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Women's Health

Maternity

After Delivery - Postnatal Care

What Your Baby May Look Like

During the first few days and even weeks of his or her life, your baby may not look like the chubby, rosy-cheeked babies seen in ads and on TV. The strain of childbirth, adjusting to the environment, as well as flushing out the hormones that the baby was enveloped in within the womb all have an effect on baby's skin. Most skin conditions are temporary and will clear up within days with little help.

new babies' bodies generally look pink, but hands and feet my be pale or even a little blue. Dark-skinned babies often have blue/black spots on their bottoms or backs. These are called Mongolian spots, and they usually fade, although some persist for years.

Following are some common appearances in newborns:

  • Stork Bites: Light-skinned babies may have red marks on their eyelids, forehead, or neck. These marks are caused by overgrown capillary veins near the surface of the skin and usually fade within the first year. Red marks on the neck may not disappear.
  • Milia: Milia are tiny white dots resembling little pimples on the nose and cheeks. They go away within a few months. No special care is needed - simply keep your baby's face clean, washing it with a soft cloth and clean water. Do not try to pinch or squeeze these spots.
  • Newborn rash: Newborn rash may look like blotches or mosquito bites on the baby's face, neck, or shoulders. It usually comes and goes for a while. You do not need to do anything about it - just keep your baby's skin clean and dry.
  • Dry Skin: Your baby's skin may peel or look wrinkled. This is natural and goes away within a few weeks. There is no need to put oil or lotion on the baby's skin. If the skin feels rough, a baby lotion with no perfumes may be used.
  • Head and neck: A newborn's head may look cone-shaped. This happens as a result of the baby's head being shaped as it comes through the birth canal. The head will look normal soon.
  • Soft spots: Your baby has two soft spots on his/her head. The larger one in front closes by about 18 months and the smaller one in the back closes by about 6 months. You will not hurt your baby by lightly touching these spots.
  • Cradle Cap: Some infants develop cradle cap. This looks like flakes on the scalp and is caused by dead or peeling skin. Gently massage and brush the scalp with a soft adult toothbrush to gently remove flakes and keep them from building up on the scalp.
  • Eyelids: The eyelids usually look puffy for the first few days, but this too will go away.
  • Breasts and genitals: Your baby's breasts and genitals may appear swollen. This is normal and is due to the extra dose of hormones received from mom just before birth. It will go away quickly within the first week or two.