Is Baby Baldness Preventable? What Parents Can (and Can’t) Control

Every new parent has that moment: you lift your baby out of the cot and notice a fine layer of hair left behind on the sheet. Within weeks, your once-hairy newborn is sporting a "Friar Tuck" bald ring around the back of their head.

In the Australian parenting community, the "back-to-sleep bald spot" is almost a rite of passage. But is it actually preventable? The answer lies in a mix of biology you can’t control and environmental factors—like our climate and bedding—that you absolutely can.

What You Can’t Control: The "Great Newborn Shed"

Most baby hair loss in the first six months is a biological process called Telogen Effluvium. Inside the womb, your baby’s hormones are tied to yours. After birth, those hormone levels drop rapidly, pushing hair follicles into a "resting" phase.

  • The Reality: You cannot stop this hormonal shed. It is a natural part of your baby making room for permanent hair.
  • The Timeline: This usually peaks around 3 months of age.

What You CAN Control: The "Sandpaper Effect"

While the hormonal shed is inevitable, the friction-induced bald spot is often preventable. When a baby moves their head on rough, absorbent fabrics like cotton, it creates a "sandpaper effect" that snags delicate hair.

The Aussie Factor: In our humid climate, a sweaty scalp makes hair "tacky" and fragile. This moisture increases the grip bedding has on the hair, causing it to pull out more easily.

The Anti-Friction Protocol

You can protect the new hair trying to grow in by following these three steps:

  1. Switch to Silk: Unlike "grabby" cotton, 100% Mulberry Silk is frictionless, allowing the head to glide effortlessly.
  2. Manage Temperature: Use a fan to keep the scalp dry and reduce the "sweat-snag" effect.
  3. Prioritise Tummy Time: Supervised tummy time builds neck strength and keeps baby off the back of their head while awake.
Safety Warning: Never use hats or headbands for sleep. For a safe, friction-free surface, use a fitted silk cot sleeve that meets Australian safety standards (Red Nose compliant).

When to See a GP

Consult your doctor if you notice patchy loss with red, flaky skin or if hair loss continues past the 6-month mark when your baby is sitting up.

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