Characteristics of a Newborn

1. General Appearanceposition and activity

2. Skin

a. Colorruddy complexion due to increased RBC concentration and decreased subcutaneous fat which makes blood vessels more visible. Acrocyanosis Physiologic Jaundice Textureslight desquamation for the first 2 to 4 weeks of life Skin Turgorgood elasticity Vernix Caseosawhite cream-cheese like that serves as a skin lubricant Miliapinpoint size white spots seen on the nose and chin due to obstruction of the sebaceous glands. Erythema Toxicumnewborn rash. It begins with a papule and eventually to an erythematic appearance. Lanugois the fine downy hair that covers a newborns shoulders, back and upper arms. Immature newborns have more lanugo than mature infant. Birthmarks Hemangiomasare vascular tumors of the skin. Nevus flammeusmuscular purple or dark red lesion. Generally appear on the face and thighs. Strawberry hemangiomaselevated areas formed by immature capillaries and endothelial cells. Cavernous hemangiomasthese are dilated vascular spaces. Mongolian spotsslate gray patches across the sacrum or buttocks and consist of a collection of pigment cells. Forceps marksthese are circular or linease contusion matching the rim of the blade forceps on the infants cheeks.

3. Headnewborns head is disproportionately large

Fontanellesspaces or opening where the skull bones join Moldingthe part of the infants head that engages the cervix. It is molded to fit the cervix contours. Caput Succedaneumis edema of the scalp at the presenting part of the head. Cephalhematomais a collection of blood between the periosteum of the skull bone and the bone itself caused by rupture of the periosteum capillary due to the pressure of birth. Craniotabesis a localized softening of the cranial bones. 4. Eyesvision is present as evidence of blinking reflex

5. Earshearing is present as soon as amniotic fluid is drained or is absorbed from the middle ear.

6. Nosemay appear large for the face.

7. Mouthshould open evenly when the baby cries.

8. Neckis short and chubby, creased with skin folds and head rotate freely.

9. Chestappear small in proportion to infants head.

Abdomencontour is slightly protuberant (sticking out from the surroundings) Anogenital Areaanus should not be covered by a membrane. Take note of the time meconium is first passed. Backthe spine appears flat in the lumbar and sacral areas Extremities Arms and legs appear short

Hands are plump and clinch into fists Should move symmetrically Fingernails are soft, smooth Good muscle tone, arms always in flexed position Palm of hands should have three creases. Legs are bowed as well short Soles of the feet appears to be flat Presence of crisscrossed lines on the soles of the foot. Feeding