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Things I Didn’t Expect My Newborn To Do

Newborns are the absolute cutest for obvious reasons. They’re sleepy, cuddly, and smell adorable, however…they have some unexpected tendencies that you may have never heard of before. Find out the three things that took me most by surprise!

❣️Startle Reflex

Newborns often react to sudden movements and r loud noises with the startle reflex. This happened most often when I would lay my baby down for a nap in her crib when transferring her from my arms. I found using a swaddle helped deter any startle reflexes.

❣️Crossed Eyes

Newborns eye muscles are still developing, so they don’t have the greatest control of their eye movements. This can lead to moments of crossed eyes, but don’t worry - it doesn’t last! Their eye movements will correct itself as their muscles develop.

❣️Crying Without Tears

Im the first few weeks, newborns may cry without producing tears. Tears will typically start to appear after your baby is 3 weeks old.

Did you experience any of these with your newborn?? What were some other things your newborn did that took you by surprise?

#lemon8partner #lemon8parenting #momlife #momsoflemon8 #mom #newborn #contentcreator #baby

2024/7/11 Edited to

Welcoming a newborn is always filled with joy, but many new parents are blindsided by some unexpected behaviors. One notable reflex is the startle reflex, which can lead to sudden jerks when the baby feels a quick motion, often during nap times. A simple solution is swaddling, which can help minimize these reactions and provide a sense of security for the little one. Another thing to note is that newborns might often appear to have crossed eyes. This is a normal stage of development as their ocular muscles learn to function correctly, and these episodes usually resolve as they grow stronger. Parents should take comfort in knowing these behaviors are entirely natural. Lastly, it's common for babies to cry without shedding tears in their first few weeks. Initially, tears may take some time to develop, typically appearing around the third week. Understanding these phenomena can prepare new parents for the delightful yet exasperating experiences of parenthood and foster a nurturing environment as babies grow and develop.

13 comments

mom | sierra ◡̈

You & your baby look so cute in your cover photo! 💖

I was not prepared for my baby’s first cry with tears. It broke my mama heart. 😂😭

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