Weird Things Normal Newborns Do: Lanugo

Weird Things Normal Newborns Do is a series that explores unusual but normal things you may see in your newborn. New parents often search for answers to questions like, "Is this normal?" or "Should I worry?" This series aims to ease your concerns and help you feel more confident so you can focus on bonding with your baby during those precious early weeks. At Lighthouse Pediatrics in Issaquah, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you understand that "weird" doesn’t mean "worrisome."

You may notice that your newborn has noticeable body hair after they are born. This can come as a surprise if you weren’t expecting it. This hair, called lanugo, is entirely normal and more common than most new parents realize.

Lanugo develops during the second trimester and typically sheds before birth. However, if your baby is born with this fine body hair, rest assured it’s nothing to worry about. It can appear anywhere on the body—on the back, shoulders, arms, or even the ears. Some parents even search online for terms like "why does my newborn have hair on their back?" or "newborn body hair normal" when they first see it.

What is lanugo’s purpose? Lanugo plays an important role during pregnancy. It helps anchor the protective vernix caseosa (the creamy white coating you may have noticed on your baby’s skin at birth). The vernix shields your baby’s delicate skin from the amniotic fluid, regulates temperature, and even helps during delivery.

Lanugo is more common in preterm babies, but it’s also seen in full-term newborns. The good news? It usually sheds within a few weeks after birth without any special care. If it lingers, it will disappear naturally as your baby’s skin matures.

At Lighthouse Pediatrics, we understand how overwhelming the first weeks of newborn care can feel. Questions like "is this normal?" or "should I call the pediatrician?" can fill your mind. That’s why we’re here to support you with clear answers, compassionate care, and same-day appointments if needed. Whether you’re searching for "Issaquah pediatrician for newborns" or just need advice about "weird things newborns do," our team is here to guide you every step of the way.