Peeling skin

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a joyous experience, but it can also come with unexpected surprises—like your baby’s skin peeling in the early weeks.

While it’s completely normal, it’s natural for new parents to feel concerned about their little one’s delicate skin. Having access to clear, reliable information can ease worries and provide peace of mind.

In the first few weeks of life, it’s normal for a baby’s skin to shed, particularly on areas like the hands, feet, and ankles. This natural process is a sign of your baby adjusting to their new environment outside the womb. While it might seem concerning, newborn peeling skin is rarely a cause for worry and typically resolves on its own with minimal care.

### **So, why does your baby’s skin peel?**

Before birth, a baby’s skin is protected by a waxy coating called vernix caseosa, which helps to moisturize and shield it while in the amniotic fluid. After birth, the vernix is either absorbed or washed away, exposing the baby’s skin to air for the first time. This change causes the outer layer of the skin to shed, resulting in peeling. Peeling skin is often more pronounced in babies born past their due date, as their vernix may have diminished before delivery.

### **How should I care for my baby’s skin?**

Peeling skin in newborns doesn’t usually require specific treatment, but gentle care can help keep your baby comfortable and support their skin’s natural transition:

- **Avoid products:** Less is more with newborn skin care, avoid applying lotions or ointments to your newborns skin. This can be confusing when there are so many products available for newborns. Early exposure (before 2-4 weeks) to products can cause sensitivity to the skin such as eczema.

- **Limit Bathing:** Overbathing can dry out your baby’s sensitive skin. Sponge baths or bathing every 2–3 days in warm water are sufficient in the first few weeks.

- **Avoid Scrubbing or Peeling:** Let the skin shed naturally. Trying to remove peeling skin manually can cause irritation or damage.

### **When should you seek medical advice?**

In most cases, newborn peeling skin is harmless. However, you should contact your healthcare provider if you notice redness, swelling, cracks, or oozing, as these could indicate an underlying issue, such as an infection or eczema.

With time and gentle care, your baby’s skin will adjust and develop its natural softness. Understanding that peeling skin is a normal part of your baby’s early development can help ease any concerns, letting you focus on enjoying these precious moments together.