What do you know about the white wax on the babys body?

Babies are born with a white wax covering their body. This is the layer that protects the baby's skin while in the womb.

In the eyes of parents, baby is always so cute and pretty. However, the white wax patches around your baby when your baby is born makes you just 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.

1. The vernix wax layer is very important to your baby's health

This wax may look dirty, but it is normal. This is a completely natural thing, it can cover the whole baby's body or appear only in the folds of the body. Many people believe that this wax will create a unique "baby smell" that everyone loves.

2. The composition of the white wax layer

The main component of the vernix wax layer is water (about 80%), the rest is fat and protein. In addition, it also contains substances that support the baby's immune system.

3. Vernix wax is a natural skin conditioner

Baby's skin is very thin, has very little protection, and therefore less sweat and oil secretion than adults. As a result, baby's skin tends to lose moisture easily and become dry easily. Vernix wax helps prevent dehydration and moisturizes the skin, making baby's skin smoother.

4. The vernix wax helps to protect the baby from disease

A mother's genital tract sometimes contains germs that can enter the baby's body as the baby passes through. At birth, the baby's immune system is very weak, so it is easy to get infections. This wax acts as a protective barrier to prevent bacteria from entering. In addition, this wax layer also contains substances that fight bacteria and pathogens.

5. The vernix wax layer is like a waterproof coat

When in the womb, the baby is always covered with amniotic fluid. Late in pregnancy, a vernix wax is formed to help protect the baby's skin from amniotic fluid. It can be said that vernix wax is like a waterproof coat, helping to protect the developing skin cells underneath. In addition, vernix wax helps to retain moisture and maintain the baby's body temperature after birth.

6. Vernix wax helps children adapt to the world

During the 9 months, the baby is in your warm body. All of the body's needs are supported by the mother's body. Born is a time when your baby will have to undergo a drastic change in the environment. The vernix wax will help your baby's skin adapt to the dry and cold world outside by retaining moisture and maintaining body temperature. This wax layer also contains vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that helps your baby cope with the stress of birth.

7. Do not rush off the vernix wax layer

Sometimes, babies are taken to bathe immediately after birth to wash off the white wax covering the body. This is not always a good idea because removing the wax can cause the child's skin to become red and susceptible to infection. Therefore, doctors do not recommend rinsing off this wax immediately after the baby is born.

8. Baby's first bath

The purpose of bathing your baby is to wash away blood and stool. You should wipe gently to remove the vernix wax layer. After giving birth, wait about 24 - 48 hours and then bathe your baby . Because during this time, the vernix wax will help your baby adjust to life outside the mother's body.

9. Color of vernix wax layer

The vernix wax layer is usually creamy white. Other colors may be associated with congenital hemolysis. Fetal problems encountered during pregnancy also cause this wax to appear a different color, such as golden brown.

10. What if my baby is born without a vernix class?

Babies born prematurely (less than 28 weeks) will not have this wax. Therefore, right after the baby is born, he or she needs to be supported in temperature regulation.

Vernix wax is the best protective layer to protect your baby from dangers and help him adapt better to life outside.