Introduction

Many expectant parents look forward to what their baby will look like before they are born, imagining their pink skin, big eyes, and adorable smile.

However, the reality is often a little "unexpected", and many newborns will be covered with a layer of white substance on their skin, which makes new parents overwhelmed and even worried.

01

95后的李女士在懷孕后，家裡人都非常重視她的健康，精心照顧她的飲食起居，希望寶寶能平安順利降生。

經過十個月的辛苦孕育，李女士終於迎來了自己的孩子。

However, when the husband saw the newborn baby for the first time, there was a surprised expression on his face - the baby's skin was covered with a thick layer of white substance, which looked like a "snowman".

After the baby was pushed out of the delivery room, the relatives of the family gathered around, but they did not dare to hold the baby for a while because of the "strange" appearance.

Ms. Li's mother-in-law asked the doctor even more anxiously: "Why is the child covered in a white layer?" Is there something wrong with it? ”

The doctor smiled and explained, "Don't worry, the baby is healthy." This white layer on your child's skin is called 'vernix', and it is the natural protective layer of newborn skin. ”

Hearing the doctor's explanation, the family finally breathed a sigh of relief and began to take a closer look at this newborn little life.

02

So, what is vernix?

Vernix Caseosa is a white, oily substance secreted by fetal skin, which is mainly composed of water, fat, protein, and exfoliated skin cells.

Vernix usually begins to form around the third month of pregnancy and gradually increases as the baby grows, mainly on the baby's face, back, limbs and skin folds.

The presence of vernix is not only a normal physiological phenomenon, but also plays an important role in the healthy growth of the baby.

The three major functions of vernix

Protects the skin and reduces irritation

The fetus is soaked in amniotic fluid for a long time in the mother's body, and if there is no protection of vernix fat, the skin is prone to become wrinkled due to long-term soaking.

Vernix acts as a natural barrier to prevent amniotic fluid from irritating your baby's skin, so that your newborn's skin remains soft and smooth at birth.

Helps regulate body temperature

The newborn's body temperature regulation ability is not yet fully developed, and vernix can play a certain role in heat preservation and help the baby adapt to the temperature changes outside the mother's body.

Boosts immunity and reduces the risk of infection

Studies have shown that vernix contains a variety of antibacterial substances, which can effectively reduce the invasion of bacteria and viruses on the baby and reduce the risk of infection.

03

How to care for your baby's vernix?

Although vernix has many benefits for babies, some of it can accumulate in skin folds, such as the neck, armpits, behind the ears, etc., and require proper care from parents.

Go with the flow and avoid over-cleaning

Many novice parents will rush to bathe their baby and wash the vernix thoroughly.

In fact, most of the vernix will be naturally absorbed by the skin within 48~0 hours, and you only need to gently wipe it with warm water when bathing, and avoid using harsh cleaning products.

Cleanse skin folds

For areas with a lot of vernix accumulation, you can gently massage with baby emollient oil (such as olive oil) and gently wipe with a soft towel after the vernix has softened.

Avoid removing vernix by hand

Some parents can't help but pick it with their hands when they see that the vernix is thick, which can easily damage the baby's delicate skin and even increase the risk of infection.

Pay attention to head care

If there is a lot of vernix accumulation in the hair, parents can gently massage it with baby emollient oil, and then wash it with warm water and baby shampoo to ensure that the baby's scalp is clean and comfortable.

04

What are the common misconceptions about vernix?

More vernix = unhealthy baby?

The amount of vernix varies from person to person and does not directly affect your baby's health.

Vernix is a natural protective substance that protects your baby's skin in the womb and for a short time after birth.

Usually, premature babies have more vernix to help reduce body temperature loss, while full-term babies have relatively little vernix, which is a normal physiological phenomenon and parents do not need to worry too much.

Do you have to wash off the vernix right away?

Vernix has strong moisturizing and antibacterial functions, which can effectively protect the delicate skin of newborns.

If washed too soon, it can cause damage to the skin barrier, dry out your baby's skin, and even increase the risk of infection and eczema.

It is generally recommended to keep the vernix absorbed naturally, or to clean it properly under the guidance of a doctor, rather than rushing to wash it off.

Does vernix cause skin diseases?

Cernix not only does not cause skin diseases, but can play a protective role. It contains a variety of beneficial lipids and proteins, which can help your baby's skin maintain moisture and reduce the occurrence of skin problems such as eczema and rashes.

In addition, vernix can also strengthen the barrier function of the skin, so that the baby can better adapt to the external environment after birth.

Fruit's message

Newborn vernix is a precious natural protective layer for your baby, which not only protects the skin, but also helps your baby adapt to the external environment more smoothly.

As a new parent, you don't have to be anxious about how your baby looks when it's born. Understanding the role of vernix and mastering the correct care methods can make your baby grow up healthier and more comfortable.

If your baby is born like a "snowman", don't be afraid, it's just a great start to their growth!

This content is a fictional short story, if there is any similarity, it is purely a coincidence, all characters, places and events are artistic processing, please read rationally, do not sit in the right seat