Babies have hair on their head primarily to help retain heat and provide a degree of protection for their delicate scalp. However, the hair present at birth can also be related to earlier development in the womb.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Temperature Regulation: Babies, especially newborns, have difficulty regulating their body temperature. Hair on their head helps to insulate them and prevent heat loss.
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Protection: While not as robust as adult hair, the hair on a baby's head offers some protection from the sun and minor abrasions.
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Lanugo and Vernix: During fetal development, babies grow a fine, downy hair called lanugo. This hair is most prominent around 22 weeks of gestation and helps to hold the vernix caseosa, a waxy or cheese-like white substance, in place on the baby's skin. The vernix protects the baby's skin from the amniotic fluid. While most lanugo is shed before birth, some babies, particularly premature ones, may still have some at birth. This can manifest as fine hair on the head, back, shoulders, ears, and forehead.
In summary, while the hair present at birth on a baby's head contributes to temperature regulation and protection, it can also be a remnant of the lanugo that served a purpose during fetal development.
