The amount of hair babies are born with can vary widely. Some come out with hardly any hair on their heads, while others are born with bushy mops of dark hair. Most experienced moms know that both the spartan growth and the most gorgeous head of hair will soon begin thinning. There are quite a few reasons for this. Fortunately, it's temporary, and the baby will soon have a nice thatch of hair.
Hormonal Changes
When a baby is born, his hormone levels drop rapidly. This can cause hair loss at any point during his first six months. A new mother might also experience a drop in hormone levels, causing her to lose hair, as well. No matter how much hair your child loses, his body will adjust to the changes, and the baby will eventually have hair again.
Sleeping Habits
Infants can sleep 14 hours a day or more, and usually they sleep on their backs or sides. This often leads to bald spots. Depending on how she sleeps, a baby can have a bald spot at the back of her head or at the side of her head. Head rubbing can also lead to a temporary bald spot.
Ringworm
Babies occasionally develop ringworm on their scalps, which can cause bald spots where the scalp is red and flaky. If your baby develops ringworm, visit a pediatrician and obtain anti-fungal cream for his scalp. When the medication is applied twice daily, the ringworm will disappear, and hair will grow again.
Alopecia
Alopecia is characterized by smooth, circular spots where the scalp is bald. This rare condition in babies occurs when the immune system attacks the hair follicles, slowing and sometimes stopping hair growth. Alopecia cannot be cured with the aid of medications. It may persist as a child grows up, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The condition poses no health risk.
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is an irritation that causes scalp flaking and sometimes crusty patches. Cradle cap can cause hair loss, according to ask Dr. Alan Greene of the Ask DrGreen website. Most pediatricians advise parents to leave mild cradle cap alone. The condition is harmless and usually outgrown.
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