex is a normal neurological response that newborns have in response to loud noises, sudden movements, bright lights, or strong smells. It typically resolves gradually by four months of age.
Cold Hands and Feet
You may also notice that your newborn’s hands and feet feel extremely cold, which can be a cause for concern for some parents. However, it’s important to know that this is completely normal in newborns and does not necessarily indicate that they are cold. The coldness in their extremities is actually an indication of their immature circulation system, which will improve over time as their body continues to grow and develop.
Sneezing
Newborns sneeze a lot, and this behavior can often worry parents who think that their baby is getting sick or has an allergy. However, sneezing in newborns is actually a protective reflex to clear their nasal passage. It is a natural response to irritants in the environment, such as dust or fluff in the air or a strong smell. Sneezing can also help to reopen a temporarily closed nostril, which can happen when they are feeding and their face is against the breast or bottle.
Fisted Hands
When parents first notice their newborn’s hands, they may be concerned to see that their little one’s hands are fisted and their thumbs are resting inside the palm. However, this is a completely normal hand position for newborns. Over the next few months, you will observe that your baby’s hands gradually start to open, and their thumbs will come out. It is expected for the thumbs to be out by three months of age. If your baby’s thumbs are still not out by this time, it may be a good idea to seek the advice of an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
In conclusion, strange behaviors in newborns are often nothing to be concerned about as they are a normal part of development. However, it’s important to be aware of any behaviors that are constant or persist beyond the expected age range. If you have any concerns about your baby’s behavior or development, it is always best to seek professional advice. Providing a supportive environment for your baby’s development and understanding their behaviors can help put your mind at ease as a new parent.