Reflexes & Newborn Behaviors

Frequent Sneezing in Newborns

Newborns sneeze A LOT - this is totally normal, not usually a cold. Sneezing helps clear nose of amniotic fluid, mucus, dust, and other particles.

Baby's nasal passages are tiny and sensitive. Sneezing is their way of clearing airways since they can't blow their nose.

Sneezing alone (without fever, excessive mucus, or other cold symptoms) is normal reflex, not illness.

What to Do

Understand sneezing alone is normal - not a sign of illness in newborns
If baby seems congested: Use saline drops and bulb syringe to help clear nose
Keep environment free of dust, strong smells, smoke, and perfumes
Watch for actual cold symptoms: fever, thick mucus, cough, refusing to eat
If JUST sneezing with no other symptoms - no treatment needed

When to call a doctor

Call doctor if sneezing is accompanied by fever, thick yellow/green mucus, difficulty breathing, refusing to eat, or baby seems unwell. Then it may be cold or infection.

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Hiccups in Newborns

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Moro Reflex (Startle Reflex)

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Palmar Grasp Reflex

When you place finger in baby's palm, they automatically grasp tightly. This is palmar grasp reflex. Present at birth, strong enough that baby can support own weight briefly (though you should never test this - dangerous). Disappears around 5-6 months as voluntary grasping develops. Similar reflex exists in feet (plantar grasp) - toes curl when foot sole is touched.