The arrival of a newborn is a magical moment filled with wonders and curiosities, and one of the most intriguing peculiarities is lanugo in babies.

This soft hair that covers the skin of newborns has puzzled many parents for generations. In today’s blog, we’ll tell you exactly what it is and what its function is in the development of newborns.

What is lanugo?

Lanugo is a special type of fine, soft hair that covers the fetus’s skin during its development in the mother’s womb. This delicate, almost transparent hair begins to appear around the 20th week of gestation and extends throughout the fetus’s body.

The presence of lanugo in newborns is closely linked to their fetal development. Acting as an insulating layer, lanugo helps maintain the fetus’s temperature in the womb and protects the fetal skin from amniotic fluid.

Function of lanugo in the newborn’s development.

Although lanugo is more common during the fetal stage, its role in the newborn’s development is notable. The disappearance of lanugo varies among babies: some lose it completely before birth, while in others, it may persist during the first weeks of life, contributing to thermal regulation and protecting the baby’s delicate skin.

From thermal regulation to skin protection, lanugo presents itself as a temporary ally, reminding us of the astonishing adaptability of the human body in the early stages of life. Although its presence may be ephemeral, its influence on the well-being of the newborn is undeniable.