No, standard newborn screening doesn’t test for Down syndrome; diagnosis uses chromosomal tests ordered separately, not the heel-prick panel.

Yes, newborn screening tests for sickle cell disease and trait using a heel-prick blood spot in the first 1–2 days after birth.

Yes — newborn screening looks for hemoglobin patterns that can flag thalassemia risk, though exact reporting and carrier detection vary by region.

Newborns do see some color; true color vision matures over the first months and is much clearer by about 4–6 months of age.

Yes—newborn skin color shifts in the first days to months as blood flow, bilirubin, and melanin levels settle.

Yes, newborn skin often peels in the first 1–3 weeks as womb moisture and vernix fade; gentle moisturizer and short baths usually settle the dryness.

Yes, newborn skin tone often shifts during the first year as melanin builds and circulation matures; temporary hues like yellow or blue can be normal.

Yes—newborn sleep gets better as circadian rhythms mature; many babies log longer night stretches by 8–12 weeks and steadier nights by 6 months.

Newborns can sleep in either a bassinet or a crib, as long as the sleep space meets safety standards and follows safe-sleep rules.

Usually no—newborn sleep lands around 14–17 hours per day; call your pediatrician if your baby is hard to wake, skips feeds, or seems unwell.