Joy Parenting Club

It's not uncommon for babies to have fine, soft hair on their back and other parts of their body. This fine hair is known as "lanugo," and it is a natural occurrence that usually sheds before or shortly after birth. It’s considered your baby’s first hair!

Lanugo, which forms about halfway through pregnancy, serves various functions:

Lanugo is important during pregnancy. It helps keep their skin safe and cozy inside your belly.

At birth, it works together with vernix, a protective goop that covers your baby. Think of lanugo as the glue that keeps vernix in place, helping to keep your baby warm and snug until they gain enough baby fat to do it on their own.

Lanugo also gives your baby a little wake-up call. When it moves, it sends signals that help your baby grow. Once lanugo falls off, the signals stop, and your baby's growth might slow down a bit. Scientists are still studying all the details, but this is some of the cool stuff lanugo does!

- Lanugo is important during pregnancy. It helps keep their skin safe and cozy inside your belly.
- At birth, it works together with vernix, a protective goop that covers your baby. Think of lanugo as the glue that keeps vernix in place, helping to keep your baby warm and snug until they gain enough baby fat to do it on their own.
- Lanugo also gives your baby a little wake-up call. When it moves, it sends signals that help your baby grow. Once lanugo falls off, the signals stop, and your baby's growth might slow down a bit. Scientists are still studying all the details, but this is some of the cool stuff lanugo does!

There is no need for intervention regarding the presence of lanugo hair on your baby's back or other body parts. Attempting to remove it, such as shaving or using hair removal products, is unnecessary and can potentially irritate your baby's delicate skin.