Baby Losing Hair
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about baby losing hair, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Hair loss in babies during the first few months is very common and completely normal. Many babies lose some or all of their birth hair in the first 6 months of life due to hormonal changes after birth. The hair that grows back may be a different color or texture. Bald spots on the back of the head from lying down are also very common.
Key takeaways
- Hair loss in babies during the first few months is very common and completely normal. Many babies lose some or all of their birth hair in the first 6 months of life due to hormonal changes after birth. The hair that grows back may be a different color or texture. Bald spots on the back of the head from lying down are also very common.
- Usually normal when: Gradual thinning or loss of birth hair in the first 6 months of life
- Call your doctor if: Hair loss with significant scalp inflammation, open sores, or signs of infection
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, Mayo Clinic guidelines, hair loss in babies during the first few months is very common and completely normal. Many babies lose some or all of their birth hair in the first 6 months of life due to hormonal changes after birth. The hair that grows back may be a different color or texture. Bald spots on the back of the head from lying down are also very common. At 0-1 month, babies are born with varying amounts of hair. Some newborns also have lanugo, a fine downy hair on the body that gradually falls out after birth. In the first weeks, you may notice hair beginning to thin or fall out, particularly at the temples and back of the head. This is caused by the drop in maternal hormones after birth, similar to postpartum hair loss in mothers. It is generally considered normal when gradual thinning or loss of birth hair in the first 6 months of life. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if hair loss with significant scalp inflammation, open sores, or signs of infection.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-1 month
Babies are born with varying amounts of hair. Some newborns also have lanugo, a fine downy hair on the body that gradually falls out after birth. In the first weeks, you may notice hair beginning to thin or fall out, particularly at the temples and back of the head. This is caused by the drop in maternal hormones after birth, similar to postpartum hair loss in mothers.
1-3 months
Hair loss may become more noticeable during this period. Many babies develop a bald spot on the back of the head from the friction of lying on their backs (which is the recommended sleep position). This positional hair loss is temporary and not harmful. You may notice hair on the crib sheet or during bath time. No treatment is needed.
3-6 months
Hair loss from hormonal changes typically peaks around 3-4 months. Your baby may appear much less hairy than at birth. New hair growth usually begins during this period and may be a completely different color or texture than the birth hair. The bald spot from sleeping position typically fills in once your baby spends more time sitting up and on their tummy.
6-12 months
Most babies have noticeable new hair growth by this age, though some babies remain relatively bald until after their first birthday. The new hair may be curly when the birth hair was straight, or vice versa. Color may also change. If hair loss is patchy, in unusual patterns, or accompanied by scalp changes, consult your pediatrician.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby losing hair and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if patchy hair loss with red, scaly, or crusty scalp areas that could suggest ringworm or other conditions.
- Mention if hair loss accompanied by other skin changes or symptoms.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Gradual thinning or loss of birth hair in the first 6 months of life
- A bald spot on the back of the head from lying on the back
- Hair loss that is diffuse rather than patchy
- New hair growing in that may be a different color or texture
- Patchy hair loss with red, scaly, or crusty scalp areas that could suggest ringworm or other conditions
- Hair loss accompanied by other skin changes or symptoms
- Hair has not started to regrow by 12 months
- Hair loss with significant scalp inflammation, open sores, or signs of infection
- Hair loss accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as poor growth, lethargy, or developmental delays
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby losing hair — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that gradual thinning or loss of birth hair in the first 6 months of life — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-1 month, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if hair loss with significant scalp inflammation, open sores, or signs of infection.
Related Conditions
Cradle Cap Spreading Beyond the Scalp
Cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis) can sometimes spread beyond the scalp to the eyebrows, behind the ears, neck folds, and other skin creases. This is still generally harmless and will resolve on its own. When it spreads to other areas, gentle cleansing and moisturizing can help, and your pediatrician may recommend a mild medicated cream if needed.
Preventing Flat Spots on Baby's Head (Plagiocephaly)
Flat spots on a baby's head (positional plagiocephaly) are very common because newborn skulls are soft and malleable. Prevention strategies include regular tummy time when awake, alternating head position during sleep, and minimizing time in car seats and bouncers when not traveling. Most mild flat spots improve on their own as baby grows.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is baby losing hair normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby losing hair?
When is baby losing hair normal?
What causes baby losing hair?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby losing hair?
Is baby losing hair normal at 0-1 month?
Is baby losing hair normal at 1-3 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby losing hair?
Does baby losing hair go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Your Baby's Skin, Hair, and Nails. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Mayo Clinic. Hair Loss in Babies. Patient Care and Health Information. Mayo Clinic
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Losing Hair.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby losing hair and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if patchy hair loss with red, scaly, or crusty scalp areas that could suggest ringworm or other conditions.
- Mention if hair loss accompanied by other skin changes or symptoms.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Patchy hair loss with red, scaly, or crusty scalp areas that could suggest ringworm or other conditions
- Hair loss accompanied by other skin changes or symptoms
- Hair has not started to regrow by 12 months
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Hair loss with significant scalp inflammation, open sores, or signs of infection
- Hair loss accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as poor growth, lethargy, or developmental delays
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby losing hair are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if hair loss with significant scalp inflammation, open sores, or signs of infection.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
Was this page helpful?
Related Physical Concerns
Cradle Cap Spreading Beyond the Scalp
Cradle cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis) can sometimes spread beyond the scalp to the eyebrows, behind the ears, neck folds, and other skin creases. This is still generally harmless and will resolve on its own. When it spreads to other areas, gentle cleansing and moisturizing can help, and your pediatrician may recommend a mild medicated cream if needed.
Preventing Flat Spots on Baby's Head (Plagiocephaly)
Flat spots on a baby's head (positional plagiocephaly) are very common because newborn skulls are soft and malleable. Prevention strategies include regular tummy time when awake, alternating head position during sleep, and minimizing time in car seats and bouncers when not traveling. Most mild flat spots improve on their own as baby grows.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Only Army Crawls
Army crawling (also called commando crawling) is a completely valid and normal way for babies to move. Many babies army crawl for weeks or even months before transitioning to hands-and-knees crawling, and some skip hands-and-knees crawling entirely. What matters is that your baby is independently mobile and exploring their environment.