The skin is the largest organ in the body. It is made up of three layers, namely the outer, middle, and inner layer, all of which are important as a defense barrier and for regulating the body temperature especially for babies.

The skin of your baby starts developing between the 5th and 8th week of pregnancy, and contains only the outer and inner layers. Between 9th and 10th week, the middle layer develops from where the hair normally grows.

During the 26th week, your baby’s skin starts generating pigment which adds color to the skin. At this stage, the whole body is covered with lanugo, a layer of fine and soft hair. It helps in development of the skin, makes it thicker, and also keeps your baby comfortably warm.

The skin develops completely by the 34th week. It will be smooth and pink as fat continues to accumulate underneath the skin to prepare the baby for the outside world.