Yes, it is normal for babies to be born with hair on their face, often referred to as lanugo.
While not all babies are born with it, a good portion are. According to the reference, only about 30% of full-term babies (born between 37 and 40 weeks) will have lanugo at birth. However, if a baby is born prematurely, they are more likely to have lanugo. This fine, downy hair serves a purpose during development, helping to keep the baby warm while in the womb.
Here's a breakdown of what to know about lanugo:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Fine, downy hair that covers a baby's body. |
| When it occurs | It develops in the womb, typically during the second trimester. |
| Purpose | Helps to protect and warm the baby while in utero. |
| Prevalence | Approximately 30% of full-term babies are born with some lanugo. |
| Premature Babies | Premature babies are more likely to have lanugo at birth. |
| Where it appears | Can be found on the face, back, shoulders, and limbs. |
| What happens to it? | It usually falls out within a few weeks after birth. |
In summary, seeing hair on a baby's face at birth is perfectly normal, especially for premature babies. This hair, called lanugo, will typically shed on its own.
