This post was most recently updated on July 25th, 2023
At birth, babies have white wax covering all over their bodies. This is the layer that protects the baby’s skin in the womb.
As a parent, when you see your baby first time, the baby looks so adorable and lovely. But the white wax that envelops the body of a baby during their birth makes you want to wipe them off.
The white wax layer is called vernix caseosa. It is formed on the baby’s skin during the third trimester of pregnancy and follows the baby until birth.
Vernix wax is essential for baby’s health
The wax looks dirty, but it is normal. This is an absolutely natural thing; it can cover the whole baby’s body or only appear in the folds of the body. Many people believe that this wax layer will create a unique “infant smell” that everyone loves.
Composition of a white wax layer
The main component of vernix wax is water (about 80%), the rest is fat and protein. Also, it contains substances that support your baby’s immune system.
Vernix wax is a natural skin conditioner
The baby’s skin is fragile, has a microscopic layer of protection, so less sweat, and mucus than adults. As a result, baby skin often loses moisture and can quickly dry out. Vernix wax helps prevent dehydration and moisturize the skin, making the baby’s skin smoother.
Vernix wax helps protect babies from disease
The mother’s reproductive tract sometimes contains germs, and they can enter the baby’s body when she passes through. At birth, your baby’s immune system is fragile, so it is easy to get infections. This wax acts as a protective layer that prevents bacteria from entering into a body. Also, this layer of wax contains substances against bacteria and pathogens.
The vernix wax is like a waterproof coat
Once in the womb, the baby is always covered with amniotic fluid. By the end of pregnancy, vernix wax will be formed to help protect the baby’s skin from amniotic fluid. It can be said that vernix wax is like a waterproof coat, which helps to protect the skin cells that grow underneath. Besides, vernix wax helps to moisturize and maintain body temperature after birth.
Vernix wax helps children adjust to the world
For nine months, your baby stays in the mother’s warm body. The mother’s body had supported everything about the essential needs required for the baby. Birth is a time when babies will have to undergo drastic changes in the environment. The vernix wax helps your baby’s skin adjust to the cold, dry world outside by moisturizing and maintaining body temperature. This wax also contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that helps your baby cope with stress at birth.
Do not rush to wash away the vernix wax
Sometimes babies are taken to the shower immediately after birth to wash off the white wax covering their body. This is not always a good idea because removing the wax can make your baby’s skin red and prone to infection. Therefore, doctors do not recommend washing this wax immediately after birth.
Baby’s first bath
The purpose of bathing your baby is to wash away blood and meconium. You should wipe gently by smooth clothes to remove vernix wax. After birth, wait about 24-48 hours and then bathe your baby. Because during this time, vernix wax will help your baby adjust to life outside the mother’s body.
Colors of vernix wax
The vernix wax is usually creamy white. If the color is different, it may be related to congenital hemolytic disease. The fetal problems encountered during pregnancy also cause this wax to be modified in color like a yellowish-brown.
What if a baby is born without a vernix?
Babies born prematurely (less than 28 weeks) will not have this wax class. Therefore, right after your baby is born, your baby needs to be assisted in regulating body temperature.
Vernix wax is the best protective layer to protect your baby from dangers and help him better adapt to life outside.
