When Do Babies Get Eyebrows? What to Expect and How to Care for Them
As a new mom (or a soon-to-be-mom!), you may have noticed that your little one didn’t have eyebrows when they were born. And maybe they still don’t have eyebrows! And then you might be wondering: “Do babies have eyebrows?!” Don’t worry – this is totally normal!
Most newborns don’t develop visible eyebrows until they are several weeks old. Let’s take a closer look at when babies start to grow their eyebrows and what you can do in the meantime.
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When do babies start to grow eyebrows?
Like eyelashes, babies actually start to develop eyebrows in the womb. Eyebrows begin to grow in utero at around 22 weeks after hair follicles have fully developed.
Before eyelashes and eyebrows develop, your baby is covered in a fine layer of its first hair. This is called lanugo and looks like peach fuzz. Lanugo protects the baby’s delicate skin against the amniotic fluid in the womb and also keeps baby warm.
Eyebrows at birth and first few months
When babies are born, the lanugo hair usually falls out. But your baby’s eyebrows may appear very sparse and almost invisible. It can be hard to tell whether there are any eyebrows at all!
But don’t worry! As your baby develops, it will become better at regulating melanin production. Thus, around 2-3 months of age, eyebrows become more pigmented and visible.
Whew! Now you can breathe a sigh of relief. 😉
Factors that determine the visibility of eyebrows
The visibility of eyebrows at birth is determined by many factors. This includes genetics, ethnicity, prematurity, hair color, and other factors. While some babies may have full eyebrows at birth, others may take longer to develop.
For example, a baby with black or brown hair may have more visible eyebrows than a baby with blonde or red hair.
Remember that each baby is unique and will develop at their own pace. It may take a few weeks, months, or even up to a year for eyebrows to become distinct enough to be noticeable.
Be patient and trust that your little one’s eyebrows will eventually become more distinct in due time!
Should I be worried if my baby has no eyebrows?
If your baby’s eyebrows have not yet developed, it is most likely normal and nothing to worry about. But, if you are concerned, it is always a good idea to speak with your doctor or pediatrician. They can check your baby’s development and provide reassurance.
Can I speed up my baby’s eyebrow hair growth?
When it comes to eyebrow hair growth in babies, it can be frustratingly slow! I totally get it! While a baby’s eyebrow growth is usually left to time and genetics, there may be some things you can do to help speed up the growing process.
Please note that these methods are anecdotal experiences from old wives’ tales. They are not scientifically proven methods.
Breast Milk
Besides being a nutritious meal for your baby, breast milk is also packed with benefits for both skin and hair. Some parents make breast milk soap out of their leftover milk! By keeping your baby’s skin healthy and hydrated, you can help those eyebrows grow faster.
Apply a few drops on your baby’s forehead and eyebrow region each day should be enough.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular home remedy for eyebrow hair growth. Not only is coconut oil an amazing moisturizer, but it’s also gentle enough to use on a baby’s skin. The medium-chain fatty acids present in coconut oil have anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. This keeps your baby’s skin healthy.
Simply apply a thin layer of unrefined coconut oil to your baby’s eyebrow area. Let the oil absorb into their skin without wiping off any leftover residue.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is another natural remedy that is said to help baby’s eyebrows grow faster. While there is little scientific data to support the claim that aloe vera can help with hair growth, many people believe that it does.
Aloe vera contains vitamins A, B12, C, and E, which can help strengthen hair strands and promote healthy hair follicles.
Gently apply a layer of raw aloe vera or aloe vera gel to your baby’s eyebrows. Allow the gel to sit for 30 minutes before wiping with water or use light, unscented baby wipes.Be sure to use an organic aloe product that doesn’t contain any extra ingredients like artificial fragrances. These extra ingredients can be harsh on delicate skin.
Can I use commercial products on my baby’s eyebrows?
One of the most common questions asked by parents of babies is whether they can use commercial products to help their eyebrows grow faster. Unfortunately, the answer is no.
While there are some topical growth treatments on the market, they are not designed for use on young children. In fact, they could potentially do more harm than good if applied to a baby’s delicate skin. This could lead to unexpected adverse effects and sensitivities.
Instead of relying on commercial products, you should work with your pediatrician. Follow their advice on how best to speed up eyebrow and other baby hair growth.
Please be aware that even when babies don’t seem to be growing much hair in visible areas, such as the scalp or eyebrows, the follicles are actively growing. They are just waiting for their moment to shine! Be patient and watch as those baby hairs start popping out!
Babies and Eyebrow Growth
It can be hard to wait for those cute little eyebrows to appear on your baby’s face! But as you have read, this is perfectly normal and part of the development process. It may take weeks, months, or even a year for those eyebrows to become distinct enough to be noticeable. In the meantime, enjoy bonding with your little one, cuddling, and getting to know each other.
At what age did your babies start to have visible eyebrows? Pop a comment below!
