Baby Losing Hair
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.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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.
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 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
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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.
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.
One Side of My Baby's Body Moves Differently
Babies should generally use both sides of their body equally. If one side consistently moves differently, is weaker, stiffer, or less coordinated, this warrants evaluation. Asymmetric movement can indicate hemiplegia (cerebral palsy affecting one side), brachial plexus injury, or other neurological conditions that benefit from early therapy.
My Baby Crawls Unevenly
While some variation in crawling patterns is normal, consistently favoring one side or dragging one limb while crawling warrants attention. Babies should use both arms and both legs relatively equally when crawling. Persistent asymmetry could indicate muscle tone differences, hip issues, or neurological concerns that benefit from early evaluation.