Newborn health - head to toe infographic

View text version of infographic

Moving their arms and legs (not limp or ‘floppy’).

Might be an unusual shape from birth, should go back to a normal shape by around 6 weeks.

Typically present from birth for a term newborn: sucking (drink milk from breast or a bottle), rooting (finding your nipple and start feeding), moro (startle reflex) and palmar (grasp reflex).

‘Soft spots’ on a newborn baby’s skull that should feel soft and flat.

Typically hear sounds right from birth, wax will be cleared from the ears naturally.

Newborns breathe only through their nose for the first 4-6 months.

Pink and moist, tongue freely moving and extending past their lips.

Moves freely and has no lumps or swellings.

In the first few months, your baby’s skin is thin and sensitive while it continues to develop.

The umbilical stump will fall off naturally in a week or two. As it dries it will shrink and turn brown/black.

Only needing small amounts of milk in the first few days. As they grow, their stomach will be able to take in larger amounts. Newborns might bring up milk between feeds. Known as ‘posseting’ or ‘spitting up'.

Most babies fill their nappies at, or around every feed. Wee is usually light to dark yellow in colour. Colour of poo can vary widely from green, brown to mustard or yellow.

Many babies are born with hips that feel loose when moved around, and usually gets better on its own over time.

Should appear in a typical position (not turning to much inward, outward, upward or down).

See more guides and infographics from Pregnancy, Birth and Baby.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.