Newborns are born with a protective, white substance known as vernix. Made up of lanugo hairs and sebum (an oily substance made by the skin), vernix acts as a barrier between baby’s delicate skin and the amniotic fluid surrounding them during the nine months spent in utero. The protective qualities of vernix help improve the new baby’s transition from the amniotic fluid to the outside world.
Wash Vernix Off or Leave it On?
Most of the vernix from the womb will be absorbed by the baby’s skin. The amount of vernix decreases toward the end of pregnancy. So, a preterm baby will most likely have more of the thick, white substance visible when exiting the birth canal. Some parents choose to clean it off their baby right away, while others wait a day or two. Due to its powerful antibacterial proteins, there’s really no need to wash it away.
The WHO suggests leaving vernix on your newborn for at least six hours after birth, if not a full 24 hours. Vernix doesn’t fully absorb until about 5 days after birth. However, the majority of the vernix is absorbed in the first 24 hours and you can even rub it into baby’s skin while enjoying skin to skin immediately after birth. Some parents have their baby bathed by the nurses at the hospital, while others wait to give the first bath until they are home. Whichever you decide, be sure to write it in your birth plan so the nurses are aware.
5 Benefits to Vernix on Newborns
1. Hydration
Vernix is essential for protecting the skin from the amniotic fluid, which contains naturally occurring bacteria. Without vernix, a newborn’s skin would be dry and cracked, and would not have the flexibility needed to be able to move. Vernix also helps keep baby’s skin supple, hydrated and protected from irritation. This helps the skin better adapt to the outside world.
2. Comfort
Vernix smells familiar to newborns and can even provide them with some comfort in those first few days outside the womb. This can aid in bonding between mother and child as well.
3. Temperature Control
The thick white coating acts as a little blanket for your newborn and helps to control their temperature. Although it is not known exactly how much vernix insulates a newborn baby, there is a higher rate of heat loss in infants who have it immediately washed off. (Archana, Singh)
4. Protection
Vernix also acts as a sort of lubricant, helping to protect baby’s delicate facial features as they are delivered through the birth canal. In addition to providing comfort and protection, vernix is beneficial in helping keep a baby’s skin clean. Thanks to vernix’s protective barrier, the baby’s delicate skin is less likely to be exposed to bacteria, fungi, and other contaminants.
5. Absorbs Vitamins
The protective, white, waxy substance is also believed to aid in the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals for the baby. This helps to nourish and strengthen a newborn’s skin.
After reading these facts, it’s no wonder why the newborn vernix is so important! Talk to your doctor or midwife at your next visit, asking their protocol for keeping vernix on a newborn baby.
Archana, G., & Singh, G. (2008). UNRAVELING THE MYSTERY OF VERNIX CASEOSA. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763724/
About The Author
Carole K. Arsenault is the founder and CEO of Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny. She has years of experience working with newborns as a lactation consultant, sleep coach, and of course an RN specializing in Obstetrics and Maternal Health. In addition, she is the award winning author of Newborn 101. She has three grown children and loves to share mindfulness tips to friends and parents.
