Your baby’s skin is so precious to kiss, smell and just cuddle, but there are a few things that you may like to know about this preciousness of their skin.
1. It’s Really Thin
Newborn skin is famously thin, fragile, and sensitive, compared to grown adults’.
2. It Comes With Its Own Moisturizer
Before birth, your baby’s skin is coated in a waxy white substance called vernix. It acts as a protective film and natural moisturizer, and it is loaded with lipids, proteins, and amino acids, as well as anti-bacterial and anti-microbial compounds.
3. It’s Larger Than You Think
The skin is the largest organ of the human body, and this is especially true for babies, who have an even bigger outer tissue covering their tiny little bodies – relatively speaking.
4. It Requires Special Care
Having spent only a couple of hours, days, or weeks outside the safety of the womb, your baby has not have enough time to develop the natural acid mantle that protects his or her skin from drying out and acts as a barrier to bacteria, viruses, and other potential contaminants that might penetrate the skin.
5. It’s Color-Changing
Did you know that for some babies, their permanent skin tone might take up to six months to set? Regardless of your bundle’s ethnicity, in the first couple of days he or she will be wearing a uniform of dark red to purple.
6. t Will Dry Out If You Bathe Your Babe Too Much
Because baby skin has a higher water content than grown-up skin, your baby actually needs less bath time than you do!
7. It’s Super Sensitive to Sunburns
Because of their paper-thin skin, babies (even darker skinned mini-individuals) are at a higher risk of getting sunburned than adults.
8. It’s Prone to Rashes
It’s not all peaches and cream when it comes to baby skin. Especially prone to rashes during the first few months, don’t be surprised if you catch some bumps and blemishes on your newborn’s skin as it becomes accustomed to the harsh environment of the outside world.
Now we recommend lots of cuddles and skin to skin with your baby for the best and sweetest emotional bonding available.
