Baby Hair Loss & Regrowth | Parenting Hub
Many babies lose their newborn hair in the first months. It almost always grows back, sometimes a different colour or texture.
Newborn hair shedding is normal and harmless. Bald patches usually fill in by the first birthday.
Why it happens
Newborn hair often falls out around 8–12 weeks as hormones change. Friction on the back of the head from sleeping on the back can also cause a bald patch.
What helps
- Plenty of supervised tummy time to reduce pressure
- Gentle handling — no need for special products
- Time: most regrowth happens by 6–12 months
When to see a doctor
See your GP if hair loss is patchy and irregular, the scalp looks inflamed or scaly beyond cradle cap, or if there's hair loss after illness.
When to seek help
- Any sudden change that worries you or feels off for your baby.
- Poor feeding, unusual sleepiness, or persistent irritability.
- Fever in a baby under 3 months, or any symptom that worsens quickly.
Common questions
Will it grow back the same colour?
Often not. Many babies' second hair is a different colour or texture from the newborn hair.