The 10 Most Unpleasant Aspects of Newborn Babies

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You gaze lovingly at your beautiful newborn, counting those tiny fingers and toes, completely taken in by their charm. But let’s be real—newborns can also be pretty gross. It’s a strange paradox of nature that their adorable little faces make us overlook the less pleasant aspects of their existence. Here are ten of the most gag-worthy things about having a newborn.

1. Meconium
   For the first few days, your baby’s diaper will be filled with a substance known as meconium, or as many parents affectionately call it, “butt tar.” This dark, sticky goo is not only difficult to clean but also has a smell that could knock you off your feet. It’s essentially a mix of everything your little one ingested while in the womb—yum, right?
2. Milia
   Those tiny bumps on your baby’s face may resemble acne, but they’re far from it. These annoying little spots are called milia, and while they may interfere with your baby’s cuteness, popping them is strictly off-limits.
3. Skeletal Chicken Limbs
   Forget those adorable, chubby baby rolls you see in ads. Newborns often come out looking like tiny, naked frogs with their skinny limbs and reddish skin. This “chicken look” is completely normal, so don’t fret; they’ll fill out soon enough.
4. Diaper Explosions
   The sounds that come from a newborn during diaper changes are unlike anything you’ve ever heard. What goes in comes out with a series of grumbles and pops, and the aftermath can be quite messy. Buckle up, because you’re in for a wild ride!
5. Baby Vomit
   Newborns can unleash their meals with surprising force. Whether it’s a little spit-up or a full-on projectile situation, the smell is still unmistakably… human. Just when you think you’re prepared for everything, they’ll surprise you with their capacity for mess.
6. Umbilical Cord Stump
   That little umbilical cord stump can look downright alarming. It might seem infected or gross, but it’s just your baby’s normal leftover from their time in the womb. And when it finally falls off, do yourself a favor: don’t even think about saving it. That’s just plain creepy.
7. Lanugo
   Most newborns are born with a fine layer of hair called lanugo, which can make it seem like you’ve given birth to a miniature werewolf. Don’t worry, though; it will eventually fall off!
8. The Soft Spot
   Yes, your baby’s head has soft spots where the skull bones haven’t fused yet. While this is necessary for growth, it can be a bit unsettling to think about your little one’s brain being so exposed during those early months.
9. Tiny Nails
   Those tiny fingernails may look cute, but they can cause major damage! Your baby will inevitably want to scratch their own face, and that means someone has to step in to trim those minuscule nails. Good luck with that!
10. Common Newborn Issues
    From cradle cap to diaper rash, many newborns go through a plethora of minor ailments. While these conditions are typically harmless, they can be a bit gross. Some parents might recommend using breastmilk to remedy these issues, adding another layer of ickiness depending on your perspective.

What do you think is the grossest part of having a newborn?

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In summary, while newborns are undeniably adorable, they come with their fair share of gross moments that every new parent must navigate. It’s all part of the wild ride of parenthood.