Ishita Roy

Why Is My Baby's Ear Hairy?

Hairy Baby

Babies are usually born hairless. But there may be conditions when your child is born with hair on their ear. What might that mean? 

<span>Lanugo</span> is a delicate, fine coating of hair that grows on a baby's skin while in the womb. This hair acts as a protective covering, regulating body temperature and keeping the newborn warm until they gain more body fat. Lanugo usually starts to grow in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy and can cover the entire body, including the face, shoulders, and back. Lanugo typically sheds naturally before birth, usually around the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. However, some newborns, particularly those born preterm, remain covered with lanugo at birth.

While parents may be surprised to see lanugo, it is natural and typically falls off within a few weeks of delivery as the baby's body matures. Lanugo may last longer in some circumstances, but it finally goes away as the baby grows. This transient hair is a normal aspect of fetal growth, and it serves as a reminder of the baby's transition from the womb to the outside world.

Lanugo helps vernix (the waxy, cheese-like substance that coats the fetus) adhere to the skin. Vernix protects the fetus's body from amniotic fluid within the uterus. Without lanugo and vernix, amniotic fluid could cause damage to the fragile skin. Lanugo holds vernix in place, which helps to insulate and protect the skin. Lanugo also keeps the fetus warm and maintains its temperature until it has enough body fat to do so.

Lanugo also helps the fetus develop. This happens because the lanugo hair moves, sending vibrations to fetal sensory receptors. These receptors promote fetal development. When lanugo comes out, stimulation ends and fetal growth slows. Experts aren't sure why this happens, but they're still researching it and other lanugo-related hormone impacts.

<h4>What happens to babies with hair?</h4>

Most fetuses shed lanugo before birth, and it falls off in the last eight weeks of pregnancy. Once shed from the skin, it mixes with amniotic fluid. 

However, some neonates have lanugo, particularly those born before 37 weeks gestation (premature). If your baby is born with lanugo hair, it will fall out naturally over time.

It is safe for newborns. It is usual for your premature baby to have lanugo hair on their skin. Lanugo at delivery is less prevalent among full-term newborns, but it is still possible. Lanugo should fall off within a few weeks. It disappears within the first two months of life. Babies may still have fine, peach-fuzzy hair on the tips of their ears, above their tailbone, or at the base of their neck. This is normal and should not cause concern.

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Babies are usually born hairless. But there may be conditions when your child is born with hair on their ear. What might that mean? What Could It Mean?Lanugo is a delicate, fine coating of hair that grows on a baby's skin while in the womb. This hair acts as a protective covering, regulating body temperature and keeping the newborn warm until they gain more body fat. Lanugo usually starts to grow in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy and can cover the entire body, including the face, shoulders, and back. Lanugo typically sheds naturally before birth, usually around the seventh or eighth month of pregnancy. However, some newborns, particularly those born preterm, remain covered with lanugo at birth.While parents may be surprised to see lanugo, it is natural and typically falls off within a few weeks of delivery as the baby's body matures. Lanugo may last longer in some circumstances, but it finally goes away as the baby grows. This transient hair is a normal aspect of fetal growth, and it serves as a reminder of the baby's transition from the womb to the outside world.What does Lanugo do?Lanugo helps vernix (the waxy, cheese-like substance that coats the fetus) adhere to the skin. Vernix protects the fetus's body from amniotic fluid within the uterus. Without lanugo and vernix, amniotic fluid could cause damage to the fragile skin. Lanugo holds vernix in place, which helps to insulate and protect the skin. Lanugo also keeps the fetus warm and maintains its temperature until it has enough body fat to do so.Lanugo also helps the fetus develop. This happens because the lanugo hair moves, sending vibrations to fetal sensory receptors. These receptors promote fetal development. When lanugo comes out, stimulation ends and fetal growth slows. Experts aren't sure why this happens, but they're still researching it and other lanugo-related hormone impacts.What happens to babies with hair?Most fetuses shed lanugo before birth, and it falls off in the last eight weeks of pregnancy. Once shed from the skin, it mixes with amniotic fluid. However, some neonates have lanugo, particularly those born before 37 weeks gestation (premature). If your baby is born with lanugo hair, it will fall out naturally over time.It is safe for newborns. It is usual for your premature baby to have lanugo hair on their skin. Lanugo at delivery is less prevalent among full-term newborns, but it is still possible. Lanugo should fall off within a few weeks. It disappears within the first two months of life. Babies may still have fine, peach-fuzzy hair on the tips of their ears, above their tailbone, or at the base of their neck. This is normal and should not cause concern.