Is My Newborn’s Behavior Normal? Addressing Common Worries

3 August 2025

Bringing home a newborn is like being handed the most delicate, unpredictable, and beautiful puzzle you've ever seen. Every hiccup, grunt, or wriggle feels mysterious, and if you're like most new parents—you’re constantly wondering, “Is this normal?”

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Let’s decode those newborn quirks together and ease your mind by addressing the most common behaviors that leave parents scratching their heads (and googling at 2 a.m.).

1. Newborns Are Noisy Sleepers — Totally Normal!

If your little one sounds like a miniature farm animal in their sleep—snorting, grunting, squeaking—you’re not imagining it. They really are that noisy, and it’s actually a good sign.

Why it happens:
Newborns are still getting used to breathing air. Their nasal passages are teeny tiny, and their reflexes aren’t fully developed. They cycle through active and quiet sleep quickly—unlike adults. It’s kind of like their version of sleep training...on hard mode.

When to worry:
If your baby is making choking sounds, gasping for air, or turns blue around the lips, that’s when it’s time to call your pediatrician or head to the ER immediately.

2. Erratic Breathing? Yep, Still Normal

Ever found yourself holding your breath watching your baby not breathe for a few seconds? That terrifying pause? Deep breath, mama and papa—it’s usually okay.

What’s going on:
Newborns often experience something called periodic breathing. They breathe fast for a few seconds, then slow down or pause altogether for up to 10 seconds before picking back up.

Keep an eye out:
If the pauses last longer than 15 seconds or they’re accompanied by changes in color or limpness, call your pediatrician.

3. Crossed Eyes and Eye-Rolling

Sometimes your baby's eyes seem to have a mind of their own. One eye may drift off or they might look completely dazed. It can be unsettling, but guess what? It’s super common.

How come?
The eye muscles are still developing. Until your baby hits 2 to 4 months of age, those wandering peepers are part of the normal “getting-used-to-life” package.

Red flag?
If the eye misalignment is constant after 4 months, or one eye seems consistently unresponsive, bring it up during a checkup.

4. Frequent Hiccups — Harmless and Even Cute

Hiccups in newborns can happen a lot. After feeding, during sleep, while they're just laying there being adorable...

The cause:
Newborns have a sensitive diaphragm. A tiny bit of air in their belly or even excitement (yes, babies get excited too!) can trigger a hiccup session.

Should you fix it?
Not really. Hiccups don’t cause discomfort and don’t need to be treated. If they seem to happen often during or after feedings, you can try slowing down the feeding or burping them more frequently.

5. Spitting Up vs Vomiting

This is a biggie. Is your baby throwing up or is it just spit-up? Spoiler alert: most of the time, it’s just spit-up.

Reality check:
More than half of healthy newborns spit up at least once a day. Their stomachs are small and immature. A little milk overflow is expected.

Know the difference:
- Spit-up: Gentle, usually just a dribble or short gush without force.
- Vomiting: Forceful, like something from The Exorcist, and happens repeatedly.

Call your doctor if:
Your baby can’t keep anything down, vomits green or yellow fluid, or seems lethargic or in pain.

6. OMG… Is That Poop Normal?

Trust us when we say: newborn poop is a whole journey.

What to expect:
- Day 1–2: Thick black goo called meconium.
- Day 3–4: Greenish transition poop.
- By Week 1–2: Yellow, seedy, or mustardy for breastfed babies; tan and pasty for formula-fed.

What’s “not normal” poop?
Gray, white, or bloody stools can be signs of a medical issue and need prompt attention.

And yes, babies can go a few days without pooping, especially breastfed ones. As long as their tummy isn’t hard and they don’t seem uncomfortable, it’s generally okay.

7. Crying—Sometimes A Lot

Babies cry. It’s their only way to communicate. Hunger, tiredness, a wet diaper, overstimulation, or just needing a cuddle—crying covers it all.

But how much is too much?
If your baby cries for more than three hours a day, three days a week, and it lasts over three weeks... it could be colic.

Is it something to freak out about?
Nope. Colic is harmless, though incredibly frustrating and exhausting. It usually peaks at 6 weeks and fades by 3–4 months.

Keep calm, take breaks, and never shake your baby—reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed.

8. Baby Acne, Peeling Skin, and Rashes Galore

No, your baby didn't eat fried food. That baby acne or flaky skin is par for the course.

What causes it?
Hormonal changes and leftover maternal hormones can cause baby acne. As for peeling skin, they grew in a water-filled balloon for 9 months—think of it like shedding their old apartment wallpaper.

How to treat?
Usually, you don’t need to. Keep baby’s face clean, avoid heavy oils or lotions unless prescribed, and it typically clears up in a few weeks.

9. Startle Reflex (That Sudden Flail)

Ever see your baby suddenly throw out their arms like they’ve just had a nightmare? That’s the Moro reflex—aka the startle reflex.

Why it happens:
It’s an involuntary response triggered by a loud sound, sudden movement, or even just laying them down too quickly.

When will it stop?
Usually fades on its own by 3 to 4 months.

Swaddling helps keep their little arms contained and can reduce the frequency of startles during sleep.

10. Feeding Round the Clock

“Didn't I just feed you??” Yes. Yes, you did. Newborns eat often because their stomachs are only the size of a walnut at birth.

What’s normal?
- Breastfed: Every 1.5 to 3 hours.
- Formula-fed: Every 3 to 4 hours.

Growth spurts (around week 2, week 6, and 3 months) will bring cluster feeding. It's exhausting, but it’s your baby saying, “I’m growing—feed me more, please!”

11. Jerky Movements and Twitching

If your baby’s arms or legs jerk randomly in their sleep, it looks scary but is usually not a cause for concern.

The explanation:
Their nervous system is still developing. These twitches are their little muscles and reflexes reacting to brain signals.

What’s not normal?
If movements are rhythmic, happen when they’re awake, or seem seizure-like, consult your pediatrician.

12. Baby’s Head Feels Soft – Because It Is

The soft spot (fontanelle) on top of your baby’s head isn’t something to obsess over. It’s there to allow room for their rapidly growing brain and to make the birth process a little easier.

So, can you touch it?
Yes, just gently! It’s covered by a tough membrane and isn't as fragile as it seems.

Call your doc if:
The soft spot is sunken (a sign of dehydration) or bulging when baby is calm.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic...You’re Doing Fine

It might feel like every sneeze or twitch is an alarm bell, but truthfully, most newborn behaviors are just part of their amazing transition to the outside world. They’re adjusting. And so are you.

So next time you’re staring at your baby at 3 a.m. wondering if something’s wrong, remember this—you’re not failing. You’re learning. And your baby? They’re just doing their newborn thing.

Keep trusting your instinct. You’ve got this.

When in Doubt… Call Your Pediatrician

Let’s be real—Google is helpful, but your pediatrician is your best source of reassurance. If something feels off in your gut or you just need a second opinion, never hesitate to pick up the phone.