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Is a Red Baby Normal?

Published in Newborn Health 2 mins read

Yes, a red baby is normal, especially right after birth.

Understanding a Newborn's Skin Color

A newborn's skin color can vary, and it's important to understand what's considered normal. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Initial Color: Immediately after birth, a baby’s skin is typically a dark red to purple color.
  • Transition to Red: As the baby begins to breathe air, the color changes to red.
  • Fading Redness: This initial redness normally starts to fade within the first day of life.

Why the Color Changes

The change in skin color is due to the baby's circulatory system adjusting to life outside the womb.

  • Circulation in the Womb: Before birth, the baby’s circulatory system bypasses the lungs, relying on the mother for oxygen.
  • Post-Birth Changes: Once the baby is born and begins to breathe, the blood starts circulating through the lungs, resulting in the shift from a dark red-purple color to a brighter red.

What to Expect

Here's what to expect in terms of skin color in the first few days:

  • Red Skin: The skin will be red at first.
  • Fading Redness: Within the first 24 hours, the red color will begin to fade.
  • Bluish Hands and Feet: It’s normal for a baby's hands and feet to remain bluish in color for several days. This is called acrocyanosis and is due to immature circulation in the extremities.
  • Changing Complexion: The baby's skin color will continue to change and adjust in the coming weeks.

When to Seek Advice

While a red baby is generally normal immediately after birth, it's essential to be aware of when to seek medical advice.

  • Persistent Redness: If the redness does not fade after the first day, or if there is any concern regarding other symptoms, then consult a pediatrician.
  • Other Symptoms: Pay attention to other concerning signs, like fever, poor feeding, or unusual lethargy.
Feature Normal When to Consult a Doctor
Initial Color Dark red to purple, changing to red after birth Any other colors or if it does not change
Redness Fades within the first day Persists beyond one day
Hands/Feet Color May be bluish for several days Bluish color that persists beyond the extremities
Overall Condition Healthy and active Fever, poor feeding, lethargy