When to bathe your newborn.

Congratulations! You’ve just delivered your newborn. You’ve counted every finger and toe, and now you’re wondering when you can bathe your baby bundle. Most babies are born covered with a creamy white substance called vernix caseosa (or just vernix.) Some midwives like to refer to this waxy white coating as “birthday frosting.” This covering is produced by the baby’s sebaceous glands during the third trimester of pregnancy and has several functions:

• Protective barrier for the baby’s delicate skin while in the womb.

• Moisturizer to keep baby’s skin hydrated and to prevent cracking after birth.

• Temperature regulation to prevent excessive heat loss—this is especially important for premature babies or those born in colder environments.

• Antimicrobial properties to help protect baby from infection.

• Facilitates your baby’s transition from the womb’s fluid-filled environment to the drier air outside the womb.

• May aid in supporting an infant’s gut microbiome which is necessary for immune function and overall health.

Because letting vernix naturally absorb into the newborn’s skin has several benefits, midwives generally advise waiting 48-72 hours before bathing your newborn.