Common Baby Concerns
Our concern guides cover over 2,500 common baby health questions with age-specific information, action tiers (normal, mention at next visit, call now), and source citations from the AAP, CDC, and WHO.
2705+ evidence-based guides for the questions parents search at 2am. Each tells you what's normal, what to watch, and when to call your doctor.
Bruising From Forceps Delivery
Red marks or bruising on a baby's face or head from forceps delivery are common and temporary. These marks are caused by pressure from the forceps blades during delivery and typically fade within a few days to 2 weeks. They do not cause lasting marks or scars and do not affect brain development.
Evening Fussiness (The Witching Hour)
Many babies have a predictable period of increased fussiness in the late afternoon or evening, often called the "witching hour." This is very common, typically peaks around 6 weeks, and usually resolves by 3-4 months. It is not caused by anything you are doing wrong and does not mean something is wrong with your baby.
Strong Gag Reflex in Newborns
A strong gag reflex in newborns is normal and serves as a protective mechanism to prevent choking. The gag reflex trigger point is closer to the front of the tongue in young babies than in adults. Gagging is different from choking: gagging involves coughing and sputtering to clear the throat, while choking is a silent blockage. The gag reflex gradually moves back as baby grows.
Gas Discomfort in Newborns
Gas is very common in newborns because their digestive systems are immature. Signs include fussiness, pulling legs up, a hard or distended tummy, and excessive flatulence. Burping during and after feeds, bicycle leg exercises, tummy time, and gentle tummy massage can help. Gas drops (simethicone) are safe but have limited evidence of effectiveness.
Green Stools in Early Days
Green stools in newborns are common and usually not concerning. They can be a normal part of the meconium-to-milk-stool transition, result from foremilk/hindmilk variation in breastfed babies, or occur in formula-fed babies. As long as your baby is feeding well and gaining weight, occasional green stools are normal.
Group B Strep (GBS) Infection in Newborns
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a bacterium that some mothers carry and can pass to their baby during delivery. When mothers who test positive receive antibiotics during labor, the risk to the baby is greatly reduced. GBS infection in newborns can be serious, causing sepsis, pneumonia, or meningitis, but with prevention measures and prompt treatment, most babies do well.
Grunting Sounds in Newborns
Grunting in newborns is very common and usually normal. Babies grunt during sleep as they learn to coordinate their breathing, and they grunt while straining to have a bowel movement (grunting baby syndrome or infant dyschezia). However, continuous grunting with every breath, especially if accompanied by other signs of breathing difficulty, requires immediate medical attention.
Baby Losing Hair
Hair loss in babies during the first few months is very common and completely normal. Many babies lose some or all of their birth hair in the first 6 months of life due to hormonal changes after birth. The hair that grows back may be a different color or texture. Bald spots on the back of the head from lying down are also very common.
Early Hand Preference in Newborns (Using One Hand Only)
Babies should not show a strong hand preference before 12-18 months of age. If your newborn or young infant consistently uses one hand much more than the other, or seems to ignore one hand, it could indicate a neurological concern or birth injury that should be evaluated by your pediatrician. True handedness normally develops between 2-4 years of age.
Harlequin Color Change in Newborns
Harlequin color change is a harmless phenomenon where one half of your newborn's body turns red or pink while the other half appears pale, often when lying on their side. It is caused by immature blood vessel regulation and typically resolves within minutes. It is most common in the first few days of life and has no medical significance.
Head Lag (Head Flopping Backward) in Newborns
Head lag (the head flopping backward when baby is pulled to sitting) is completely normal in newborns and young infants because the neck muscles are still developing. Most babies begin to show some head control by 1-2 months and can hold their head steady by 4 months. Supporting your baby's head and neck during the first few months is essential.
Cone-Shaped Head After Vaginal Birth (Head Molding)
A cone-shaped or elongated head after vaginal birth is very common and completely normal. It is called head molding and occurs because the bones of your baby's skull are not yet fused, allowing them to overlap and shift to fit through the birth canal. Your baby's head will round out naturally within a few days to weeks.
Failed Newborn Hearing Screening
A "refer" or "fail" result on the newborn hearing screening does not necessarily mean your baby has hearing loss. Many babies who do not pass the initial screening have normal hearing on follow-up testing. Common reasons for an initial fail include fluid in the ear canal, vernix debris, or background noise during the test. However, follow-up testing is essential, as early identification and intervention for true hearing loss significantly improves language and developmental outcomes.
Heart Murmur Detected at Birth
Heart murmurs are very common in newborns and are often innocent (harmless). They are extra sounds heard with a stethoscope caused by blood flowing through the heart. Many murmurs detected at birth resolve on their own as the circulatory system transitions from fetal to newborn circulation. Your pediatrician may order an echocardiogram to confirm the murmur is innocent.
Heat Rash (Miliaria) in Newborns
Heat rash (miliaria) in newborns appears as tiny red bumps or clear blisters, usually in skin folds, on the face, neck, chest, or areas covered by clothing. It occurs when sweat glands become blocked from overheating or overdressing. It is harmless and resolves quickly once baby is cooled down.
First Vaccine Questions (Hepatitis B at Birth)
The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended at birth (within 24 hours) for all newborns by the AAP and CDC. It protects against hepatitis B virus, which can cause chronic liver disease and liver cancer. The vaccine is very safe and has been given to millions of newborns. It is the first step in a 3-dose series that provides long-lasting protection.
Herpes Simplex in Newborns (Neonatal Herpes)
Neonatal herpes is a rare but serious infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), most often transmitted during delivery. It can also be transmitted after birth through contact with cold sores or herpes lesions. Early recognition and treatment with antiviral medication (acyclovir) are critical. Prevention includes cesarean delivery if active genital lesions are present and avoiding contact between cold sores and the baby.
Frequent Hiccups in Newborns
Frequent hiccups in newborns are extremely common and almost always harmless. Hiccups are caused by sudden contractions of the diaphragm, often triggered by feeding, swallowing air, or temperature changes. Most newborns hiccup several times a day, and the hiccups typically resolve on their own within a few minutes. They are not painful or distressing for your baby.
High Arched Palate Concerns in Newborns
A high arched palate (roof of the mouth) in a newborn can sometimes contribute to feeding difficulties because the baby may have trouble compressing the breast or bottle nipple effectively. Many babies with a high palate feed successfully with positioning adjustments, and the palate shape often changes as the baby grows. In some cases, a high palate is associated with other conditions that your pediatrician may evaluate.
Hip Screening Ultrasound Follow-Up
A hip ultrasound may be recommended for your baby based on risk factors for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), including breech presentation, family history of DDH, or findings on physical exam. The ultrasound is painless and helps ensure the hips are developing normally. Early detection and treatment of DDH leads to excellent outcomes.
Newborn Hypothermia Risk
Newborns, especially premature and low birth weight babies, are at higher risk for hypothermia (low body temperature) because of their large surface area-to-weight ratio, limited fat stores, and immature temperature regulation. A normal newborn temperature is 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius (97.7-99.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Temperatures below 36.5 degrees Celsius require intervention, and temperatures below 36.0 degrees Celsius (96.8 degrees Fahrenheit) are considered moderate hypothermia requiring urgent warming.
Signs of Infection and Sepsis in Newborns
Neonatal sepsis is a serious bacterial infection in the bloodstream that can develop in the first month of life. Signs are often subtle and can include temperature instability, poor feeding, lethargy, irritability, rapid breathing, and a "just not right" appearance. Neonatal sepsis is a medical emergency requiring immediate antibiotics. Trust your instincts if your newborn seems unwell.
Going Days Without Pooping (Breastfed Baby)
After the first month or so, it is completely normal for breastfed babies to go several days (sometimes up to 7-10 days) between bowel movements. This is because breast milk is so efficiently absorbed that there is little waste. This is NOT constipation as long as the stool is soft when it does come. Formula-fed babies, however, should have more regular stools.
Inguinal Hernia in Newborns (Groin Hernia)
An inguinal hernia appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum (in boys) that comes and goes, becoming more prominent when the baby cries or strains. Unlike umbilical hernias, inguinal hernias do not resolve on their own and require surgical repair to prevent complications. The surgery is safe and highly successful.
Showing 1609-1632 of 2705 concerns
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members