Newborn Dry Peeling Skin

That is normal. I didn't put anything on it for my two and it just took care of itself. Their skin can go through some strange stages. Unless it gets raw or seems to be bothering him don't worry about it.

It is totally normal especially if your son was late. My now 4 month old son was two weeks late and he peeled everywhere. He's hands and feet were so dry that they even cracked, but he eventually got over it. I would try to avoid using lotion too much because you want your son's skin to learn how much oil it needs to produce on it's own and lotion stops that from happening. If his skin cracks use neosporene on the cracks, that's what our Dr told us to do.

I think it's normal. If it sticks around too long and gets flaky especially on the head it is more than likely cradle cap. My baby had it for almost 6 months. It started after she was a month though. They are in water for so long I think your case is fine. Keep the unscented lotion going and see what happens.

My daughter was the same way. I don't remember my boys being that dry. It peeled off normally and now she is almost 4 weeks old and her skin is fine. When I had my home visit, the nurse said DO NOT put lotion on her for at least a month. Their skin is sensitive and will take care of itself at this point. It was very tempting to put lotion on her because it looked really bad, but it wouldn't have done any good anyway because that skin was already dead.. Don't worry. It is totally normal and his skin will be fine in a few weeks.

If I remember correctly, this happened with one of my 3 boys.
I wouldn't worry too much about it, he's just getting adjusted to life outside your tummy.
We had cradle cap (infant dandruff) and other fun stuff too.
I believe it's normal; but if you are concerned and it would make you feel better - call your pediatric nurseline.

That is completely normal. I have a 4 week old and was also concerned about her peeling skin - it was much worse than with my other daughter. My midwife said that the longer they are inside you the more dry their skin will be - you don't need to do anything to it, it will get better pretty quickly. It looks worse than it really is.

My son is 7 days old and his skin is peeling as well. I had a nurse come out to my house yesterday to check on me and my son and she said it is normal, not to put anythign on it (especially lotion) and to just wipe it with a warm cloth.

Hope this helps

This is totally normal. I would highly recommend Aquaphor lotion(made by Eucerin). I used it on my daughter's very dry feet when she was a newborn.

Hi M.,
Congratulations on the little one! Peeling skin is TOTALLY normal for newbies. Their bodies are just getting used to life outside that protective womb. I maybe limit the sponge baths to every other day or two, since water can dry things out even more (though I know that sounds counterintuitive!). It will probably go away on its own--it did with my son, within a week or two. If it doesn't seem to bother Baby I wouldn't worry about it. If it does, I recommend Aquaphor--it's a healing ointment my pediatrician reco'd for my son's chapped cheeks, and it's available at most stores. Good luck!

Hi M.,
Actually the dry peeling skin is a sign that your baby was ready to be born. I was concerned about that with my daughter and I called the pediatrician and that was what they told me. They also recommended not to put lotion on her. It is good for the skin to peel off- it will happen a couple of times where they shed and then it goes away. Nothing to be worried about- it is a good sign. :)

That is completely normal, so all is okay. Your baby's skin is simply adjusting to the climate and it sounds like you're on the right track. I didn't bathe my baby until her belly button stump fell off and I still only bathe her once a week so as not to dry out her skin. I've got dry skin, so I want to do what I can to keep my 19 month daughter's skin in good condition. Do what works for your situation. One of my good friends had a baby around the same time and she needs to bathe her baby boy every day because of all the dirt and stuff he gets into and his skin is fine. You'll find what works for you and him.

Hi M.,

Normal for all babies (early, on time or overdue) as they are use to being in your amniotic fluid and they need to adjust to being outside your womb. I would go light on the bathing and just continue to give a sponge bath when needed as bathing with water and soap tends to dry them out even more. You can purchase Eucerin creme if the skin is extremely dry. Try to avoid any scented lotions. You may also find it helpful to purchase soap specially made for babies with eczema as it is extra sensitive with no additives. My son had eczema and I think we used Aveeno, which you can get at Target.

My daughter just turned 7 weeks old (gestationally would only be 3 weeks as she was 4 weeks early) and we've only given her 2 baths in her baby tub. The rest of the time we've spot cleansed her (head and neck, under arm pits and of course, her bottom!) as her tummy and limbs get super dry when emersed.

Good luck and enjoy that soft baby skin!!!