Hair problems are common in babies under 3 months. These problems can be infections, hair loss, thin hair, bad hair texture, rough hair and many more.
All the babies are different with their different hair patterns.The following conditions are the most common causes of hair loss in children:
1. Cradle Caps
You must have seen the yellowish greasy patch on baby’s head. It is very common in babies. Around 50% babies suffer from this problem. It is not contagious. Consumption of oily and spicy food or regular washing of baby’s head may cause cradle caps. So, it’s about the hygiene. You need not to worry about it but just take care of following things:
- Never try to pull the affected skin. It can cause pain and bleeding on baby’s head.
- You can apply Vaseline jelly on her head. Apply it after she sleeps and leave it overnight; wash the head next day with her mild shampoo.
- Comb the scalp slowly to remove the dry skin.
- There are cradle cap shampoos available in the market. You can also try them.
- You can massage her head with glycerin or homemade butter to soften the scalp.
- Don’t give her any medicine without consulting to your doctor.
- In case of cracking or bleeding of the skin, consult your doctor as it may cause pain to your baby’s tender skin.
- You must comb your baby’s hair everyday especially in this case.
- Always wash her head after oiling her head with a mild shampoo.
2. Infections
Every child is special for parents but I find my mom biased when it comes to me. According to her I was the cutest one among other kids. Being the elder one in my family, I was always pampered by all But then came a time when nobody was even willing to touch me. My whole body got infected especially my head and I lost all my hair and a kind of dirty skin took place on my head. But all thanks to my grandmother who helped my mother when she had no idea what could be done. She (my grandmother) used to apply homemade butter on my head to clean it or make it smooth as the homemade butter is so soft for baby’s skin. So, sometimes babies get various infections. You should try some reliable home remedies and if you don’t find any positive effect or it is causing irritation to your baby’s head, in that case, it is best advisable to visit your doctor. These can be contagious fungal infections. He will examine your baby’s head and will give her anti-fungal treatment after telling the exact reason of infection.
3. Ring worm
Babies always look cute no matter their nose resemble like their dad’s big nose or they have small eyes like their mother but these ringworms definitely make them look less cute and these will also cause irritation on your baby’s head. These are contagious so you should once see your doctor; he will give you an anti fungal cream. Apply it as prescribed and also take care of following things:
- Always wash your hands well before applying the cream.
- You need to be careful while changing baby’s clothes. Always make her wear dry and fresh washed clothes.
- Her clothes should not be mixed with other’s clothes. Always wash her clothes separately.
- If you have twins or other baby in home, never exchange their clothes.
- If you are giving her sponge bath, don’t disturb the affected area with the same sponge.
- Never wipe her body with wet towel.
- Always keep her nails short; she can scratch the affected area. If possible try to cover her hands with soft stockings if she touches the affected area.
4. Tight or Too fancy caps
I have seen many babies wearing those big and tight caps. No doubt, they look super cute in those heavy caps but you need to be careful by choosing these caps for your baby. Too tight caps for babies not only cause discomfort but they may also cause hair fall. You may find hairs on their caps while removing it from your baby’s head. So, always get a loose and comfortable cap. Children-wears are available in the market as per their age groups but some babies have big heads, so buy the cap which is comfortable and best fitted to her.
5. Normal Hair-fall
There is a common phase comes in when hair falls out altogether in babies normally up to 3 months and sometimes it may happen up to 6 months. This phase is called as Telogen Effluvium. It is a mental developmental process so nothing to worry about it. After this phase, your baby’s hair grows again may be with different color and texture this time.
6. Hormonal Changes
Just after the birth, both baby and mom go through hormonal changes and that is why you both may suffer from this problem. So, this is also a common problem. Have a diet with rich nutrients. This will also benefit your baby as she will be on breastfeeding. You can also try mustard or coconut oil massage for both of you. And try to create positive atmosphere around you, it will help you dealing those mood swings.
7. Fever
According to the doctors, the normal body temperature of a healthy baby is 97.5 F . But if the temperature is high, your baby is having fever and one of the side effects of it is hair loss. Don’t worry about the hair loss at this time as it is common. Once the fever is cured, your baby’s hair will be back soon after
8. Thyroid Disorder
Hypothyroidism is one of the rarest cases which anyone faces. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the needs of the body. About one in 4,000 newborn babies is born with hypothyroidism. This is the rarest situation, so you don’t need to worry about it with just one symptom.
9. Malnutrition in Babies
Lack of important nutrients affects the baby’s growth and it can also cause hair-fall. These vital nutrients are Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. So, you must take care of your baby’s diet following the simple tips given below:
- You should add fresh fruits and vegetables to your baby’s food chart.
- You should include eggs, nuts and butter in her diet.
- Also include oils or fat in her diet.
- Milk and dairy products are also an essential part of baby’s diet for her overall growth.
10. Auto-immune Problem or Alopecia
If your baby has weak immune system, there is chance of having this problem. It also cause hair fall in babies. You should take her to her doctor for the proper examination and medication in this case.
11. Tight hairstyle
We always want our baby to look cutest all the time; hence we dress her up and also make so many hairstyles. You need to be extra careful while doing your baby’s hair. Never make tight pony tails. Baby will not be feeling comfortable and this may also cause hair fall.
12. Hair pulling habit of your baby
My best friend’s mom once told me about it. She (my friend) used to pull her hair all the time and as a result all the hair were gone of that area of her head.
13. Combing baby’s hair too many times
You should not comb your baby’s hair too many times as her skin is too sensitive to bear the strokes of brush on her head for so many times in a day. So, comb your baby’s hair only twice a day to improve the blood circulation and you can also use your hands to do her hair.
14. Resting Position
Many of babies have bald patches. This may be because of the resting position. They always sit or sleep in the same position with the back of their head on bed or on resting chair. You can make her sleep in your arms while taking a walk. It will not only make baby sleep easily but also help you as in initial months you cannot go for strong exercises. You can also try different positions for placing her on the mattress. Also, provide her enough tummy time by letting her lie on her tummy on the floor or bed as it would improve her physical development. It will also reduce hair fall due to lesser friction of the hair with the mattress.
15. Hard Mattress
It may also cause hair loss as the babies usually rub their head against the mattress. You need to be a bit careful while buying a mattress for your baby. Always use the mattress of soft fabrics. You can use silk or some other soft fabric on the mattress or on the resting chair as the mattress you have purchased is not that soft.
16. Getting harsh while washing her head
Don’t get too harsh while washing your baby’s head as it may harm your baby’s head and can lead to hair loss. You should always choose a mild hair shampoo for your baby’s head. Try to give a massage before bathing your baby as it will not only strengthen your baby’s bones, improve the blood circulation and also help in growing your baby’s hair again.
17. Wrong way of massaging baby’s head
Wrong way of massaging your baby’s head may also cause hair fall. Never put pressure on her head. Try to be gentle while massaging her scalp. Always use mild oil for massaging. You can also use almond oil for massaging your baby as the oil is rich in Vitamins A, B2 and B6. It is also a good source of Vitamin E, which is essential for a healthy skin.
18. Use of headband or fancy hairclips
Making a hairstyle of your baby using a tight hair band or too much fancy hairclips is not good for baby’s hair. It will pull her hair which will lead to hair fall.
19. Use of hard bristle brush
Combing your baby’s hair with a hard bristle brush may also cause hair fall. Always use a soft bristle brush or a wide toothed comb for baby. You must keep a separate brush for baby. Never use your brush to comb her hair.
20. Low quality of resting chair or cradle
You should always be careful while buying any baby item. It should be soft enough as the hard stuff of it may harm baby. Often the low quality of cradle and resting chair not only cause hair-fall but also not able to provide comfort to babies.
21. Bad hair texture
I first noticed this problem when I went to see my two months old nephew. He is born with some unique straight haired fashion. That’s how everybody at home makes fun of him. Although he still looks cute with the cactus on his head but it was not so funny for her mom. So, all made her understand that he would shed all his hair in coming months.
22. Rough Hair
I was also born with thin and golden hair and a white patch of hair was also there. As my mom told me that she got worried to see the color of my hair but those didn’t last too long. So, don’t need to worry if the first grown hair of your baby are thin or of bad texture. After that, my newly grown hair was of dark brown color and all credit to my grandmother and her formula of using Sarso (Mustard) oil on my head. Regular massage with good oil improves the blood circulation and makes both your baby and her hair strong.
23. Dandruff problem in babies
Although, it’s not common in babies but even if there is dandruff on her head, it is not an issue to worry about. You can try following tips to avoid it:
- Avoid oily conditioners for your baby.
- Brush your baby’s head before washing it.
- You can also use anti-dandruff shampoo after seeking your doctor’s advice.
You don’t need to worry if you see these common problems in your baby before three months except in case of infections. Enjoy doing your rock star’s or diva’s hair.
Happy Styling!! Happy parenting!!
What an elaborate article. I liked the discussion… Keep posting more…