Many babies experience hair loss due to friction from rubbing their heads against surfaces while sleeping or moving around. This commonly occurs on the back of the head in infants between 3 and 6 months old. Fortunately, there are several ways to minimize this:
Preventing Baby Hair Loss from Rubbing
Here's how to stop your baby from rubbing their hair off:
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Switch to silk: Using silk crib sheets, pillowcases, and sleep sacks significantly reduces friction compared to cotton, helping to prevent hair loss. As mentioned by Silky Tots, "[Silky Tots 100% Mulberry Silk helps to reduce and prevent baby bald spots by reducing the friction on baby's head (when compared to ordinary cotton sheets)]."
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Brush before bed: Gently brushing your baby's hair before sleep removes tangles and knots, preventing them from creating friction and pulling out hair during the night. The Little Silk and Silky Tots both suggest this, stating that “[Gently brushing your baby's hair before bed will get rid of any little precursor knots…minimises the knots that turn into matts and eventually rub off (creating bald patches) while baby is sleeping.]”
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Swap sleeping sides: If your baby consistently sleeps on one side, try gently repositioning them to encourage them to use different parts of their head. Observing your baby's sleeping habits and their positioning can help identify the cause of hair loss. BabyCenter notes, "[If you notice that your baby has bald patches, observe the way they sit and sleep. If they always…]"
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Encourage tummy time: Supervised tummy time helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, potentially reducing the amount of time your baby spends rubbing their head.
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Avoid harsh chemicals: Use gentle, fragrance-free shampoos and conditioners to avoid irritating the scalp.
Understanding Baby Hair Loss
It's important to note that some hair loss is normal. Seattle Children's notes, "[Babies can rub off a patch of hair on the back of the head. This most commonly occurs in infants 3 to 6 months old. It is a…common occurrence.]" The hair usually regrows. However, if you notice excessive hair loss or other concerning symptoms, consult your pediatrician. Always seek medical advice if you're worried about your baby's health.
