Well this is actually called vernix. Vernix caseosa is a naturally occurring, complex, lipid-rich substance covering your baby's skin in the third trimester and at birth! Translated literally is means cheesy varnish - Vernix = to varnish and Caseous = cheesy nature. As you can see here is it the white, creamy stuff that kinda looks like someone dipped your baby in some Philadelphia cream cheese.

It is a natural biofilm that's consists of water-containing cells embedded in a lipid matrix. Making them water resistant! It is more common in babies born prematurely in the third trimester. Often babies at 41/42 weeks won't have much left. It also protects your baby from bacteria and acts as a thermoregulator (making sure your baby doesn't loose too much heat too fast post birth). It also is not bought to keep their skin nice and moisturised!

Do I need to wipe it off my baby when it's born?

The benefits of vernix are numerous, it is an inbuilt defence mechanism for baby and also has benefits for you! This is why it's super important to remind your care providers not to 'clean' your baby... your baby isn't dirty. It is best practice to let the vernix be absorbed in to your baby's skin!

Thank me later 👋