Your baby girl may have a lot of hair, particularly fine hair, because of a special type of hair called lanugo.
What is Lanugo?
Lanugo is a soft, fine coating of hair that is essential for fetal growth and development. According to Dr. Rambhatla, this type of hair is commonly seen on preterm babies.
- Lanugo is a natural part of fetal development.
- It helps in regulating the baby's temperature while in the womb.
- The hair usually sheds close to the time of birth.
- Premature babies may still have lanugo after birth because they haven’t had the time to shed it yet.
When Does Lanugo Disappear?
Lanugo typically sheds either before birth or soon after. In some cases, full-term babies can also have some lanugo present at birth which will disappear in the following weeks.
What if the Lanugo Doesn't Disappear?
If you have any concerns about your baby's hair, particularly if it persists beyond a few weeks, it is always best to consult with your baby's pediatrician.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lanugo | Soft, fine hair seen on babies |
| Purpose | Essential for fetal growth and development |
| Timing | Typically sheds before or soon after birth |
| Preterm | Common in preterm babies |
