Lanugo and Newborn Hair Growth

Many new parents are surprised by the unique features their newborns have right after birth. Soft, dark hair can cover not just the scalp, but also a baby’s arms, back, and even their belly. This fine, fuzzy hair, known as lanugo, is just one of several things that make a newborn’s appearance special. Alongside lanugo, babies may arrive with creamy vernix on their skin and tiny white bumps called milia.

During those first hours, nurses gently clean away the vernix and give newborns their first bath. Parents often notice these physical details while learning about how their baby grew in the womb, and how the placenta helped them develop. Being aware of these common newborn traits can help families feel more at ease as they meet their new little one for the first time.

False Beliefs About Babies With Lanugo Hair

Many people believe that babies who are born with a lot of hair, called lanugo, have a medical problem or that it is rare. In reality, lanugo is a common, soft, and thin hair that covers most babies while they are developing in the womb. Premature babies are more likely to be born with it, but sometimes even full-term babies can have this fine hair on their skin.

Some think that babies with lanugo are going to be very hairy as adults. This is not true. Lanugo usually falls off a few weeks after birth and does not predict how much hair a child will have later in life.

There are also myths about the cause of lanugo. Many people say it is from what the mother eats or does during pregnancy, but research shows that it is just a normal part of development. Lanugo protects the baby’s skin before birth and has no link to diet or health problems.

Why Babies Have Lanugo

Key Facts About Soft Newborn Hair

Lanugo is a type of thin, soft body hair found on the skin of some newborns. It usually appears during the later part of the second trimester, between weeks 16 and 20 of pregnancy. The hair is very light and downy, covering the baby’s body as it develops in the womb. Not all babies are born with this hair, but about a third will have it at birth, especially those born early.

Role of Lanugo During Pregnancy

This fine hair serves an important purpose before birth. Lanugo helps insulate the baby’s skin, keeping it warm inside the womb. As the pregnancy continues, most babies lose their lanugo before delivery, with the hair shedding into the amniotic fluid. When lanugo falls out, it is replaced with vellus hair, which is even finer and less noticeable. Preterm infants are more likely to be born with visible lanugo that disappears soon after birth.

Is Lanugo a Reason for Concern?

How Often Do Newborns Have Lanugo?

Lanugo is present on many newborns when they arrive. It is not rare and shows up in a large number of both premature and full-term babies. In fact, about 30% of all newborns will have some degree of this temporary hair, which usually falls out on its own within the first few weeks after birth.

Reasons Behind Babies Being Born Hairy

Babies develop lanugo during the later months of pregnancy as a normal part of growth. This hair helps to protect the baby’s sensitive skin and keeps them warm in the womb. Hormones also play a part, as changing hormone levels in both the mother and the baby support the growth of lanugo. Sometimes, genetics can mean a baby is born with a thick head of hair, even if the parents themselves do not have much hair.

What Affects Hair Growth at Birth?

Several factors can explain why some babies have more or less body hair when born. Hormone levels—including cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens—may affect how much lanugo is present. Prematurity is another key reason, as babies born early often keep their lanugo longer.

Genetics and family background also influence how much hair a newborn has, both on the body and the head. Changes in hair color and thickness after birth are common, and it’s normal for hair to become lighter or thicker as a child grows.

How Your Child’s Hair May Change Over Time

It is common for a baby’s hair texture to change as they grow. For instance, curly baby hair may become straight or wavy in later years, and hair that feels soft as an infant can grow thicker or coarser with age. Hair does not usually stay the same from birth to adulthood. Parents might notice these changes in the first few months or years, as a child’s hair naturally develops its new look and texture.

Timeline for Lanugo Disappearance

Lanugo usually falls off within a few days or weeks after birth. It is normal for parents to notice this soft hair, especially in premature babies, since they often have more lanugo at birth compared to babies born closer to their due date. In most cases, the hair will shed on its own without any treatment.

Families from different backgrounds may see lanugo last a little longer and sometimes, slight body hair remains for several months. Even if lanugo takes extra time to disappear, it is rarely a cause for concern. The shedding schedule can depend on the baby’s unique growth, health, and family traits.

How to Care for Babies With Lanugo

Gentle Steps for Skin and Hair

Taking care of a baby with lanugo involves using mild and gentle products. Parents should wash the baby’s skin with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Unscented baby soaps or cleansers are best, as they help avoid irritation. There is no need to scrub the lanugo hair; it will fall out on its own as the baby grows.

It is important to keep the skin moisturized, especially if it seems dry or flaky. Select fragrance-free lotions that are safe for infants, and do not use hair removal products, razors, or wax, as these can cause harm.

Times to Talk to a Doctor About Baby’s Lanugo

In most cases, having lanugo is normal, especially for premature babies. However, parents should contact a doctor if the lanugo stays much longer than a few months after birth or if there are other symptoms like poor weight gain, skin rashes, or signs of illness.

If any spots on the skin look infected, such as having redness, swelling, or pus, it’s important to seek medical help. Trusting instincts about a baby’s health and getting advice from healthcare professionals ensures proper care.