Baby Hair Loss Explained and What You Can Do About It

Hair loss in babies can be both traumatic and distressing. Seeing your baby suffer with their hair loss can make you feel helpless. The good news is that there are a few different reasons why babies may lose their hair, and understanding the cause can help you put your mind at ease.

Causes of Baby Hair Loss

Baby hair loss can have several causes:

• Telogen Effluvium: This happens when a baby is delivered prematurely or experiences severe stress.
• Alopecia Areata: This type of hair loss is caused by an autoimmune disorder and tends to be confined to small patches on the head.
• Traction Alopecia: This often occurs when a baby’s hair is unintentionally pulled too tightly, such as when a parent ties their hair up tightly for too long.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients in your baby’s diet can also cause hair loss.

What You Can Do About Baby Hair Loss

• If your baby is suffering from Telogen Effluvium, the hair loss should improve gradually over time.
• If your baby has Alopecia Areata, see your doctor, who may refer you to a specialist dermatologist for treatment.
• If your baby is suffering from Traction Alopecia, limit the number of times you tie their hair up and keep it loose, and use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner.
• If your baby is suffering from Nutritional Deficiencies, ensure that you boost their diet with essential vitamins and minerals to ensure that their hair regrows.

Baby hair loss can be very distressing, and understanding the cause can help you know what to do about it. If you are worried about your baby’s hair loss, it is important to seek help from a medical professional so that the underlying cause can be identified and treated appropriately.