For the past nine months, you’ve been getting ready for your baby’s arrival. But now that you’re bringing home your bundle of joy, you’re a little worried. How will you ever remember everything you learned about what to expect in those first few weeks?

Even the best-prepared parents may be surprised by a few things that are quite normal in newborns, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Birthmarks
These common spots and stains may be present at birth and are usually harmless. Many eventually disappear on their own.

• Stork bite or nevus flammeus. This is seen on the forehead or on the back of the neck, or both. This mark almost always disappears as the child grows.
• Mongolian spot. This mark, which may look like a bruise, appears over the lower back and upper buttocks on darker pigmented babies. This spot frequently disappears by age 5 or 6.
• Congenital nevus. This is also called a mole. Moles do not disappear and may grow larger over time.
• Port wine stain. This is a red to purple mark that may appear anywhere on the body, but frequently on the face. This mark tends to grow larger over time.

Blood
It’s not uncommon to see a tiny bit of blood in your daughter’s diaper for the first couple of weeks. This tiny bit of vaginal bleeding is a response to the withdrawal of maternal hormones now that she’s not in the womb.

Breasts
Mom’s hormones that are still in your baby’s system may cause breast tissue to grow slightly, in both girls and boys. These lumps may last for a few months but then should go away.

Cord color
You’ve probably been told that your baby’s umbilical cord stump will fall off on its own. But, did you know it will turn yellow and then brown or black first?

Odd movements
Newborns’ bodies are ruled by reflexes. So, your baby won’t be able to control most movements very well for the first few months. Her chin, arms, or legs may seem shaky, especially when crying.

Other skin conditions
Rashes and other skin conditions are common in newborns. Here's a look at several:

• Acne. Newborn acne, or pimples that can break out on the baby's face, usually appears at 2 to 3 weeks of age. The cause is unknown, but it seems to be associated with maternal hormones (maternal androgens) that pass from the placenta to the baby during pregnancy. The acne may worsen by 1 month but generally goes away without treatment. It may be helpful to gently wash the baby's face once a day with a mild soap to keep milk residue off the skin.
• Cradle cap. Cradle cap looks like scaly white patches on the scalp. These are usually gone in a few months.
• Erythema toxicum. This is a reddish-colored rash with small yellowish-white raised bumps in the center that may be seen on the face, trunk, legs, and arms. The rash may appear within the first couple of days after birth and last for about a week. The rash typically disappears without any treatment.
• Milia. These tiny white bumps can appear on your baby's face. They will go away in a few weeks.

Rapid breathing
Healthy newborns average 40 breaths a minute; adults take 12 to 18. An infant’s breathing may pause for up to 10 seconds. Then, he resumes breathing.

Soft spots
The two soft areas on your baby’s head are known as fontanels. They’ll be there until the bones in the skull knit together. When your child cries, they may bulge. The soft spots may pulse along with his heartbeat. If you feel your child is ill or if something just doesn’t seem right, call your health care provider.