Health Care for Children

Skin
 
Underlying blood vessels show through the new delicate skin, giving it a pinkish or reddish tone. Your newborn is wrinkly because she’s just spent nine months in fluid and now she’s exposed to dry air, plus she’s a little dehydrated right after birth. Her circulatory system isn’t quite up to speed yet, so when she sleeps, her hands and feet may look bluish. If you’re worried, pick her up and watch her skin return to a normal color. Also expect a few breakouts on your baby’s skin during the first few months. Mom’s hormones — still circulating in baby’s system — are the culprit. In the early weeks, you may see tiny whiteheads on your baby’s face. Toward the end of the first month, red pimples may erupt. Just wash with a mild cleanser and water, and pat dry. The pimples should go away on their own within a few months; whiteheads should disappear sooner.

Umbilical cord
 
Sticky material will collect at the base of your baby’s cord stump. At every diaper change, use a cotton swab to clean it. Fold the top of your baby’s diaper so that it falls below the cord — or use newborn diapers — to keep the area exposed to air. Call your doctor if you see pus or redness.

Feet
 
Don’t worry if his feet look pigeon-toed. They’ve rotated inward because he was curled up snugly in the womb for nine months. After about 6 months, they’ll relax into a straighter position. He may also appear to have flat feet, but his arch is there — it’s just hidden by a pad of fat.