“What’s This White S**t All Over My Newborn?”

It’s vernix caseosa and it is magical! Babies are born covered in lots of fluids (watch out, they’re slippery!). Wiping amniotic fluid, blood and any meconium off the baby is important but there's one special substance they are covered in that is less fluid-y and more like a thick white paste; it’s vernix! Vernix is normally wiped off right after birth but it actually can stay on the baby and be rubbed into the baby’s skin for up to a week (if you choose to wait that long for their first bath). The longer vernix is left on, the longer it gets to work its wonders, it’s kind of like an all in one miracle cream, but 100% human created!

Some benefits of vernix:

• It is one of the best moisturizers your baby's skin will ever get. It helps their skin adapt to its new environment, lowering chances of dryness or irritation.

• It has microbial properties that help boost the baby's immune system.

• It strengthens the baby's microbiome.

• It has the same scent as the birthers nipple, so it helps the baby recognize their parents nipple, enhancing breastfeeding

There’s no harm in wiping vernix off your baby if that’s what you want to do. Even leaving little patches under their armpits, behind their ears or at the bottom of their feet can be beneficial.

To learn more about the benefits of vernix, follow this link.