Sometimes parents are surprised by the appearance of their newborns skin. Here are a few fun facts!
1. Vernix
Babies arrive with a cheesy, greasy looking, white substance on their skin. This is called Vernix. Its purpose is to protect baby’s skin from the amniotic fluid and serves as a lubricant as baby travels through the birth canal. Its not necessary to wash it off, it can rubbed in to naturally moisturize baby’s skin.
2. Peeling skin
Throughout the first few days and few weeks of life baby’s top layer of skin sheds. During this time you might notice their skin looks really dry and is peeling, especially on the hands and feet. This is a normal part of baby’s body adapting to their new environment.
3. Baby acne
This looks like tiny white or red bumps on baby’s cheeks, forehead, eyelids and sometimes even their neck, chest and back. After birth baby typically has maternal hormones in their system which may contribute to baby acne. There is nothing you can do to stop baby acne but it will go away on its own. Resist the urge to pick at it!
4. Body hair
Your baby’s body might be covered in fine hair at birth (called lanugo). Most babies develop this hair throughout pregnancy and shed it during the 8th or 9th of pregnancy. Some babies still have this hair at birth. Premature babies are more likely to be born with lanugo. It may last a few weeks but will fall out.
5. Sensitive skin
Newborns have very thin, sensitive skin. Protect your baby’s skin by following these tips
- A warm bath every night is okay if it’s part of your routine but don’t keep baby in the bath too long
- Avoid using soap every day. When you do use soap, make sure it’s a gentle product, made specifically for baby skin
- Gently pat dry baby’s skin. Don’t rub baby’s skin with a towel
- Apply moisturizer to baby’s skin after soaking in the bath
- Avoid direct sunlight
- File baby’s nails to prevent baby from scratching themselves