Within a few months, the initial fuzz gives way to real hair, which is generally abundant and particularly soft, often with a low hairline on the forehead. It\u2019s not uncommon for babies to lose a noticeable amount of hair on the back of the head. This was traditionally believed to be caused by the baby’s sleeping position in the crib and friction between the head and the mattress. However, this belief was challenged by a study conducted by a group of researchers in 2012. The scientists evaluated the incidence of occipital alopecia in a group of 301 newborns, at birth and at three months of age (8).<\/p>\n
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All babies in the study slept on their backs, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Among these infants, the incidence of occipital alopecia was 11.88%\u2014not significantly different from data collected between 1985 and 1995, when babies were put to sleep randomly, without attention to sleep position. Therefore, alopecia is not caused by friction, but rather by the fact that hair growth in the occipital region is delayed compared to the frontal-parietal-temporal areas, which develop in utero before birth. It affects all babies; sometimes it’s just less noticeable because there is already a relatively dense amount of growing hair in that area.<\/p>\n
There is no need to worry\u2014just keep the scalp clean to encourage healthy hair growth.<\/p>\n
Washing a baby\u2019s head<\/strong> is very important for general hygiene, but especially to help reduce sebum production, which can cause\u00a0cradle cap.<\/strong> However, it should be done with care.<\/p>\n First of all, no cleansing products should be used until at least four months of age. Warm water and a soft sponge are sufficient. When washing, use slow and gentle movements, bearing in mind that a baby\u2019s head is very delicate and still has soft spots. These areas should be gently dabbed and lightly rubbed.<\/p>\n After washing, the hair should be dried by patting the head several times with a soft towel, avoiding excessive pressure, especially around the soft spots. If the baby has little hair, it can be left to air dry.<\/p>\n Using a hairdryer is not recommended<\/strong> during the first few months, as it may frighten the baby or burn their delicate skin. Later on, if the baby tolerates it, it may be used carefully, at low temperature and from a safe distance.<\/p>\n\t\t