What Color Are Black Babies at Birth?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 25, 2020

Most black babies are born with purplish-blue skin, according to Birth.com. The skin color of babies of all races comes from sharing oxygen with their mothers. Minutes after birth, newborn skin turns pink and hands and feet may stay bluish for a few days until blood circulation matures.

Melanin is not immediately present in newborn skin, as reported by Birth.com. An infant’s skin can take up to six months to reach its permanent color, according to BabyCenter.com. Newborn skin develops its permanent color as melanin is produced. Dictionary.com reports that melanin’s dark brown coloring is produced by skin cells exposed to sunlight.