What are the little bumps on my newborn’s face?

Newborn skin does a lot of strange things

Ari developed little bumps across her face and up towards her forehead. They looked far more dramatic to us than they seemed to bother her.

Tiny white milia and red newborn-acne patches are common in the early weeks. Heat, crying and drool can make them look angrier for a while.

Doing nothing was surprisingly difficult

The urge to put a cream, oil or special baby product on every mark is strong. For ordinary newborn bumps, plain water and gentle patting dry were enough for us.

We once got soap on Ari’s face while washing her and then felt guilty about the redness. We rinsed it with water, it settled, and everybody survived the scandal.

The rashes that need a different response

A rash that does not fade when pressed with a clear glass needs urgent medical advice. So does a rash with fever, fast spreading, blisters, weeping or crusting.

Cold-sore-like spots around a young baby’s eyes or mouth also deserve same-day advice. Photographing a changing rash can help your baby’s doctor or nurse see what you are seeing.