Baby Behaviors That Scare New Parents (And When to Seek Help)

Becoming a new parent is an exciting, yet often overwhelming experience. As you navigate the world of sleepless nights, feeding schedules, and endless diaper changes, you may notice some strange behaviors in your newborn that can cause concern. While it's easy to worry when you see something unusual, many of these quirks are actually part of your baby's normal development. Let’s dive into six common baby behaviors that may seem odd but are usually nothing to worry about—and discuss when you should seek professional advice.

1. Newborn Shakes and Jerky Movements

One of the first behaviors you might notice is your newborn's jerky or twitchy movements, particularly when they are falling asleep, crying, or even while feeding. These movements are due to your baby’s immature nervous system. At birth, the pathways that send signals from the brain to the body are still developing, leading to these less controlled, twitchy motions.

As your baby’s nervous system matures, you’ll see these movements become smoother and more controlled. However, if you’re ever concerned that your baby’s shaking could be more than a developmental quirk—such as if you suspect seizures—it’s important to consult your pediatrician. It can be helpful to record any movements that worry you so your doctor can assess whether they are typical newborn twitches or something that needs medical attention.

2. Crying Without Tears

Newborns cry, and they do it often. But have you noticed that despite all the crying, there are no actual tears? This might seem strange, but it’s completely normal in newborns. The tear glands in newborns produce just enough moisture to keep their eyes healthy, but not enough to form visible tears when they cry.

It isn’t until around one to three months that babies start shedding actual tears when they are upset. As long as your baby’s eyes look moist and healthy, there’s no need to worry about the lack of visible tears. This is just one of the many small milestones your baby will reach during their first year of life.

3. Watery Eyes

On the topic of eyes, another behavior you might notice is your baby’s eyes watering constantly, even when they’re not crying. This can be alarming, leading you to wonder if your baby has an eye infection like conjunctivitis.

However, this could be due to a blocked tear duct, which is common in babies. Tears are produced to keep the eyes moist, but when the tear ducts are too narrow or blocked, the tears can’t drain properly, leading to constant watering. This typically isn’t a cause for concern and often resolves on its own by your baby’s first birthday.

If you notice any redness or swelling in your baby’s eyes, though, it’s a good idea to see your doctor to rule out any infections. And if the blocked tear duct persists beyond your baby’s first year, a pediatrician may recommend further treatment.

4. Spitting Up and Reflux

Spitting up is an all-too-familiar sight for new parents, and it can happen frequently in newborns. This happens because the sphincter, the muscle between the food pipe and stomach, is not fully developed, allowing milk or formula to easily flow back up the food pipe and out of the mouth.

Most babies are not bothered by spitting up, and it generally stops once they start sitting up and their digestive system matures. As long as your baby is gaining weight and seems content, there’s usually no need to worry. However, if your baby is showing signs of discomfort during or after feedings, or if spitting up is affecting their weight gain, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician. In such cases, your doctor may explore treatments to help manage reflux.

5. Baby Acne

You may notice small red bumps appearing on your baby’s face—typically on the cheeks, nose, or forehead—within the first few weeks after birth. This is baby acne, and while it might seem concerning, it’s harmless and quite common. In fact, baby acne affects around 20% of newborns.

The exact cause of baby acne is unknown, but some experts believe it may be due to maternal hormones or your baby’s underdeveloped skin pores. Fortunately, it doesn’t require any treatment and usually clears up on its own within three to four months without leaving any lasting effects. However, if you’re concerned about your baby’s skin or think it could be more than just acne, it’s always a good idea to consult your pediatrician.

6. Misshapen Head

Many newborns come into the world with misshapen heads, especially if they experienced a long labor or were delivered vaginally. This can be due to their position in the womb, the natural molding process during birth, or the use of instruments like forceps.

Typically, your baby’s head will round out and return to a more normal shape within six weeks after birth. However, if by six to eight weeks you notice that your baby still has a flat spot on the side or back of their head, or their head shape doesn’t seem to be improving, you may want to check in with a specialist. Conditions like positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) or craniosynostosis (where the bones in the skull fuse too early) can affect your baby’s brain development and require intervention.

Conclusion

Many of the strange behaviors you notice in your newborn are simply part of their development. From jerky movements to spitting up and baby acne, these quirks often resolve on their own as your baby grows. However, it’s always a good idea to trust your instincts and consult a pediatrician if something doesn’t feel right. Keeping track of your baby’s development and asking questions along the way can help ease your worries and ensure that your little one is on track.

Legal Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding your child’s health. EarlyDaysMom.com is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this content, nor for any actions taken based on the information provided.