How to Stop Baby's Hair From Breaking Off in Back

Many babies have hair breakage.

As many seasoned parents know, hair loss and breakage at the back of a baby's head is a common occurrence. Young infants may develop friction alopecia, which is hair breakage that occurs from sleeping on their backs. Older babies often develop breakage as a result of aggressive hair twirling habits. Although it may be disconcerting to see breakage and bald spots on the back of a baby's head, with changes in care, the hair will grow back normally.

Instructions

1. Wash your baby's hair regularly with a gentle baby shampoo.

2. Place your baby on her tummy for play during waking hours. When babies are on their backs for extended periods of time, the movement of their heads can cause hair to break off.

3. Distract your baby from twirling his hair. Remove his hands gently and offer him a soft and colorful item that is easy to hold and squeeze.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice scaling or redness at the back of the baby's head, contact your pediatrician.

References

• Baby Center: Hair Loss
• Gather; Hair Loss in Babies and Children; Dr. Vicky McEvoy; June 15, 2009

Resources

• What to Expect: First Year