Strange but Normal: 10 Baby Facts Every Parent Should Know

Having a baby is amazing, but let’s be honest—it comes with a lot of questions and worries. These tiny humans often do things that make parents scratch their heads. From strange sounds to unusual movements, many of these “odd” baby habits are perfectly normal, even though they look unusual to first-time parents. Babies are actually still getting used to life outside the womb. Their tiny bodies and brains are growing at a breakneck pace, and this development can manifest itself in unexpected ways. Instead of panicking, it helps to understand what’s normal—and when you should seek medical advice.

Here are 10 odd but completely normal things about babies that will help ease your mind.

The sight of your newborn’s eyes crossing or straying in different directions might be disturbing. Perhaps you’re wondering if their vision is impaired. However, don’t worry—newborns frequently exhibit this. It takes a few months for them to fully regulate their eye muscles because they are still learning how to cooperate.

Most babies develop better eye coordination around 3–4 months old. By then, you’ll notice their gaze becoming steadier and more focused. Unless the crossing persists beyond that stage or looks extreme, there’s usually nothing to worry about.

Hiccups are one of the most common “baby oddities.” Some babies get them daily, sometimes even after every feeding. Parents often think hiccups mean their baby is uncomfortable, but in most cases, they don’t bother the baby at all. The reason is simple: a baby’s diaphragm is sensitive and still learning how to function properly. Swallowing air while feeding or even excitement can trigger these spasms. If your baby seems fine, just let the hiccups run their course—they usually go away on their own.

One of the scariest things for new parents is watching their newborn breathe. Sometimes they’ll breathe rapidly, then pause for a few seconds, only to start again. Parents may become alarmed by this, although it’s common for babies under six months old and is known as periodic breathing.

Their developing nervous system is still learning how to control their breathing. Inconsistent breathing is not an issue as long as your baby’s skin

remains pink and they don’t show signs of distress. Their breathing becomes steadier and more regular with time.

The protective skin covering that newborns have on their bodies usually begins to peel off within the first week or two of life. Their skin may appear flaky or dry as a result, particularly on their hands and feet. This peeling is just their old skin shedding as new skin grows in, yet many parents worry and believe babies need oils or creams.

Although it usually goes away on its own without any aid, a small amount of baby-safe moisturizer can be helpful.

Have you ever witnessed your kid suddenly extend their arms wide, as though something unseen had woken them up? That is the Moro reflex, and

it is entirely typical. It happens when your baby feels a sudden movement, noise, or even a change in position.

This reflex is a sign that their nervous system is developing properly. Most babies outgrow it by the time they’re 4–6 months old. Swaddling during

sleep can sometimes help minimize it so they don’t wake themselves up with the sudden movement.

It may surprise you to notice that your baby—whether boy or girl—has small swollen breasts or even a tiny bit of milky discharge. This is due to hormonal exposure from the mother during pregnancy. The swelling goes away on its own after a few weeks, and it’s important not to squeeze or press it.

While it looks odd, it’s harmless and a very common newborn quirk.

Some babies are born with fine hair covering their back, shoulders, ears, or even their forehead. This is called lanugo, and it helps protect the baby’s delicate skin in the womb. Premature babies usually have more of it.The good news? Lanugo naturally falls off within the first few weeks or months of life. There’s no need to shave or scrub—it disappears as your baby grows.

It may surprise you to hear whimpers, squeaks, and moans coming from the crib if you were expecting your baby to sleep soundly like an angel. Like adults, babies spend a significant amount of their sleep in active sleep, which is comparable to the REM state. All of those amusing sounds are caused by their bodies’ active growth, developing brains, and active vocal cords during this time. These sounds are simply another typical aspect of a baby’s slumber, unless they are accompanied by indications of distress.

Does your newborn sneeze a lot? Don’t assume it’s allergies or a cold Babies commonly sneeze to release dust, milk, or mucus because of the tiny size of their nasal passages. If your baby doesn’t have a cough, fever, or trouble breathing, their sneezing is usually just a normal way of clearing their little airways.

One of the biggest surprises for new parents is baby poop—it comes in all shades and textures. Breastfed babies may have mustard-yellow, seedy stools, while formula-fed babies might have thicker, tan or brown poop. Sometimes it’s green, and sometimes it’s runny. As long as the stool isn’t consistently white, red, or black (which may indicate an issue and requires medical attention), the variety of colors is completely normal. It’s simply a reflection of their immature digestive system and what they’re eating.

If you’re not sure, it’s always acceptable to consult your physician, even if the majority of these strange habits are normal If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to consult a specialist—especially if your child is having trouble feeding, seems uneasy, or shows signs of breathing difficulties.

Babies are full of surprises! Those little quirks—peeling skin, funny noises, crossed eyes, or even temporary swelling—are usually just part of normal development. One of the biggest lessons of parenthood? Learning the difference between what’s “weird” and what’s truly serious. Take a deep breath and remember: most of your baby’s odd behaviors are completely normal. Enjoy the little moments, celebrate the small wins, and give yourself credit—you’re doing an amazing job!

It is impossible to be completely prepared for all the struggles that life has in store for you. MyDvija brand understands the crux of this and have a varied range of videos on every parenting question that you might have on our MyDvija Youtube Channel. 

You can also checkout our wide range of baby food range and our courses for making your parenting journey easier.