**Core Concept**
Laryngomalacia is a congenital condition characterized by soft and pliable cartilage of the laryngeal structures, leading to partial airway obstruction and stridor in newborns. This condition is often associated with the floppy epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor after birth due to the anatomical characteristics of the larynx. The soft cartilage and floppy epiglottis create a dynamic obstruction as the child inhales, causing the airway to partially collapse. This leads to the characteristic high-pitched stridor, which is often worse when the child is feeding or crying. The condition is usually benign and resolves spontaneously by the age of 2.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Laryngeal papilloma is a rare congenital condition caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and is characterized by the growth of papillomas on the laryngeal surface. While it can cause stridor, it is not the most common cause.

**Option B:** Laryngeal web is a congenital anomaly characterized by a web-like formation between the vocal cords. It can cause stridor, but it is less common than laryngomalacia.

**Option D:** Vocal cord palsy can cause stridor, but it is usually associated with a more acute presentation and is often related to a traumatic injury or neurological disorder.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Laryngomalacia is often associated with other congenital anomalies, such as congenital heart disease and gastrointestinal anomalies. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this condition, as the symptoms can be subtle and may not always be immediately apparent.

**✓ Correct Answer: C. Laryngomalacia**