How to remove baby's vernix caseosa

Vernix caseosa is a substance that babies have when they are born. The vernix caseosa exists to protect the fetus and generally falls off on its own as the fetus grows. Of course, if the vernix caseosa does not fall off for a long time, parents need to take certain methods to remove it to prevent other problems for the child. So, how can we remove baby's vernix caseosa?

1. The benefits of vernix caseosa

(1) A thin layer of vernix caseosa protects the fetal skin from being soaked in amniotic fluid. Without the protection of this layer of vernix caseosa, the fetus's skin would have ulcerated and been damaged after being soaked in the amniotic fluid for several months.

(2) The temperature inside the womb is 37°C. After the fetus is born, the outside temperature is low. Without this layer of vernix caseosa, the body temperature will radiate to the periphery, causing the body temperature to drop. Therefore, this layer of vernix caseosa can help the newborn maintain a constant body temperature. This layer of vernix caseosa will be absorbed or fall off on its own 1 to 2 days after birth, so it cannot be wiped off.

2. How to remove baby vernix caseosa:

Olive oil removal

First use cooked and cooled olive oil or sesame oil to soften the vernix caseosa, then gently wipe it with a warm, wet towel. If the vernix caseosa is very thick or hardened and cannot be cleaned off in one go, repeat the process the next day until it is clean.

2. Use baby oil

Gently apply moisturizing oil on the baby's vernix caseosa and let it soften for about a few minutes. Then soak the baby's head with warm water, gently rub it with baby shampoo, and finally rinse the hair with warm water.

3. Use paraffin oil to remove vernix caseosa from skin folds

For the vernix caseosa accumulated in the wrinkles behind the baby's ears, neck, armpits, elbows, and thighs, you can apply it with sterilized cotton wool dipped in sterilized paraffin oil, leave it for a moment to soften it, and then gently scrub it. This can reduce the irritation of the skin caused by the decomposition of vernix caseosa.

3. Precautions for removing vernix caseosa

Vernix caseosa protects newborn babies from trauma and also has the function of keeping warm. The best way is to let it fall off naturally, but if it does not fall off for a long time, it will block the pores on the scalp and prevent the scalp from breathing normally. So, you can give the above method a try. It is important to remind you that:

1. After the vernix caseosa has been softened, wash it slowly with warm water. Do not use your hands or a comb to break or comb it hard. Once the baby's scalp is damaged, it will cause infection.

2. Do not take too much moisturizing oil to soften dandruff to avoid it entering the baby's eyes and ear canal.

3. Do not use excessive force or wipe for too long. It can usually be completely cleared within 3 days.

4. It is mainly used to remove the vernix caseosa in the hair, and other parts should be treated mainly by bathing.