Oh my, what big ears!
15 percent of babies have ear deformities that don’t resolve in the first few days. The top of the ear, called the helical rim, may flop over or have unusual shape. Ear molding devices such as EarWell may help in the first six weeks while cartilage is soft. Talk to your pediatrician to see if treatment by a specialist is warranted.
If it is, consider a plastic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals, where care is provided regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
Marisa Foss, CNP
Shriners Hospitals for Children, Chicago
That cute belly button
A belly button that sticks out like a knob is likely an umbilical hernia. This happens when the abdominal contents pushes against a small defect in the abdominal wall. This will close spontaneously and is not at all dangerous.
Dr. Susie Sheinkop, Pediatrician
PediaTrust
Acne already?
Nearly half of newborns will develop Milia, tiny white bumps usually found on the nose. The bumps are nothing to be concerned about. They will gradually disappear in a few months. Similar bumps can appear on the roof of a baby’s mouth or on the gum line. These are called Epstein’s pearls, harmless benign cysts that will go away.
Dr. Hannah Chow-Johnson, Pediatrician
Assistant professor, Department of Pediatrics, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
