Is It Normal for Newborns to Lose Their Hair on the Top of Their Heads?

If your baby was born with hair, you may notice within the first six months of life that she loses it. Most of the time, this is completely normal.

Gradual loss of hair

• According to Dr. Alan Greene, babies have two "crops" of hair in their first year of life. Some lose this hair so gradually that the parents don't notice it, but it can happen more quickly. If the first set of baby hair falls out before the second set grows in, your baby could look completely bald.

Bald Spots

• If your baby has bald patches, it could be from rubbing her head on a mattress, car seat, high chair or floor, especially if she tends to sit or sleep in the same position. Babies can also lose hair in patches on their heads due to a head-banging habit. In each of these cases, the hair will grow back.

Hormonal Changes

• Babies' hormone levels drop after birth, and this sudden hormonal change can cause hair loss. This is the same reason why many women lose hair after giving birth.

Alopecia

• It is very rare for a baby to be born with alopecia, a condition that causes the immune system to attack hair follicles and is more common in older children and teenagers.

When to Call the Doctor

• Most hair loss in infancy is completely normal. If your baby loses hair after she is six months old, bring it to your pediatrician's attention to rule out any possible medical conditions.