The 411 on Vernix

Let’s talk vernix! Vernix is the white cheesy substance that can sometimes cover a baby’s body at birth. Vernix has lots of amazing benefits. Don’t let your care provider rub it off! ⠀

Vernix acts as a coating to protect the baby’s skin from becoming pruny or waterlogged while sitting in amniotic fluid. Think about how your fingers get after sitting in the bath too long.

Rubbing vernix into your baby’s skin after birth helps to keep their skin soft and hydrated. It’s THE BEST lotion. But make sure not to leave vernix lingering in the baby’s creases without rubbing it in because it can get super stinky and cause their skin to become irritated. ⠀

Vernix has also been said to help with thermoregulation, protecting the baby from infections while in utero and in reducing friction as the baby passes through the birth canal.⠀

Vernix production starts in the 2nd trimester and reduces towards term. A post term baby may have no vernix while a baby who is a couple weeks early might have lots of vernix! ⠀

This baby (pictured above) was born just a few days after his due date and had lots of vernix!