Reasons For Baby Hair Loss

Have you noticed that your baby is losing hair? Don’t panic, newborn hair loss is very common and can happen for multiple reasons. Your baby’s hair loss may be due to hormonal changes, as it’s normal for hormone levels for both mama and bub to drop after childbirth. This causes a process called telogen effluvium, whereby large numbers of hair follicles are pushed into the resting phase and many strands of hair fall out. This process of hair shedding is only temporary, and is usually quickly followed by new hair growth. Your baby’s hair could also be falling out due to less common conditions, such as cradle cap, alopecia or hypothyroidism, so speak to your doctor if you’re concerned about these.

By far the most common cause of newborn hair loss though is friction. Since babies spend a lot of time on their backs, often wriggling around and rubbing their heads against their bedding, it’s no surprise that many of them develop bald spots. Friction induced hair loss is very common and in no way harms your baby, but there are some things you can do to protect their hair and prevent those unsightly baby bald patches at the back of their head.

1. Use Silk Baby Bedding to Reduce Friction

To ensure your baby’s hair stops falling out immediately, opt for quality silk baby bedding. Cotton, bamboo and other fabrics can tug and pull on their delicate tresses, leading to tangles, knots and a baby bald spot at the back of their head. The long strands and tightly woven nature of premium Mulberry silk creates a silky smooth surface that allows your babe’s hair to glide effortlessly and prevents hair from being pulled out.

Satin may seem like a cheaper alternative, but this synthetic fabric does not possess the same benefits as pure silk. Premium Mulberry silk is not only soft and smooth, it is also hypoallergenic, naturally hydrating, moisture wicking, dust-mite resistant, thermal regulating and antimicrobial. All these qualities make silk the perfect sleeping surface for bubs and their sensitive skin. Learn more about silk’s benefits and why your baby should be sleeping on silk.

2. Change the Position of Your Baby’s Head While They’re Sleeping

Slightly adjusting bub’s head while they sleep can also help to prevent newborn hair loss. These small, incremental adjustments ensure that there isn’t too much pressure or friction being concentrated on one part of their head, helping not only to prevent bald spots from occurring, but also flat spots.

3. Alternate Which End of the Cot Your Baby Sleeps On

If your baby has a tendency to face one specific side while in their cot, switch up their positioning by alternating the end of the cot that their head is placed when laying them down. Many babies enjoy looking out into the room to catch all the action, so alternating their crib position helps to reduce the amount of time they spend on one particular side. Similarly, when your baby is in a car seat, you may notice that they tend to look out the window, so try laying them down in their cot in a way that will make them turn their head to the other side.

4. Avoid Tight Hairstyles and Accessories

Try to avoid any tight ponytails or other hairstyles that pull on your baby’s hair. If their locks become unruly, use soft accessories such as stretchy hair bands and soft hair clips that won’t pull and tug on their tresses.

5. Have Your Baby Spend More Time Off Their Back

When your baby is strong enough to keep their head up, they can spend less time on their back, and more time playing on their tummy or in a baby carrier. This not only helps to avoid hair loss, but is also important for their overall health and development.

6. Increase Circulation to Your Baby’s Hair Follicles

For promoting blood flow to your baby’s hair follicles and stimulating hair growth, applying some extra-virgin coconut oil to their scalp 2 – 3 times a week can help increase circulation in their scalp. Let the oil rest on their head for 15 – 20 minutes, then rinse it away with warm water and pat their hair dry with a soft towel. The oil also moisturizes their skin and adds shine to their hair.

Additionally, gently brushing or combing baby’s scalp can also help encourage circulation. Be careful not to over brush, as this can lead to hair breakage, and always use products specially made for baby’s delicate skin, like super soft baby hairbrushes and baby combs with soft, round teeth.

7. Minimise Hair Washing

To reduce your baby’s hair loss, it is a good idea to cut down on how frequently you wash their hair. Newborns don’t need their hair to be washed every day, so you can try washing it two or three times a week instead. If you do use a shampoo, make sure to pick one that is gentle and pH-neutral.

More About Sleepy Silk

Sleepy Silk is a family-run business based in Melbourne that delivers luxurious silk products all over the world. Crafted from 100% Mulberry silk of the highest grade 6A, Sleepy Silk’s products are of superior quality and durability, and are made with 25 momme silk while most other brands on the market offer 19 to 22 momme. They are also independently tested and certified under the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, meaning they are non-toxic and free from harmful dyes and chemicals, making them perfect for even the most sensitive skin. With hundreds of five-star reviews and a 50 Night Guarantee, experience these amazing results yourself today!