Newborn Characteristics: A Parent's Guide to Your Baby's First Weeks

In short: A newborn’s temperature is about 37°C, and the cord dries and falls off within two weeks. The baby is born with normal reflexes such as sucking, grasping, stepping and startling; touch is the strongest sense, and the baby recognises the mother’s smell. Keep the room warm, change nappies often and attend check-ups. See the doctor for jaundice lasting more than two weeks, fever, blood in the stools or infection of the cord.

Physical characteristics of your newborn

“Neonate” is the term used for a newborn baby from birth until one month of age. If your baby has a strong cry, moves actively, and has pink skin and nails, these are all reassuring signs of good health.

Most newborns breathe faster than adults—usually more than twice as fast. A newborn’s typical respiratory rate is 30-60 breaths per minute (usually 40-60), with a heart rate of about 110-160 beats per minute when calm. Breathing that is persistently faster than 60 per minute, or with grunting or pulling in of the chest, needs a doctor. These vital signs naturally rise when your baby cries or is disturbed.

After the second month, the respiratory rate usually settles to 30-40 breaths per minute, and the heart rate slows to 120-140 beats per minute.

A newborn’s body temperature is around 37°C (98.6°F), and babies are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings because their ability to regulate temperature is still developing. Because of this, keep the room at a steady, warm temperature, and avoid covering your baby too heavily. You can check for overheating by placing your hand behind his back — if he’s sweating, he may be too warm, either from the room temperature or from heavy clothing. Within a few days, the umbilical cord will dry and turn a dark color. It usually falls off within two weeks. Before it falls off, it’s best to give your baby sponge baths only. Keep the cord and, after it falls off, the navel clean and dry; there is no need for alcohol or any other product. If the area gets dirty, wash it with water and mild soap and dry it well.

Watch the area closely during diaper changes to make sure it isn’t becoming irritated. If it stays persistently red or hasn’t dried within the first three weeks, contact your pediatrician promptly.

Neonatal reflexes: your baby’s natural instincts

Reflexes are automatic responses your newborn shows to certain stimuli. While they may look simple, they play an important role in your baby’s neurological and muscular development.

Some of these reflexes are considered early signs of your baby’s future self-sufficiency:

Sucking reflex

Your baby begins sucking the moment he is born, and he reacts the same way if you gently touch his cheek — turning his head and attempting to suck. This reflex is closely tied to his ability to swallow and breathe, both essential for survival.

Grasp reflex

This is one of the most noticeable reflexes, much like the sucking reflex. If you place your fingers near your baby’s hand, he will grasp them tightly, and may even lift his body slightly.

His toes are less sensitive, but if you touch the sole of his foot, he will extend and then curl his toes. This involuntary movement is thought to reflect his instinct to be held close by his mother.

Stepping reflex

Newborns can show a few stepping movements if held upright with their feet gently touching a flat surface. You’ll notice your baby appears to “step” while leaning slightly forward. This reflex can be observed shortly after birth.

Startle reflex in newborn babies

This reflex is triggered by a sudden loss of balance, a loud noise, or an abrupt change in position.

Your baby will extend his arms and legs, spread his fingers and toes, then draw his limbs back in as though hugging himself. He may cry at the same time. If this reflex continues beyond 3 to 4 months of age, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor, as persistent startle reflex can sometimes be linked to underlying neurological concerns.

Video of lactation

Tonic neck reflex in newborn babies

This reflex typically appears after the first four weeks of life. While lying on his back, your baby turns his head to one side, extending the arm on that same side while flexing the opposite arm with the hand tucked behind the head. This reflex may offer an early hint about hand dominance, usually the right side.

Brain development in newborns

The brain cells responsible for mental processing begin developing early in pregnancy. Research suggests the fastest rate of brain cell development occurs around 18 weeks of pregnancy and continues through the first two years after birth.

During the second stage of development, from age 2 to 4, growth continues but at a somewhat slower pace than the first stage.

By around age 8, this rapid cell growth has largely leveled off. Healthy brain development is often reflected in a child’s sense of stability, natural curiosity, and ability to observe and draw conclusions — rather than simply memorizing information.

What is a parent’s role during this rapid stage of brain development?

Parents can support their baby by consistently showing love and attentiveness, responding to his cues and signals, and ensuring he receives the nutrition needed to support healthy brain growth during this important period.

Stimulus and response in newborns

It was once believed that a newborn’s senses developed slowly, but we now know many senses are active from birth. For instance, when a newborn hears a sound, he’ll often turn his head and eyes toward it, showing early curiosity about his environment.

A newborn’s vision is limited, typically clearest at a distance of 20-30cm. He can perceive light, shadow, and contrast. Both vision and hearing are sources of comfort and joy for your baby. Hearing actually develops gradually before birth, which is why babies often recognize their mother’s heartbeat. Experienced mothers often find that soft, rhythmic sounds — like gentle music — help settle their baby. Everyday sounds like a ticking clock, soft textures like pillows and colorful covers, and gentle sound-activated toys can all engage your baby’s senses.

Touch is one of the most developed senses in a newborn. You’ll likely notice an immediate reaction when you touch your baby, or a visible sense of calm and happiness when he’s held close by his parents. This isn’t just comforting — it plays an important role in emotional and physical development, helping your baby build an early sense of security and self. Smell and taste are similarly sensitive.

You may notice this if you compare your baby’s reaction to breast milk versus formula. Some babies who are used to breastfeeding may initially resist a bottle, as they’ve grown familiar with their mother’s scent and the taste of breast milk.

In short, your baby is equipped with remarkable abilities to respond to the world around him. Gentle, appropriate stimulation supports healthy development, while overstimulation can sometimes leave him feeling overwhelmed or unsettled.

Deciduous (baby) teeth

The first teeth typically begin developing between 5 and 8 months of age, though timing can vary and this is usually not a cause for concern if your baby is otherwise healthy. Signs that teething may be starting include increased drooling and a strong urge to bite or chew on objects. You may even be able to feel a tooth if you gently touch the gum. Offering something safe to chew on — like a teething biscuit or rubber teether — can help. Fluoride plays an important role in dental health, and since permanent teeth are already forming beneath the gums, it’s a good idea to ask your dentist or doctor about appropriate fluoride care for your baby.

Caring for your newborn’s skin

One of the most delightful things about newborns is their soft, delicate skin. Moisturizing lotion can help protect areas prone to dryness, such as the heels, elbows, and skin folds.

After a bath, pat the skin folds completely dry to help prevent irritation. Avoid baby powder, as your baby can breathe in the fine dust. Trim his nails while he’s asleep to avoid accidental scratches, and choose soft fabrics to prevent skin redness from rough clothing. When heading outdoors, a hat and moisturizing lotion help protect his skin, and it’s best to avoid prolonged direct sun exposure.

Sunbathing

Sunlight helps the body produce Vitamin D, which supports healthy bones. However, sunlight is not a safe way to give a baby vitamin D, so breastfed babies should receive vitamin D drops of 400 IU a day from the first days of life, as your doctor advises.

Fresh air and walks outdoors are good for your baby from the first weeks, but babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight: use shade, a hat and light clothing that covers the arms and legs. Start with about 20 minutes on the first outing, gradually increasing to up to an hour, keeping your baby in the shade with a hat. Sunscreen should only be used on small areas of skin if shade is not possible.

Caring for your baby during summer

Hot summer days can be challenging for your baby. He may eat less, his digestion may feel sluggish, and he may seem more unsettled than usual. Keeping him comfortable is key: stay in the coolest room of the house, offer extra baths on hot days, and dress him in light clothing rather than leaving him unclothed. Use light sheets during sleep and avoid forcing feeds. Offer more frequent breastfeeds (or formula feeds) on hot days: babies under 6 months need no water, juice or other drinks. After 6 months, you can also offer small amounts of cooled boiled water in a cup; juice is not recommended before 1 year. Serving milk or food slightly cool and mashing solids can make digestion easier.

Keep feeding bottles and dishes clean and sterilized by boiling. Direct airflow from fans or air conditioners should be avoided, though natural ventilation is good. If the room temperature rises above 30°C (86°F), air conditioning can be used.

If you need to use pesticides at home, keep your baby out of the room for at least an hour afterward and ventilate well before returning him. Mosquito screens are a gentler alternative to pesticides. And don’t forget to keep up with his scheduled vaccinations.

Caring for your baby during winter

Winter brings its own challenges. Since a newborn’s temperature-regulating system is still maturing, he can catch colds more easily, which — if untreated — can sometimes lead to more serious illness. Keep your baby in the warmest room of the house, ideally one facing south, with a room temperature around 20°C. Below 10°C, there’s a risk of your baby catching a cold, and below 5°C there is a risk of frostbite — so it’s best to avoid such low temperatures.

An electric heater is often the safest way to warm a room. If using gas or kerosene heaters, keep a window slightly open, never leave the heater on in a closed room or while you and your baby sleep, fit a carbon monoxide alarm if you can, and use a protective guard around the heater to prevent burns. Avoid over-dressing your baby, as this can restrict his movement.

On milder days, open the windows to refresh the air and let your baby enjoy some gentle sunlight.

Bath time in winter is easier during the warmer part of the day.

Your baby’s appetite typically stays the same in winter — continue offering nutritious, warm meals rich in vitamins.

Routine physical check-ups

Regular pediatric visits are essential to monitor your baby’s growth and development. The first visit is recommended 3–5 days after birth, to check feeding, weight and jaundice, then at about 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months, alongside his vaccinations. These routine visits are just as valuable as sick visits — they’re a great opportunity to ask questions about his development and behavior. Choosing a clinic close to home can also be helpful in case of emergencies.

You can also monitor your baby’s temperature at home. A reading between 36.5°C and 37.5°C is considered normal, and slight variations — lower in the morning, higher in the afternoon — are also normal. Rectal temperature readings are considered most accurate for infants. Use a digital thermometer, not a mercury one. For babies under 4 weeks, an electronic thermometer under the armpit is recommended. If your doctor advises a rectal reading, lay your baby on his back with his knees bent, put a little petroleum jelly on the tip, insert it gently only 1-2 cm until it beeps, and never leave your baby unattended with the thermometer in place. If you need to step away, remove it first.

Vomiting

It’s common for newborns to spit up their last feed, since a baby’s stomach is shaped more like a tube compared to the sac-like shape of an adult stomach. Bending your baby forward can also trigger spit-up.

When should you see a doctor?

If vomiting is frequent, persistent, or involves large amounts, consult your pediatrician to rule out underlying causes. Go to the emergency department straight away if the vomit is green or contains blood, if it is forceful (projectile) after every feed, or if your baby is drowsy, has a swollen tummy or fewer wet nappies.

Diaper rash

Your baby’s diaper area can become irritated or red from prolonged contact with urine or stool. Frequent diaper changes help prevent this. Moisturizing creams, powders, or doctor-recommended ointments can also help, and letting the area air out for a few minutes several times a day supports healing.

Fever

If your baby’s temperature is 38°C or higher, contact your paediatrician straight away: in the first three months, a fever always needs prompt medical assessment. Meanwhile, keep your baby lightly dressed and continue feeding, while keeping his feet warm. Use a dry towel between any cooling patch and the skin.

Constipation:

Difficulty passing stool or occasionally firm stool doesn’t necessarily mean your baby is constipated. Common contributing factors include insufficient fluid intake or frequent vomiting. Try to identify any obvious triggers first. If there’s no underlying medical cause, offering adequate fluids and a warm sitz bath can help. Keep in mind that some healthy babies naturally pass stool only twice a week, so it’s the overall pattern and stool consistency that matter most.

Jaundice

Jaundice that appears in the first 24 hours of life is never normal, and your baby should be seen by a doctor the same day. Also see a doctor urgently if your baby is very sleepy or feeding poorly, or has pale (white or clay-coloured) stools or dark urine.

Many babies develop mild jaundice in the first few days of life, as the liver is still maturing and hasn’t fully developed its ability to process bilirubin, a yellow pigment from the natural breakdown of red blood cells. This normal, temporary jaundice usually resolves within about two weeks. However, if your baby was born prematurely, if jaundice persists beyond two weeks, or if it spreads noticeably to the hands and feet, this may indicate a more significant form of jaundice requiring medical attention, especially if bilirubin levels rise significantly. In rare, severe cases, untreated high bilirubin levels can affect the brain, so prompt medical evaluation is important if you’re concerned.

Colic

Colic isn’t a disease — it’s a common part of early development. Your baby may cry intensely without fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Colic often begins around 3 weeks of age and may continue until around 3 months. During episodes, your baby may struggle to settle at night and cry with unusual intensity, which can understandably be exhausting for parents too.

Common contributing factors include stress, intestinal cramping, gas, or overfeeding leading to indigestion. Evening colic is often linked to environmental stimulation, such as noise from the television or a busy household.

Sensitive babies may be more prone to colic, and it can be genuinely difficult to soothe them. Support from family members can make a real difference. If gas seems to be the cause, holding your baby upright against your shoulder and gently patting his back can help him burp and feel more comfortable.

Occasionally, symptoms resembling colic may point to other causes, such as allergies or gastrointestinal issues. If you notice blood in his stool, seek medical attention promptly, and bring the diaper along to show your doctor.

Growth and development during childhood

Much of a person’s most significant development happens during this early period of life.

In the first year, your baby undergoes remarkable changes across nearly every area of development. He begins responding to and adapting to his environment, gradually building the skills and abilities that shape him into a unique individual.

Every baby develops at his own pace, and small differences from other babies are normal. Your doctor will still measure his weight, length and head size on a growth chart and check his milestones at each visit, as this helps spot any problem early. What matters most is the attention, patience, and encouragement parents provide. With consistent love and support, your baby is well-positioned to reach his own healthy developmental milestones.

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Dr Najeeb Layyous F.R.C.O.G

Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist