Common newborn concerns - Children's National

The first few weeks with a newborn can bring a lot of questions, especially when your baby sounds congested, has peeling skin, struggles to sleep alone or wants to feed constantly. Many newborn concerns are normal, but knowing what to expect - and when to call your pediatrician - can help you feel more confident as you care for your baby.

1. Nasal congestion

Many newborns have a lot of nasal congestion. This is likely due to fluid left over from the birthing process, and it usually improves after a few days. Other babies may become congested after spitting up because the nose and mouth are connected. Think of what happens to your own nose when you vomit. Using saline and a nasal aspirator, exposing your baby to a cool-mist humidifier or using steam from a hot shower can help relieve congestion. If nasal congestion gets worse or affects eating or sleeping, call your pediatrician's office for an appointment.

1. Skin concerns

"My baby's skin is peeling like a snake!" "There are rashes that come and go on my baby's skin!" It is very normal for a baby's skin to peel for several weeks after birth. This is left over from spending more than nine months in a glorified water tank. Creams are not very effective, but if there is extreme dryness or cracking, typically at the ankles or wrists, Vaseline or Aquaphor can help. A rash called erythema toxicum is often to blame for a rotating rash during the first week of life. The name sounds scary, but the rash is harmless and no treatment is needed.

1. Did the umbilical cord fall off too early, or why hasn't it fallen off yet?

Umbilical cord separation can happen as soon as three days after birth or take three weeks or more, though it usually takes about seven to 10 days. Despite what was previously thought, using alcohol cleaning wipes can delay separation, so the best way to care for the cord is to keep it dry and leave it be. You will most likely find it in the swaddle blanket or see it fall off during a diaper change. It is normal for the belly button to ooze a little after the cord falls off. If this lasts more than a couple of days, if there is redness around the site or if there is an extremely foul odor, check in with your pediatrician.

1. My baby does not want to be put down or sleep alone.

Your baby just spent more than nine months in the coziest environment imaginable - warm and close to mom. To help with the transition to the outside world, do as much skin-to-skin contact as possible. Swaddling and placing a hand on your baby while they settle in their own sleep space can be helpful. Try a sound machine that mimics the sounds of the womb and mom's heartbeat. Babies are very active and noisy sleepers, so don't be surprised. This will get better with time.

1. My baby falls asleep while eating or never wants to stop eating.

Both of these are very normal in the first couple of weeks. You may need to change your baby's diaper, get them undressed, turn on the lights or sing songs to help keep them awake. If your baby falls asleep at the breast, try switching to the other breast, where the milk has already let down. If bottle-feeding, stop to burp. Cluster feeding usually happens at night. Make sure your baby finishes a full breast before switching sides so they get the fatty milk toward the end of a feeding. If giving a bottle, talk to your provider about the recommended volume by age to make sure overfeeding isn't an issue. If your baby is still fussy and just ate a full meal, try other soothing measures, such as a pacifier, skin-to-skin contact, babywearing, walking around or using a swing.