5 More Things That Are Normal in Newborns but Scare Parents

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video covers five things that are normal in newborns but which frighten parents. 1. Weight loss after birth. From birth up to the first 5 days, a 10% weight loss in the baby is quite common and normal. In preterm babies, weight loss can be up to 15%. 2. Bringing up a little milk after a feed. It is normal for the baby to bring up a little milk after drinking. If the baby brings up 5–10 ml, curd-like in appearance, there is no need to panic. This is not called vomiting — it is called spitting or regurgitation. 3. Slightly bowed legs. The legs being a little curved, which is called bowing of legs, is normal. This is because the baby stays in a certain position in the mother's womb, which makes the legs slightly curved. 4. Breast swelling in babies. Parents get scared by this, but it is nothing. The mother's hormones remain in the baby's body, and because of that there is breast swelling. It resolves on its own within one to two months. 5. White dots on the nose. White dots that appear on a baby's nose are called milia. This is normal in babies and is nothing to worry about. Relevant for: new parents worried that their newborn has lost weight in the first days; parents of preterm babies asking how much weight loss is normal; parents whose baby brings up curd-like milk after feeds and who want to know the difference between spitting/regurgitation and vomiting; parents worried about their baby's bowed or curved legs; parents who notice breast swelling in a newborn; and parents asking about white spots or milia on a baby's nose and face. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every baby is different — please consult your pediatrician if your baby is losing weight beyond the early days, vomits forcefully or repeatedly, is not feeding well, or if any of these findings worsen or persist.