Hair

Some babies are born with a full head of hair, which is usually brown. This begins to fall out after several weeks, and is gradually replaced by permanent hair which is not necessarily the same colour. Fine, dark body hair (lanugo) is often present on the body for the first month, especially in premature babies.

Head

For several days after birth the baby’s head may have a strange shape because it has been moulded by pressure during the baby’s passage down the birth canal. This soon returns to normal and is no cause for concern. Some swelling of the scalp may also be present (caput), which soon disappears. The diamond-shaped soft spor, or fontanelle on the crown of the head is clearly felt. This is the point where the skull bones will join together when the baby is around 18 months old and the growth of the brain is completed. Pulsations may be visible with each heart beat over this area. A smaller fontanelle is present towards the back of the head, which may be more difficult to feel. Bruising may be present over the face or head, especially after a forceps delivery. This heals gradually and will soon disappear.

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