Locations:
Search IconSearch

Why Is My Baby Hairy? Newborn Body Hair Explained

Lanugo — the soft, fine hair that develops in utero — is harmless and will shed within a few weeks

Newborn's tiny hand gripping caregiver's thumb

There’s nothing quite like the baby-soft skin of a newborn. But some adorable little ones show up a bit … fuzzier than you’d expect. It’s cute, but is it cause for concern?

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Pediatrician Rajyalakshmi Rambhatla, MD, explains why some newborns have hair on their body, and when you can expect it to go away.

Is it normal to have a hairy newborn?

It’s completely normal for a newborn baby to have body hair, especially if they were born before 37 weeks. And a hairy baby isn’t a sign that your newborn will become a hairy child or adult. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!)

The body hair you commonly see on a preterm baby is a special kind of hair called lanugo.

“Lanugo is a soft, fine coating of hair that’s essential for fetal growth and development,” explains Dr. Rambhatla. “Most fetuses naturally shed their lanugo before 36 to 37 weeks gestation, which is why we typically don’t see it on full-term babies.”

What is lanugo for?

About three months into a pregnancy, a fetus starts to grow a coating of lanugo. “The lanugo growth usually starts on the forehead area and spreads until their body is covered,” says Dr. Rambhatla.

Lanugo plays a vital role in fetal development because it encourages vernix — a white, cheesy-like substance — to stick to the skin. Vernix is important because it:

  • Keeps them warm: That coating of vernix is like a snuggly blanket, helping the fetus maintain a normal body temperature.
  • Prevents water loss: We all lose water through our skin. But vernix helps seal in water, keeping the fetus hydrated.
  • Protects their skin: During pregnancy, a fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid. Although this fluid is essential for fetal development, it also contains substances that can damage the fetus's skin. Vernix acts as a protective barrier.

Advertisement

Lanugo also plays an important role in fetal development.

“As the lanugo swishes around in the amniotic fluid, the tiny hairs vibrate,” explains Dr. Rambhatla. “The vibrations send messages that stimulate fetal growth. Once the lanugo starts to naturally shed in late pregnancy, it sends the signal that the growing process can slow down.”

When will my baby’s body hair go away?

Useful as lanugo may be in utero, it may not be a thing you want to highlight in your newborn baby’s photo session. But don’t worry — it won’t stick around for long. Your newborn will likely be lanugo-free within a few weeks after birth.

“Very preterm babies tend to have lanugo longer than babies born at 36 weeks or later,” clarifies Dr. Rambhatla. “Lanugo will fall out when the baby approaches their full-term development.”

In the meantime, just let the baby fuzz be. Lanugo doesn’t bother your baby, but trying to remove it probably will.

“It’s not safe to use hair removal methods on babies,” adds Dr. Rambhatla. “Their skin is much more sensitive than adults.”

Why does a newborn’s head hair fall out?

Some babies are born with a full head of hair, only to go bald within the first few months of life. But head hair isn’t the same type of hair as lanugo. And the reason for hair loss is different.

“Babies may lose some or all of the hair on their heads due to a natural drop in hormones,” explains Dr. Rambhatla. “At about 3 months of age, the hormones that a baby got from their mother are gone, and sometimes, they take head hair along with them. But don’t worry, their hair will grow back in a few weeks.”

Your baby might also acquire a bald spot on the back of their head. This spot usually results from spending a lot of time sleeping on their back.

“Your baby’s bald spot will fade once they are rolling over on their own and sitting up,” he continues. “Back sleeping is the only safe way for newborns to sleep, so don’t put them in another position to avoid hair loss.”

Don’t stress about baby tresses

Whether it’s lanugo or head hair, your baby’s locks are as unique as they are. Don’t worry if they’re extra hairy (or totally bald) for those first few months.

“You don’t need to provide any special care for lanugo, aside from bathing your baby with a gentle cleanser designed for infants,” says Dr. Rambhatla. “And if you want to style the hair on your baby’s head, use a soft headband. Avoid tight hairstyles, which can be painful for your baby’s sensitive scalp.”

Finally, remember that your pediatrician is here to help you through the exciting — and sometimes exhausting — job of parenting.

“It’s normal to have questions when your baby arrives, even if you have other children,” reassures Dr. Rambhatla. “Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have concerns about your baby’s well-being. We’re here to support you.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Face of sleeping newborn baby, face being lightly touched by caregiver hand
November 19, 2024/Children's Health
Newborn Lip Blisters: What Causes Them and When To Seek Care

Your baby can develop lip blisters from an infection or because of the way they feed

Caregiver holding newborn on chest, with bathtub filling in background
October 31, 2024/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Newborn’s First Bath: The Benefits of Waiting

Delaying baby’s first bath can encourage breastfeeding success and strengthen bonding

Parents gaze lovingly on their newborn laying on the changing table.
August 18, 2023/Children's Health
Oh, Baby! Understanding Your Newborn’s Appearance and Behavior

From baby acne and body hair to rooting reflexes and sleeping patterns, it’s all normal

newborn being dried off after a bath
July 14, 2023/Children's Health
Bath Time for Baby: When and How To Bathe Your Newborn

Be mindful about temperature, positioning and efficiency when it’s comes to your little one

mom burping baby
March 26, 2021/Children's Health
Here’s What to Do When Your Baby Has the Hiccups

What causes newborn hiccups — and how to stop them

newborn not stop crying
November 25, 2020/Children's Health
When to Call the Doctor for Your Newborn Baby

Symptoms that should prompt you to call your baby’s doctor

newborn with heel prick and bandaid
October 6, 2020/Children's Health
Why Do They Prick Your Newborn Baby’s Heel?

PKU or blood spot test finds hidden conditions early when treatment can be initiated

Smiling new parents holding swaddled newborn baby
November 20, 2024/Pregnancy & Childbirth
Newborn Coming Into Your Life? Here’s What Vaccines You Should Get

Baby’s caregivers should be up-to-date on flu, COVID-19 and Tdap vaccines to protect the newborn in their lives

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad