Hair Loss in Babies: When to Worry?

Baby hair loss can often be a cause of concern, particularly for new mums who just don’t know what to expect during their baby’s first year. The good news is that hair loss in newborn babies up to the age of 6 months is quite common, and many babies lose their hair during these first few months of life.

Why do babies lose hair?

Baby hair loss in newborns is caused by a reduction in hormone levels. Before birth, your baby has been absorbing high levels of hormones from your body; the same hormones which cause pregnant women to have such thick, shiny hair! After your baby is born, these hormone levels gradually start to drop, and this can cause the hair to enter a resting phase where it stops growing. As soon as your baby’s hair starts a new growth cycle, these resting hairs will be shed. As a result, your baby’s hair can appear patchy as new hair starts to grow through, but this is nothing to be concerned about.

Other causes of hair loss

Just as with hair loss in adults there are other factors which can contribute to hair loss in infants. For example, sleeping in one position can cause bald patches on your baby’s head the same could happen if he rubs his head on his car seat, mattress or other object. Again, this is nothing to worry about: when he begins sitting and standing, his hair will start to grow back.

When to worry

There are times when your baby may be experiencing hair loss that seems abnormal, and it’s at times like this that you should make an appointment to see your GP. Past the age of 6 months, babies shouldn’t experience significant hair loss, so if you notice this happening to your little one, it could be indicative of a medical problem or mineral deficiency, such as anaemia, which can cause diffuse hair loss.

Caring for your baby's hair

It’s important to take care of your baby’s hair to ensure it stays healthy. Ideally, you should only wash your child’s hair a couple of times a week, and use a tear-less baby shampoo that’s designed to be gentle. Be careful to massage the scalp gently to avoid stressing hair follicles which could cause breakage. When brushing your baby’s hair, always use a wide-toothed comb or soft bristle brush to avoid snagging or pulling hair.