Hair Thinning On 35 Months Old
First, a picture:
She is 3.5 months old. She was born with quite long hair, some fell but now it looks like she has a ring around the head, just above the ears, where hair is really thin.
My gf’s take on it is that since we carry her too much, he head rubs in this area and the hair falls. When I hold her, there is definitely contact between my arm and this area.
I’m curious if this is a common hair loss pattern for that age? or if it is possible that rubbing while carrying creates the hair loss? When I look only, they only talk about newborns losing their hair, but nothing about children that age.
- anongoodnurseJul 26, 2020 at 3:02
- A few times a day, she just learned to hold her head up while on the tummy. In the past few weeks she started to push a lot on her legs to move forward so there is definitely some rubbing the hair from playing tooJul 26, 2020 at 9:19
- 2Side note: Carrying her too much isnt an issue, we humans are built to be carried around by others while small.
This is very common. The main thing is not to worry. Most babies lose some of their hair, only to grow more later.
And some babies lose all their hair.
Your girlfriend could be correct – often it’s rubbing on common parts of the head, especially if you always hold them against you the same way, but hormone changes also have a part to play.
As her neck strength increases, you’ll start holding her differently, in more ways.
How To Recognize Normal Baby Hair Loss
Normal baby hair loss will not bother your baby in any way, shape, or form. They wont even feel it or know that its going on!Here are the signs of natural baby hair loss:
- Hair in your little ones crib, stroller, or any place where they rest their head
- Loose strands of hair in your hand after you caress your babys head
- Hair in the bath or on the towel you use to dry them off
- Hair leftover in a hat after you take it off
If these are the only signs you see, theres no need to worry your newborn is just going through a new stage in their development.If your little one starts to act differently around the same time you notice the hair loss, visit your pediatrician just to be sure.
Mention Baby Hair Loss To Your Pediatrician If Necessary
If youre worried about your babys hair loss, or if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned early in the article, talk to your pediatrician right away.
The doctor will either confirm that the problem is simply a result of hormones, or shell be able to let you know if its more serious. Either way, it will set your mind at ease and make you feel better. And thats good for both you and your baby.
For more helpful advice on pregnancy, parenting, and all things baby and mommy skincare related, visit MustelaUSA.com today.
Get tips, news
You May Like: When Can You Give Your Newborn A Bath
Oiling Your Babys Hair
An oil massage of the scalp is good for the health of the scalp, as massaging increases blood circulation to the hair pores. It also helps in getting her to sleep. It also moisturizes the scalp and prevents the formation of dandruff. It is often advisable to choose a good and natural oil for hair growth in babies and other desired benefits.
How To Prevent Hair Loss In Babies
There is little you can do to prevent natural hair loss in babies aged less than six months. However, you can minimize the risk and slow down hair loss with proper hair care and a few precautions.
- Shampoo your babys hair periodically: Get a mild, baby-safe shampoo and wash the babys hair at least once in two days. You could also consult the peadiatriciana schedule that works the best for your baby.
- Avoid friction and tying babys hair too tight: Minimize scalp friction as much as you can and avoid tying the babys hair too tight. It reduces any strain on the hair follicles and thus reduces hair loss.
- Maintain good hygiene: Fungal infections often spread due to contact with soiled and dirty clothes such as towels and caps. Always wash the babys towels and clothes with warm water and baby-safe disinfectant detergent. Washing hands, after playing outdoors, also helps prevent fungal spores from infecting the skin.
- Be watchful of allergies: Allergic reactions often cause inflammation of the skin, including the scalp. Watch out for the signs of allergy, including symptoms such as skin hives and difficulty in breathing.
Did your baby lose hair early on? How did you handle it? Share your story in the comments section below.
References:
Read Also: How To Obtain Social Security Card For Newborn
How To Manage Hair Pulling In Babies: Unheard
Have you ever claimed you were so stressed that you could pull your hair out? As it turns out, babies feel that too! Hair pulling is a common self-soothing technique for many babies. In some cases, hair pulling or hair twirling is harmless. If the habit continues, however, it could lead to a more serious condition as your baby grows up.
Read on for some tried and tested tips you can use to stop your baby from pulling their hair.
Whats The Deal With Newborn Hair
Indeed, its true that your babe might be born with a natural mohawk, voluminous curls, or a soft hint of fuzz. It is also possible that they wont have a trace of hair on their tiny head, but boast a visible layer of furriness all over their body.
There is a wide spectrum of hair-raising possibilities. The important thing to remember is that every baby is different and there is no normal.
Recommended Reading: How Many Ounces Of Formula Should A Newborn Drink
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
- Scabs or crusts are present in the hair
- Ringworm of the scalp suspected.
- Broken hairs from tight hair style and pimples are present in scalp
- Patch of hair loss and cause not known
- Widespread hair thinning and cause not known
- Hair loss from nervous habit of twisting the hair
- Hair loss is a chronic problem
- Normal hair loss suspected, but doesn’t grow back within 6 months
- You have other questions or concerns
How To Manage Hair Pulling In Babies
Generally speaking, occasional and light hair twirling by your baby isn’t something to be too concerned about. If your baby becomes so attached to twirling their hair that it prevents them from holding onto other things, or they start to actually pull their hair out of the scalp and develop bald spots, then it’s time to intervene.
When you notice your baby pulling their hair, you can try:
- Offering something else for them to hold on to, like a soothing blanket or favorite toy
- Giving them a stuffed animal with long hair or fur to tug and twirl
- Playing a hand-eye coordination game like patty cake or the itsy-bitsy spider
- Comforting your baby with a gentle cuddle
- Gently massaging the spot on their head where they want to pull from and nudging their hands and arms down to rest
If you notice your baby is pulling their hair, stay calm when you correct the behavior. Remember that some light hair pulling is normal in young kids and not something to worry about. But if your baby starts to develop bald spots, or the habit becomes more frequent, continue to try and distract or redirect your baby’s attention to something else whenever you notice them going for their hair.
Read Also: When To Give Bath To Newborn Baby
Could Prevent Ringworm
A common infection of the skin is ringworm. In babies and children, its likely to appear on the scalp. Ringworm is highly contagious but, fortunately, it has nothing to do with worms: its actually a fungus called tinea.
The infection causes a ring or oval shape to form, and the area is usually dry, red, and itchy. Your babys pediatrician may prescribe an antifungal cream or ointment, or a special shampoo. However, for the infection to completely clear, your baby might need oral treatment as well .
One way you may be able to prevent ringworm altogether is by regularly washing your babys hair and scalp.
Follow My Babys Growth
If you notice that your baby starts to tug at their hair, it could be a sign that they’re feeling overwhelmed. The habit can be a demonstration that your baby is self-soothing during moments of stress or anxiety. Adults do it, too. This habit is seen in 14% of the population, and it’s more common in women than in men. It usually starts during childhood or adolescence, and is associated with a stressful event in 25% of patients.
There are several different reasons why your baby might be twirling or pulling their hair. Here are some common situations where your baby might use hair pulling as a coping mechanism:
You May Like: Why Is My Newborn’s Poop Green
Dealing With Postpartum Hair Loss
What Is Baby Hair Loss & Why Does It Happen
Before we get into the specifics of baby hair loss, its important to note that the scientific term for this condition is telogen effluvium. This term can be both deceiving and alarming because telogen effluvium can be used to refer to a wide variety of hair loss in babies, children, and adults.
But most likely, none of the serious causes listed for telogen effluviumlike physical or emotional stress, chronic illness, and anemiaare behind your babys hair loss.
Hair has a growth stage and a resting stage. During the resting stage, the hair remains in the follicle until new hair starts to grow.
As we get older, about 5 to 15 percent of hair on the scalp is typically in the resting phase at any one time, but stress, fever, or a hormonal change can cause a large number of hairs to stop growing all at once.
Because a newborn’s hormone levels fluctuate significantly right after birth, it may cause them to lose the hair they were born with. Their body is processing out their mothers hormones and replacing them with something more suitable for their new environment outside the womb.
You May Like: How To Get More Breast Milk For Newborn Baby
How To Care For Your Little Ones Hair
Oil massage
Oil massages are great for your babyâs body and scalp. Use natural oils like coconut and massage them in a soft circular motion on the scalp to nourish and moisturize your babyâs hair.
Combing
You are good to comb your babyâs head when the fontanelle has closed completely. Use a wide-toothed and soft-bristled comb to detangle your babyâs tresses once a day. Soft motion with a comb also simulates in healthy oil production in the scalp.
Choosing theright product
Using adultproducts on delicate baby skin can dry them out. Pick mild shampoosthat are specifically formulated for the soft baby hair to keep yourbabyâs mane shiny and smooth.
Styling babyhair
You wonât havemuch hair care if your baby doesnât have much hair at all. Trimmingand keeping it short is a smart shortcut! If you decide to let yourbabyâs hair grow, youâll have to multiply the care too. Avoidtight hair bands or hair clips. Keep your babyâs hands in mittensto prevent them from pulling hair. Keep the hair off zippers and anyof your ornaments.
Using softtowels
Drying or rubbingthe fine baby hair with rough towels can damage follicles and causehair thinning and hair fall. Use a soft towel to gently pat dry yourbabyâs head.
Weatherprotection
Keep your babyâshead covered when going out in the sun or in the cold to keep hairfrom becoming brittle and dry.
Hair wash
Why Is My Baby Losing Hair
Those first few months are exciting. Your baby changes a lot every day, and that includes their hair.
Baby hair loss is perfectly normal, and it often happens within the first six months. Some babies only lose a few strands at a time while others might develop bald spots. But dont panic, babys new locks should grow out again in no time.
Hair growth typically has two phases. One of growing, and another period of resting, also called telogen effluvium.
While the hair is in the resting phase, it will stay put in the follicle. As the new hair starts to grow, it will push out the old resulting in a few lost strands.
The growing phase can last around three years and the resting is generally three months. However, anything between one and six months is normal.
Each strand has its own time, so its usually only a few at any one time that your baby might lose. But changes in the body can cause lots of hair to stop growing all at once . Lets zoom in and try to get to the root of the hair loss problem.
You May Like: What Do Newborn Baby Chicks Eat
Tips To Prevent Infant Hair Loss
Here are some tips to help you avoid infant hair loss:
- Dont tie braids that are too tight.
- If your baby has Trichotillomania, consult a child specialist.
- Use a mild shampoo and dont shampoo your babys hair every day as it can dry the scalp.
- Avoid anti-dandruff shampoo unless there is a dandruff problem.
- Avoid combing your babys hair more than once every other day.
- Dont overuse oils.
- Dont medicate your child unless a doctor prescribes the medication.
- Dont dry their hair with heat.
- Only use medicated shampoos if a doctor prescribes it and use it only for the time they recommend.
- Put a hat or cap on them if its too hot outside.
- Use a soft-bristled hairbrush to comb your babys hair.
For more tips and help contact a dermatologist.