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Newborn Appearance Questions

Newborn appearance includes the normal color, shape and skin findings seen during the first days and weeks after birth. Newborns can have temporary swelling, peeling, birthmarks, head-shape changes and other features that look different from older babies.

Birth, pressure during delivery, immature skin, normal hormone changes and adjustment to life outside the womb cause many of these changes. Illness can also change a newborn’s color or appearance.

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AAP Guide to Newborn Appearance Questions

The AAP guide below explains common newborn appearance changes and which ones should be checked.

AAP Symptom CheckerHow newborns look

If the Symptom Checker does not appear here

It is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ own tool and it loads from their site, so a lost connection or a content blocker leaves this space empty. Open it on HealthyChildren.org with the button below, or call your office and a nurse will answer.

Open on HealthyChildren.org

Symptom CheckerHow newborns look New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • Jaundice is becoming more noticeable.
  • Your baby has significant swelling, redness or a rapidly changing skin finding.
  • Your baby feeds poorly, has fever or seems unwell.
  • You are unsure whether a new appearance change is normal.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your newborn looks blue or gray and has trouble breathing.
  • Your newborn is very difficult to wake.
  • You think your newborn has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on babies and newborns

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