Why Do Babies Lose Their Hair?
Many babies experience hair loss in their first few months of life, and this is usually perfectly normal. It's often due to a combination of factors, including the natural shedding of lanugo (fine, downy hair present in the womb), and friction from contact with surfaces like crib mattresses, playpens, and infant seats.
- Shedding of Lanugo: Babies often shed the lanugo they had in the womb before or shortly after birth. This is a natural process and doesn't indicate any health problems.
- Friction from Surfaces: As described in multiple sources (Seattle Children's, Dec 30, 2022, and Live Science Sep 21, 2019), rubbing their heads against firm surfaces like crib mattresses while they are learning to move can lead to hair loss. This is especially common between 3 and 6 months of age. The hair usually grows back once the baby starts sitting up.
- Natural Hair Cycle: The natural hair cycle, known as the telogen wave, involves phases of growth and shedding. Newborns often experience a shedding phase a few months after birth (The Bump).
- Hormonal Changes: Post-pregnancy hormonal shifts in the mother can also affect the baby's hair growth and shedding. Mustela mentions this as a contributing factor.
Timeline of Baby Hair Loss
Hair loss typically begins around 8 to 12 weeks of age and peaks around 2-3 months. (What To Expect, Enfamil, and BabyCenter). Hair regrowth usually starts between 3 and 7 months, with thicker hair developing around age 2 (Live Science). Even babies born with a full head of hair can experience significant shedding in their first six months (WebMD).
When to Seek Medical Advice
While baby hair loss is often normal, it's advisable to consult a pediatrician if you notice:
- Unusual patterns of hair loss
- Patches of baldness
- Other accompanying symptoms
