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This is because all the protective vernix has been absorbed in the womb.
#BABY SOFT SPOT SKIN#
If your baby is overdue, their skin may be dry and cracked. Staff in the neonatal unit will advise you on skincare. Premature babies' skin is even more delicate. Avoid skin lotions, medicated wipes, or adding cleansers to your baby's bath water. If you need to, you can also use some mild, non-perfumed soap. It's best to bath your baby with plain water only for at least the first month. This is a natural moisturiser and protects against infection in the first few days. Vernix (the white sticky substance that covers your baby's skin in the womb) should always be left to absorb naturally. Over the first month (or longer in premature babies), your baby's skin matures and develops its own natural protective barrier. But if you also notice a change in your baby's behaviour – for example, if your baby isn't feeding properly, or is very sleepy or very irritable – tell your midwife or GP immediately.Īt birth, the top layer of your baby's skin is very thin and easily damaged. Spots and rashes are very common in newborn babies, and may come and go. They may take a while to go away, but normally they eventually disappear. They sometimes appear a few days after birth and gradually get bigger. Marks on the nape of the neck can last for much longer, but they will be covered by hair. These V-shaped marks on the forehead and upper eyelids gradually fade, though it may be some months before they disappear completely. Most common are the little pink or red marks that some people call stork marks.
#BABY SOFT SPOT PROFESSIONAL#
Ask the health professional who examines your baby after they are born if they will disappear completely. Most of these birthmarks will go away eventually. Once you begin to look closely at your baby, you'll probably find little marks and spots, mainly on the head and face. If you're worried, you can ask your midwife about it. This is caused by squeezing and pushing during birth and will soon disappear. It's common for a newborn baby to have some swelling and bruises on their head, and perhaps to have bloodshot eyes. There's no need to worry about touching or washing the fontanelles because they are covered by a tough protective membrane. It will probably be a year or more before the bones close over. There is another smaller soft spot towards the back of your baby's head.
#BABY SOFT SPOT PATCH#
On the top of your baby's head near the front is a diamond-shaped patch where the skull bones haven't fused together yet. If you notice any bleeding or discharge from the navel, tell your midwife, health visitor, or GP. Keep your baby's navel clean and dry until this happens. The cord may take about a week to dry out and drop off. They then cut the cord, leaving a small bit of it with the clamp attached (or your birth partner may like to do this). Shortly after birth, the midwife will clamp the umbilical cord close to your baby's belly button (navel) with a plastic clip. newborn bloodspot screening (heel prick) test.Your baby will have two other screening tests in their first few weeks. Among other things, their eyes, heart, hips, and (in boys) testicles will be screened for possible problems. Your baby will also have a thorough newborn physical examination carried out by a midwife, doctor or neonatal nurse practitioner in their first 72 hours. This is to prevent a rare but serious blood disorder. Within the first 24 hours, a health professional will offer to give your baby an injection of vitamin K. If you notice anything that worries you, however small, ask your midwife. You will probably spend a large part of the first few days after birth looking at your baby. Printer friendly version (opens new window)