Normal Physical Characteristics of Newborns

Head

• The head of a newborn is often oblong, as the bones soften to allow for passage through the birth canal. The head is also larger than the rest of the body, making the baby look unbalanced. The head rounds out eventually, and the body grows to match the size of the head. The newborn also has soft spots on the top and back of her head where the skull has not completely fused. These spots disappear at some point before 18 months.

Eyes

• Of course, newborns cry -- but without tears. The child's tear ducts do not form until a few weeks after birth. His eyes may also appear crossed because the eye muscles are very weak at birth. Wait a few weeks for the baby to strengthen his eye muscles before becoming concerned. Pressure during birth may also cause puffy or swollen eyelids, which usually disappear during the hospital stay.

Skin

• The skin of an infant may be covered with any of the following normal conditions: milia, lanugo or vernix. Milia are small whiteheads on the surface of the skin where the pores are blocked. Lanugo is a layer of downy hair covering the newborn's body. Vernix is a white cottage cheese-like covering that protects the skin in the womb. All these conditions disappear after a few weeks, and vernix is cleaned off immediately after birth. The newborn's skin is thin and dry, and peeling is normal. Dry skin on the scalp is yellowish in color and can be easily treated at home.

Breasts and Genitals

• It is not uncommon for a newborn's breasts and genitals to be swollen, regardless of gender. The swelling is due to the mother's hormones and disappears soon after birth. Females may have a white or pinkish discharge, which is the result of the baby's body absorbing the mother's hormones. This discharge also disappears soon after delivery.

Arms, Legs and Abdomen

• The abdomen is sometimes swollen and rounded in a newborn. This is normal and subsides in the first few weeks. The arms and legs are curled, and the hands are balled up in a fist. Newborns have come into a world of free movement from a very cramped space, so they don't understand their new ability to stretch out. In fact, it frightens a newborn to have her limbs stretched to full length. A baby begins to experiment with outstretched limbs around 3 months of age.