Common things babies do
There are a variety of perfectly normal things that babies do, but frequently cause parents to have questions or concerns.
Hiccups
Hiccups are very common and are not a reason for concern. You do not need to do anything to treat them. Occasionally, they may make your baby a little fussy or spit up a little.
Sneezing
Sneezing is also very common and does not require any treatment. If your baby’s nose is running or is very congested, then you should see your doctor.
Chin, arms, legs trembling
Babies have an immature nervous system and their hands, feet, arms and legs often tremble or quiver. The same thing can happen to their chins and lips. This is perfectly normal.
Breathing patterns
Most newborns make some sounds as they breathe; it often surprises new parents just how much noise they make. It is also normal for newborns to have an irregular breathing pattern (periodic breathing).. They may breathe slowly, then quickly to “catch up.” They may alternate between shallow, quiet breaths and deeper, louder breaths. They may pause for a few (less than 6) seconds in their breathing. The air may make a sniffling or whistling sound as it goes through the nose. Babies also occasionally cough and sigh. All of these things are perfectly normal. If your baby has labored breathing, repeated grunting sounds, stops breathing, or turns blue, seek medical care immediately.
Spitting up
All babies spit up or reflux some, especially when burping or right after a feeding. It often looks like a lot of fluid but usually is not. Spitting up is usually normal as long as your baby has no breathing problems or choking or turning blue, is gaining weight well, is not excessively fussy and has no feeding difficulties. Normal reflux or spitting up is also effortless; it just kind of bubbles up and the baby is not forcefully vomiting or retching. Vomiting is forceful projection of a large amount of stomach contents. If your baby vomits more than once, he should be evaluated.
Congestion
A baby’s nose is small and makes a lot of noise sometimes as the baby breathes. Some babies develop some mucous congestion just as a consequence of temperature changes or adaptation to living in air rather than liquid. Some babies sound stuffier than others. You can gently suction the mucous out with a bulb syringe. The baby may sneeze it out as well. Removing the mucous is really only necessary if it is interfering with feeding (or if the noise is really bothering you)! Cigarette smoke in the air or on clothes irritates the baby’s nose and makes the mucous swell and make more mucous to protect itself and can make the baby stuffy and congested.
Strange sounds and funny faces
In addition to her breathing patterns, your baby may make a variety of other sounds as well, such as occasional grunting, gagging, sniffling, coughing and sneezing. He may grunt and strain when having a bowel movement. Babies are quite noisy, which comes as a surprise to many first-time parents.
Straining to poop or pass gas
Babies after a few weeks often start to strain, turn red, and may grunt to cry to pass gas and to poop. As long as the poop is soft, this is usually normal and will go away. And yes, gas and poop may smell bad (we get this question a lot)!
Gagging
Babies have to learn almost everything, including how to coordinate breathing and swallowing. Sometimes they gasp or gag when feeding or just swallowing. This is usually normal as long as your baby does not turn blue, or does not have loud or labored breathing, difficulty breathing, swallowing or feeding.
Newborn reflexes
Newborns have specific reflexes not present later in life. These can make their behavior seem different, which concerns some parents. The reflexes are protective and disappear in a few months. Some of them are responses to stimulation, and others the babies do on their own. Your baby’s healthcare provider will (should) be checking these regularly.
Sucking reflex
Babies suck as a reflex whenever the roof of their mouth is touched. such as with a breast, bottle, pacifier, or the baby’s own fingers or fist.
Stepping reflex
If a baby is held up with the feet touching a flat surface, it will lift its feet and step as if walking.
Babinski reflex
If the bottom of a baby’s foot is stroked, the big toe will curl up and out and the toes will spread out. This is normal in infants for a year or two.
Rooting reflex
The rooting reflex helps your baby feed. When the cheek or corner of the mouth is touched, the baby will turn its head to that side with the mouth open. When babies are doing it on their own, it can be a sign that the baby is ready to eat.
Grasp reflex (hands and feet)
Babies will grasp anything that touches their hand, and they have a strong grip! Their toes will also do it, which is quite unusual.
Startle (Moro) reflex
When babies are startled by a noise or sudden movement, they have a very specific reflex. Their arms go out, then back in, they arch their neck and back, and then usually cry. It may happen from noise, bumping the crib, or even picking up your baby. Your baby’s provider may check this reflex because it is an important part of checking the baby’s nervous system; however, some parents don’t like this because it can make the baby cry. The Moro reflex can also be frustrating because it can cause your baby to wake up and cry if startled while sleeping.
Asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR, fencing reflex)
When a baby’s head is turned to the side, the arm will go out on that side, and the other arm will curl up towards the head, looking like a fencing (sword-fighting) position.