My 13 month old daughter was born with a full head of curly hair and until recently never lost any of it. However, I started noticing she was losing a little hair about 3-4 weeks ago and then last week it seemed more severe. It happened around the same time I quit breast feeding her. Is this normal hair loss or could something hormonal be causing the hair loss (because I stopped nursing her)? Has this happened to your child?
Thanks to everyone who responded to my dilemma, especially Eureca C. Since we both have children of mixed heritage, I was very relieved to hear that your daughter experienced the same hair loss at one year of age and had beautiful, long curly hair grow in afterward. I will check with the doctor, stop worrying and look forward to her new hair! Thanks Mamasource - what a great resource!
This happened to my daughter too at around 12 months. Actually, I think it was happening shortly before that but at 12 months, it was the most obvious. My daughter has never had any illnesses or problems and I remember reading that it was normal.
My daughter's hair texture also changed and it became curlier.
It may be low iron. Your daughter should be getting an iron test around 9 months or so ask your doctor if they can do it earlier.
I hope this helps.
C.
hmm....my DD self-weaned at a little over 2 years, but I didn't notice any changes in her hair...what does your ped say?
My mother tells anyone who will listen that I had a lot of beautiful brown hair until about 1 year old. Then all my hair fell out and it came back in later, thinner and blonde. I was a perfectly healthy child, so I would say unless agitation, pain, or unusual behavior comes with the hair loss that everything is fine.
I've never heard that a baby produces hormones that are related to breast-feeding so I wouldn't consider that a concern. If you still feel concerned, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. It may seem like you are being silly, but there is no such thing as a silly question when it comes to the health of your baby.
