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.

Hiccups are very common in newborns - caused by diaphragm spasms (muscle used for breathing). Often happen after feeding, when baby eats too fast, swallows air, or has temperature change. Completely harmless and usually don't bother baby (bothers parents more!). Frequency decreases as baby grows. Babies even hiccup in the womb starting around 6 weeks gestation. Most episodes last 5-10 minutes and resolve on their own.

When baby feels like they're falling or hears loud noise, they throw arms out, arch back, then pull arms back in (often crying). This is Moro/startle reflex. Present at birth, peaks first month, disappears by 3-6 months. Evolutionary survival reflex (grab onto mother to prevent falling). Can wake baby from sleep. Triggered by sudden head position change, loud noise, or feeling of falling. Swaddling helps suppress this reflex so it doesn't wake baby constantly.