When a newborn baby cries, their face commonly turns red. This temporary and harmless reaction is a normal part of a baby’s early development, reflecting the physical effort exerted during crying. Understanding this phenomenon helps parents recognize what is typical and when to seek further attention.
Understanding Why Newborns Turn Red
A newborn’s face reddens during crying due to the body’s physiological response to intense exertion. Crying involves straining, which increases pressure within the chest and head. This temporarily elevates blood flow to the face, making the delicate skin appear flushed or red.
A newborn’s circulatory system is still maturing, making blood vessels closer to the skin’s surface more visible. Any increase in blood volume to the head and face during crying becomes apparent. The physical act of crying also involves vigorous muscle contractions, contributing to increased blood pressure and circulation in the upper body.
Newborn skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin, allowing underlying blood vessels to show through more clearly. This combination of increased blood flow and translucent skin amplifies the redness. The body’s autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions, also plays a role in these circulatory adjustments.
Normal Crying and Redness
In most instances, a newborn turning red while crying is a normal physiological response. This redness appears as a flushed, rosy color on the face and head. As crying subsides and the baby calms, their skin color generally returns to its usual tone quickly.
This reaction is a baby’s natural way of expressing discomfort, hunger, or other needs. It is a common characteristic in healthy infants and does not usually indicate an underlying problem. Parents might also notice other signs of effort, such as clenched fists or legs pulled towards the tummy, accompanying normal crying and redness.
Redness can be particularly noticeable during prolonged crying spells, such as those associated with colic. Colic, characterized by frequent and intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby, often features a flushed face. Despite the intensity, this redness remains a typical part of a baby’s response to distress as their nervous system develops.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While redness during crying is often normal, certain accompanying signs warrant medical attention. Seek guidance if the baby’s skin color does not return to normal once crying stops. Also, be concerned if redness is accompanied by persistent bluish discoloration, particularly around the lips, tongue, or fingertips. This blue tint, known as cyanosis, indicates insufficient oxygenation and requires prompt evaluation.
Other indicators for concern include difficulty breathing, such as gasping, nostril flaring, or visible chest retractions. Consult a healthcare provider if the baby appears unusually lethargic, unresponsive, or in severe pain even after comforting attempts. A weak, high-pitched, or continuous cry, especially if accompanied by floppiness or poor feeding, also signals a need for medical assessment.