Kids come out of the womb with some strange-looking markings sometimes. The good news is that there's usually nothing wrong with a newborn that has a strange-looking skin condition. Here are a few marks and characteristics you might see in a new baby. Mongolian spots -- flat, grayish round marks that may resemble a bruise - are common in darker-skinned babies. They're harmless and fade in time. New moms should simply let pediatricians know they're there so that it's noted not to be a bruise in the child's chart. The "stork bite" or "angel's kiss" is a reddish area that may appear between the eyes, at the base of the skull or in other places. They're also not harmful, and they usually disappear within the first year. Learning to focus those brand-new eyes is a task that newborns must master, and until then, it may look as if the child's eyes are crossed. Alert the pediatrician and keep abreast of the situation as the child grows; it's usually nothing to worry about. In the womb, babies's skin is protected by a layer called the vernix, which disappears after birth.
This leaves the top skin layer dry, and it may peel or shed, leaving softer skin. Too many baths make the condition worse. Check with the pediatrician before using a moisturizer - certain formulas may cause more irritation. Cradle cap, a form of eczema, can occur on scalp, leaving it flaky. The pediatrician might prescribe a special shampoo, but the condition usually goes away on its own. Jaundice, which causes yellow skin and eyes, can be a serious condition that requires monitoring. Pediatricians may prescribe extra breastfeeding to flush bilirubin from the system, or they may recommend special lights for the child. One thing not to worry about are soft spots, those little indentations or soft areas of the skull - there's one tiny one in the front of the head and one in back. These breaches in the skull bones allow baby's brain to grow. There is a protective layer of tissue between the scalp and brain that will protect it. The bones will fuse within a year or so.