Why Do Infants Lose Their Hair?

Infant hair loss is a normal occurrence.

Newborn hair loss experienced during the first six months after birth is perfectly normal. According to babycenter, this phenomenon is referred to as telogen effluvium.

Identification

According to the What to Expect Foundation, a sharp decrease in hormones halts the hair growth of an infant shortly after birth. After this, the telogen effluvium phase begins, causing the infant's hair to completely fall out.

Features

Dr. Stephen Muething, MD, associate director of clinical services in general and community pediatrics at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center states that some infants will produce a full head of hair very quickly, but some babies experience baldness until their first birthday.

Considerations

Although infant hair loss is typically normal, prolonged or chronic hair loss in an infant may be a sign of a serious condition. If parents have concerns that their baby's hair loss may not be following a normal pattern, a pediatrician should be consulted.

References

• The Baby Center Website: Telogen Effluvium
• Parenthood Website: Truth About Infant Hair Loss
• What to Expect Foundation Website: Infant Hair Loss
• The Baby Zone: Stephen Muething, MD