About the newborn

1/ I noticed a red blood spot in the whites of my eyes, is this a concern?
No, this is caused by the pressure exerted during labor and usually goes away on its own within a few days.
2/ My newborn appears to have small lumps, is this possible?
Yes, they are called "milium". They appear on the tip of the nose and chin and are caused by the secretion of sebum by the skin glands. They usually disappear in 2 or 3 weeks.
3/ The baby's back and shoulders are covered with fine hair, why?
This is called lanugo and is produced towards the end of pregnancy. It usually falls off within a few weeks after birth.
4/ My baby has a swelling (an air-filled lump) on his belly button that gets bigger when he cries. What is it?
This is an umbilical hernia. It is usually not dangerous or painful and disappears in most cases after the first year of life.
5 / The urine appears to have blood in it. What could it be?
It is normal for a newborn's diaper to have red or orange stains due to urate salts, which give this color to the urine.
6 / Can the newborn see?
Yes, your baby is able to focus on a point in the center of his field of vision, usually located 8 to 18 inches in front of him. This is the position in which he can see his mother's face while he is being breastfed. It is also normal for there to be a slight strabismus occasionally, with the eyes briefly crossing.
7 / Can the newborn hear?
Yes, during the first month of life, the baby shows auditory interest, especially when spoken to using a soft, melodic tone, often called "baby voice."
8 / What is that constant secretion in a newborn's eyes?
This discharge may be the result of irritation caused by silver nitrate or PVPI (povidone-iodine), which are injected into the eyes shortly after birth, or it may be due to a blockage in the tear duct. It is recommended to clean the eyes with filtered water and, if it persists, it is a good idea to add a few drops of breast milk. If the problem persists, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician for further guidance.
9 / Does the newborn feel cold?
Yes, newborns experience similar temperature changes to adults, but they lose heat more quickly. Therefore, it is important to keep your baby properly wrapped up to prevent them from getting cold.
10 / The umbilical cord fell off and there was a hard ball in the belly button. What is that?
This hard lump in the belly button is called an umbilical granuloma. Your pediatrician may recommend cauterizing it with silver nitrate or using saline solution to help reduce it. Sometimes, after the umbilical cord falls off, there may be a small amount of bleeding that stains the diapers. This is not a cause for concern; just keep the area dry and clean.
11 / What are those red spots known as "stork bites"?
These spots, also called hemangiomas, are birthmarks that appear on the root (above) of the nose, the lower center of the forehead, and the back of the head and neck. They usually disappear within a few months or up to a year. It is important to note that these spots are centrally located, while lateral spots, such as burgundy spots on the cheeks and eyelids, can be a permanent problem.
12/ One testicle appears to be considerably larger (as if swollen) than the other. What is this?
This could be a hydrocele, which is a buildup of fluid around the testicle. It usually goes down gradually over time. However, if the swelling in the testicle appears suddenly or increases during crying, it is important to see your pediatrician.
13 / Is fever dangerous for a newborn?
Yes, fever is a warning sign, as it can indicate illness. It is essential to take your baby to the pediatrician immediately if he or she has a fever.
14 / The baby is sneezing, does this mean he has a cold?
No, sneezing is a normal reflex, as are hiccups and some regurgitation. These symptoms are common in newborns and do not necessarily indicate a cold.
15 / The baby's breasts are swollen and sometimes a little milk even comes out (which is called "witch's milk"). Should I squeeze them?
Never squeeze. This is due to hormones passed from mother to baby and usually goes away in about a week. Trying to squeeze can lead to infection and an abscess. If you have any concerns, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.
16 / What are white “pimples” on newborns?
These small white bumps, often mistaken for pimples, are a mild form of milia and usually appear on a baby's face. Neonatal milia are a benign condition that do not cause discomfort to the baby and, in most cases, disappear on their own after a few weeks.
17 / What are red spots like “bites” on a newborn?
Erythema toxicum is characterized by red, bite-like spots that usually appear on the baby's torso and face in the first few days of life. Although the exact cause is not yet fully understood, these spots are benign and non-contagious. They usually disappear spontaneously within three to seven days, without the need for any specific treatment.