What Does a Newborn Baby Look Like? A Complete Parent’s Guide

If you’re expecting a baby or recently became a parent, you might be wondering what a newborn baby really looks like. Unlike the picture-perfect infants you see in movies, commercials, or magazines, real newborns often have unique physical characteristics that can be surprising to first-time parents.

The journey through the birth canal and the transition from the womb to the outside world affects how babies appear in their first hours and days of life. Understanding these normal newborn features can help you feel more prepared and less worried when you meet your little one for the first time.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about newborn appearance, from their head shape to their skin texture, so you know exactly what to expect.

The Overall Appearance of a Newborn Baby

Most newborns don’t look like the three-month-old babies you see in advertisements. Here’s what’s actually normal:

Newborns typically appear wrinkly, with loose skin that may seem too large for their bodies. They might be wet, covered in vernix caseosa (a white, creamy substance that protected their skin in the womb), or even have traces of blood on them. Their skin may appear blotchy or have various color variations.

The average newborn weighs between 5.5 to 10 pounds (2.5 to 4.5 kilograms) and measures 18 to 22 inches (45 to 55 centimeters) long. However, healthy babies come in many different sizes.

Don’t be alarmed if your baby’s arms and legs appear bent or bowed. After spending months curled up in the limited space of the uterus, this position is completely normal. Their limbs will gradually straighten out as they grow and become more active.

Newborn Head Shape and Size

One of the most noticeable features of a newborn is their head, which may look disproportionately large compared to their body. A baby’s head accounts for about one-quarter of their total body length at birth.

Why Newborn Heads May Be Cone-Shaped

Many babies are born with elongated or cone-shaped heads, especially after a vaginal delivery. This happens because an infant’s skull bones are designed to overlap and shift during birth, allowing the head to pass through the narrow birth canal. This process is called molding.

The degree of molding depends on several factors:

• Length of labor – longer labors typically result in more pronounced molding
• Position during delivery – babies born head-first show more molding than those born breech (feet or bottom first)
• Use of delivery tools – vacuum extractors or forceps may cause additional temporary shaping
• Birth method – babies born via cesarean section usually have rounder heads

The good news is that this cone shape is temporary. Within a few days to weeks after birth, your baby’s head will naturally round out as the skull bones settle into their proper positions.

Fontanelles: The Soft Spots

You’ll notice two soft areas on your baby’s head where the skull bones haven’t yet fused together. These are called fontanelles or “soft spots.”

The anterior fontanelle (located on top of the head toward the front) is diamond-shaped and typically measures about 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 4 centimeters) across. The posterior fontanelle (at the back of the head) is smaller and triangular, measuring about 0.5 inches (1.3 centimeters).

These soft spots serve important purposes:

• They allow the skull to compress during birth
• They provide room for the brain to grow rapidly during the first years of life
• They help healthcare providers assess your baby’s health and development

You might notice these areas pulsating with your baby’s heartbeat or appearing to bulge slightly when your baby cries or strains. This is completely normal. The fontanelles are protected by a tough membrane and it’s safe to gently touch them during regular care like washing your baby’s hair.

The posterior fontanelle typically closes by 2-3 months of age, while the anterior fontanelle usually closes between 12 and 18 months, though it can take up to 2 years.

Newborn Eyes: Color and Appearance

Your newborn’s eyes may look different than you imagined, and they’ll continue to change in the coming months.

Puffy or Swollen Eyelids

Many newborns have puffy or swollen eyelids immediately after birth. This swelling is caused by pressure on the face during delivery and typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Some babies may also have small red spots or broken blood vessels in the whites of their eyes, which are harmless and will clear up on their own.

Eye Color Changes

Most Caucasian babies are born with blue or gray eyes, while babies with darker skin tones are typically born with brown or dark gray eyes. However, your baby’s true eye color won’t be set for several months.

Eye color is determined by melanin, the pigment that also affects skin and hair color. Melanin production increases with exposure to light, so your baby’s eye color may deepen or change during their first six months to one year of life. Some children’s eyes continue to change color slightly until age 3.

Crossed Eyes

It’s common for newborns’ eyes to appear crossed or not move together in a coordinated way. This happens because the muscles that control eye movement are still developing. Occasional eye crossing is normal during the first few months, but by 3-4 months, your baby should be able to focus both eyes together. If the crossing persists or appears constant, mention it to your pediatrician.

Newborn Skin Characteristics

Newborn skin goes through many changes and can display a variety of appearances that are completely normal.

Skin Color Variations

Right after birth, your baby’s skin color may surprise you. Many newborns appear more purple or blue-gray at first, especially their hands and feet. This is due to their circulatory system adjusting to life outside the womb. Within minutes, as they start breathing, their skin should become pinker.

A newborn’s skin color can appear uneven or blotchy for several reasons:

• Acrocyanosis – blueness of the hands and feet that’s common in the first few days
• Mottling – lacy, patchy redness that appears when babies are cold
• Cutis marmorata – a temporary, marble-like mottling pattern on the skin

These color variations are typically harmless and resolve as your baby’s circulation matures.

Vernix Caseosa

Some babies are born covered in a white, cheese-like coating called vernix caseosa. This natural substance protected your baby’s skin in the amniotic fluid. Babies born closer to their due date or slightly past it may have less vernix, while premature babies often have more.

Rather than immediately washing off vernix, many hospitals now leave it on the skin to absorb naturally, as it has moisturizing and antimicrobial properties that benefit newborn skin.

Dry, Peeling Skin

Dry, flaky, or peeling skin is extremely common in newborns, especially on the hands, feet, and ankles. This happens because newborn skin is adjusting from the moist environment of the womb to the dry air outside. The outer layer of skin naturally sheds during the first few weeks.

Babies born past their due date tend to have more peeling skin. You can help keep your baby comfortable by:

• Using a gentle, fragrance-free baby moisturizer
• Limiting bath time to 5-10 minutes with warm (not hot) water
• Avoiding harsh soaps and over-bathing
• Using a humidifier in dry climates or during winter

Lanugo: Fine Body Hair

Don’t be surprised if your newborn has fine, downy hair covering parts of their body, especially on the back, shoulders, forehead, and cheeks. This hair, called lanugo, develops in the womb to help regulate body temperature and protect the skin.

Lanugo is more common and more noticeable in premature babies. It typically rubs off or falls out within the first few weeks after birth. Babies born at or after their due date may have little to no lanugo visible.

Milia: Tiny White Bumps

About 40-50% of newborns develop milia – tiny white or yellow bumps that look like miniature whiteheads. These small cysts form when dead skin cells get trapped near the surface of the skin. They most commonly appear on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead.

Milia are completely harmless and require no treatment. They’ll disappear on their own, usually within a few weeks to a couple of months. Never try to squeeze, pick, or scrub these bumps, as this could cause irritation or infection. Simply washing your baby’s face gently with water or mild soap is all that’s needed.

Newborn Rashes and Skin Conditions

Several types of rashes and skin conditions are common in newborns:

Erythema toxicum: A harmless rash that appears as red blotches with small white or yellow bumps in the center. It typically appears within the first few days of life and resolves on its own within a week or two.

Baby acne: Small red or white bumps, usually on the cheeks, nose, and forehead, caused by maternal hormones. This typically develops around 2-4 weeks of age and clears up within a few months without treatment.

Heat rash: Tiny red bumps in areas where skin is covered or where sweat collects, such as the neck, diaper area, and armpits.

Most newborn rashes are harmless and temporary. However, if a rash is accompanied by fever, appears to be spreading rapidly, looks infected, or concerns you, contact your pediatrician.

Birthmarks on Newborns

Birthmarks are very common, appearing on more than 80% of babies. They’re areas of discolored skin present at birth or that develop shortly after. Birthmarks fall into two main categories: vascular (related to blood vessels) and pigmented (related to skin pigment).

Salmon Patches (Stork Bites or Angel Kisses)

These are the most common type of birthmark, appearing as flat, pink, or red patches. They’re caused by clusters of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface. Common locations include:

• Back of the neck (often called “stork bites”)
• Between the eyebrows or on the eyelids (often called “angel kisses”)
• On the forehead or nose

Salmon patches become more visible when a baby cries, gets hot, or strains. Those on the face typically fade and disappear by age 1-2 years, while those on the back of the neck may persist into adulthood but are usually covered by hair.

Mongolian Spots

These blue-gray or blue-green birthmarks look like bruises and are most common in babies with darker skin tones, including those of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American descent. They typically appear on the lower back, buttocks, or legs.

Mongolian spots are completely harmless and are caused by pigment cells that remain deeper in the skin. They usually fade during early childhood, though some may persist into adulthood.

Hemangiomas

Also called strawberry marks, these raised, bright red birthmarks are made of extra blood vessels. They may not be present at birth but typically appear within the first few weeks. Hemangiomas often grow rapidly during the first year, then gradually shrink and fade over several years. Most disappear completely by age 10.

Port-Wine Stains

These are flat, pink, red, or purple birthmarks caused by dilated blood capillaries. Unlike other vascular birthmarks, port-wine stains don’t fade on their own and may darken over time. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the face, neck, arms, or legs.

Café-au-Lait Spots

These are light brown, flat birthmarks that can appear anywhere on the body. One or two spots are common and harmless. However, if your baby has six or more café-au-lait spots, especially if they’re larger than a quarter inch, mention this to your pediatrician as it could indicate an underlying condition.

The Umbilical Cord Stump

After birth, your baby’s umbilical cord will be clamped and cut, leaving a small stump attached to your baby’s belly button area. Understanding how to care for this stump and what to expect is important for new parents.

What It Looks Like

Initially, the umbilical cord stump appears yellowish-green or pale gray. It’s typically about 1 to 2 inches long and will feel soft and flexible at first. Over the next few days and weeks, it will dry out, harden, shrivel, and change color – first to brown, then to black.

Umbilical Cord Care

Modern medical guidance recommends keeping the stump clean and dry. Here are the key care instructions:

• Keep the stump exposed to air as much as possible
• Fold diapers down below the stump to prevent urine from soaking it
• Stick to sponge baths until the stump falls off
• Don’t pull at the stump, even if it seems loose
• Allow it to fall off naturally

In the past, parents were advised to clean the stump with rubbing alcohol, but current research suggests this isn’t necessary and may actually delay healing. Simply keeping the area clean and dry is sufficient.

When the Stump Falls Off

The umbilical stump typically falls off between 1 and 3 weeks after birth, though it can take up to 6 weeks in some cases. You might notice a small amount of blood on your baby’s diaper or clothing when it detaches – this is normal.

After the stump falls off, the belly button area may look a bit raw or have a small amount of clear or slightly bloody discharge for a few days. Continue to keep the area clean and dry until it’s completely healed.

Contact your pediatrician if you notice:

• Red, hot, or swollen skin around the stump
• Yellow pus or foul-smelling discharge
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop with gentle pressure
• Your baby seems to be in pain when you touch the area
• The stump hasn’t fallen off by 8 weeks

Newborn Breasts and Genitals

Hormones from the mother can cross the placenta during pregnancy, causing temporary changes in a newborn’s breast tissue and genitals regardless of the baby’s sex.

Swollen Breast Tissue

Both male and female newborns may have swollen breast tissue and even enlarged nipples. Sometimes, the breasts may leak a small amount of milky discharge, sometimes called “witch’s milk.” This is completely normal and caused by maternal hormones.

Never squeeze or massage your baby’s breasts, as this could cause infection. The swelling will go down on its own within a few weeks as the maternal hormones leave your baby’s system.

Female Genitals

Female newborns may have swollen labia due to maternal hormones and pressure during birth. You might also notice:

• A white or blood-tinged vaginal discharge during the first few weeks
• A small amount of vaginal bleeding (mini-period) around day 2-5 of life
• Swollen or prominent labia that gradually reduce in size

These are all normal responses to maternal hormones withdrawing from your baby’s system and don’t require any treatment.

Male Genitals

Male newborns often have a swollen scrotum, which can be caused by:

• Maternal hormones
• Pressure during birth, especially in breech deliveries
• Hydrocele – a collection of fluid around the testicle

A hydrocele is very common and usually harmless. The fluid typically absorbs on its own within the first year. The scrotum may also appear darker in color than the surrounding skin, which is normal.

The penis may appear small, especially in babies with more body fat, as fat can make the penis look more embedded in the surrounding tissue. As your baby grows, this becomes less noticeable.

Newborn Hands and Feet

Your baby’s tiny hands and feet have several normal characteristics that may surprise you.

Color

It’s common for newborn hands and feet to appear bluish or purple, especially when the baby is cold. This is called acrocyanosis and is due to the immature circulatory system. The blueness should disappear when you warm your baby up.

Fingernails and Toenails

Newborn nails are surprisingly sharp and can be quite long, especially in babies born past their due date. They’re also very soft and flexible. Some babies are even born with scratches on their faces from their own nails.

You can file your baby’s nails with a soft emery board or carefully trim them with special baby nail clippers or scissors. Many parents find it easiest to trim nails while the baby is sleeping or feeding.

Foot Position

Don’t be concerned if your baby’s feet appear to turn inward or have an unusual position. After being curled up in the womb for months, it’s normal for feet to be positioned in various ways. Most positional foot variations correct themselves as your baby grows and starts to move around more.

However, if the feet seem rigid or you can’t gently move them into a more normal position, mention this to your pediatrician to rule out conditions that may need treatment.

Newborn Facial Features

Beyond the eyes, several other facial features might look different than you expected.

Nose

A newborn’s nose may appear flat or pushed to one side due to the journey through the birth canal. This usually corrects itself within the first week. Some babies are born with milia on their nose, giving it a bumpy appearance.

Ears

Newborn ears are soft and flexible, and they may be folded over or pressed flat against the head at birth. They should unfold naturally as the cartilage strengthens. The position and shape of ears can vary considerably, and minor variations are usually just family traits.

Chin

Many newborns appear to have a small or receding chin. This is normal and becomes less noticeable as the baby grows and the jaw develops. A small chin is partly due to the position babies maintain in the womb.

Tongue

You might notice a white coating on your baby’s tongue after feeding. This is usually just milk residue, not thrush (a yeast infection). However, if you see white patches on the inside of the cheeks, gums, or lips, or if the tongue coating doesn’t come off, contact your pediatrician to check for thrush.

Bruises and Birth Marks from Delivery

The birth process itself can leave temporary marks on your baby’s skin.

Bruising

Bruises may appear on your baby’s head, face, or other body parts, especially if:

• Labor was long or difficult
• The baby was large
• Forceps or vacuum extraction was used during delivery
• The baby was in breech position

These bruises typically fade within a week or two. As bruises heal, they may cause a temporary increase in bilirubin levels, which could contribute to newborn jaundice.

Caput Succedaneum

This is swelling of the soft tissues on the baby’s scalp that develops as the baby moves through the birth canal. It appears as a soft, puffy area on the top of the head and may cross over the suture lines of the skull. Unlike molding, caput feels soft and squishy. It typically resolves within a few days without treatment.

Cephalohematoma

This is a collection of blood under the scalp, outside the skull bones. It appears as a firm, raised bump that doesn’t cross the suture lines. Unlike caput, a cephalohematoma may not be noticeable immediately after birth but can become more apparent over the first day or two.

Cephalohematomas are usually harmless but take longer to resolve – typically several weeks to a few months. Your pediatrician will monitor it during regular checkups.

Newborn Weight and Size Changes

It’s normal for newborns to lose weight in the first few days after birth.

Initial Weight Loss

Most newborns lose 5-10% of their birth weight within the first week. This happens because:

• Babies are born with extra fluid that they eliminate through urine and bowel movements
• They’re adjusting to feeding outside the womb
• Breast milk typically doesn’t come in fully until day 2-5

Babies usually regain their birth weight by 2 weeks of age. Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s weight at early checkups to ensure proper growth.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

While most newborn physical features are normal variations, certain signs warrant medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing or persistent grunting
• Blue color that doesn’t resolve when the baby warms up
• Yellow coloring of the skin or eyes (jaundice) that seems to be worsening
• A soft spot that appears sunken or bulging
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Refusal to eat or signs of dehydration
• Unusual fussiness or lethargy
• Rashes accompanied by fever
• Signs of infection around the umbilical cord
• Eyes that remain constantly crossed after 4 months

Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right or you have concerns about your baby’s appearance or behavior, it’s always better to contact your pediatrician for guidance.

Meeting Your Baby for the First Time

Every baby is unique and beautiful in their own way. When you meet your newborn for the first time, they may not look exactly like you imagined – and that’s perfectly okay.

Real newborns may be wrinkly, slightly swollen, covered in vernix, and have temporary features like a cone-shaped head or puffy eyes. These are all signs of the incredible journey they’ve just completed being born into the world.

If everyone is healthy, many hospitals practice immediate skin-to-skin contact, placing your baby directly on your chest right after birth. This helps:

• Regulate your baby’s temperature and heart rate
• Encourage breastfeeding
• Promote bonding
• Reduce stress for both parent and baby

Not every parent experiences an immediate overwhelming rush of love – and that’s normal too. Some parents feel instantly bonded, while others feel exhausted, overwhelmed, or uncertain. These feelings can grow and strengthen over time. What matters most is that you’re there to provide care, comfort, and love to your new baby.

Your Baby’s First Examination

Shortly after birth, your healthcare team will perform a comprehensive examination of your newborn. This typically includes:

• Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to assess overall health
• Measurements of weight, length, and head circumference
• Physical examination of all major organs and body systems
• Checking reflexes
• Screening for any abnormalities

Before you leave the hospital or birthing center, your baby will have another thorough examination. The healthcare provider will discuss any findings with you and answer your questions.

This is an excellent time to ask about anything you’ve noticed or any concerns you have about your baby’s appearance. Healthcare professionals are accustomed to these questions and can provide reassurance or guidance as needed.

The Bottom Line

Newborn babies rarely look like the pristine, picture-perfect infants portrayed in media. Real newborns come with wrinkled skin, unusual head shapes, various rashes and spots, and many other temporary features that are completely normal parts of adjusting to life outside the womb.

Most of these characteristics – from puffy eyes to cone-shaped heads to dry, peeling skin – resolve on their own within days to weeks after birth. Your baby’s true appearance will emerge gradually as they adjust to their new environment.

Understanding what’s normal can help you feel more confident and less anxious when you meet your baby. Remember, every newborn is different, and these variations are what make your baby uniquely yours.

If you have any concerns about your newborn’s appearance or health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. They’re there to support you through this exciting and sometimes overwhelming time.

Above all, remember that regardless of temporary physical features, your newborn is perfect just as they are – ready to be loved, held, and cared for by you.

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic – Newborn Appearance
• Stanford Children’s Health – Newborn Appearance
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Your Baby’s First Hours
• American Academy of Pediatrics – Newborn Care
• National Institute of Child Health and Human Development – Infant Care
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Birth Defects
• MedlinePlus – Newborn Appearance and Behavior