Head lice are tiny parasitic insects that feed on human blood and live exclusively on the human scalp and hair. A newborn can acquire them, though it is far less common than in older children. Infestation is possible because a newborn has hair, which is all the head louse requires to survive and reproduce. Since head lice do not jump or fly, they require close, sustained contact to move from one person to another. The possibility of an infant becoming infested is almost entirely dependent on their immediate environment and caregivers.
The Reality of Lice Infestation in Newborns
Most head lice infestations (pediculosis capitis) occur in children aged three to eleven. Newborns are less common hosts for lice due to environmental and biological reasons. Infestation usually results from direct head-to-head contact, which is how the louse crawls from one person to the next.
Infants typically do not have the prolonged, close-quarters contact common in preschools and elementary schools. When an infestation does occur in a newborn, the transmission source is almost always an infested older sibling or a caregiver. The louse life cycle requires a human host for survival, laying eggs (nits) firmly attached to the hair shaft.
Lice cannot survive for more than a day or two off of a human head, meaning the risk of transmission from shared objects is low. Items such as hats, blankets, or pillows that have recently been in contact with an infested person may harbor a louse temporarily. Head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene; they are opportunistic pests that can infest any head of hair regardless of its cleanliness.
How to Identify Lice on an Infant’s Scalp
Detecting head lice on an infant requires a careful inspection, often under bright light and with the aid of a magnifying glass. The first step is to learn the difference between a louse, a nit, and common infant scalp conditions like cradle cap. An adult louse is small, about the size of a sesame seed, and typically grayish-tan, crawling quickly to avoid light.
Nits, which are the eggs, are far easier to spot because they are firmly glued to the hair shaft near the scalp. They are tiny, tear-drop shaped specks that may be white, yellow, or brown, depending on whether they have hatched. A key distinction from flakes of dry skin or cradle cap is that nits are extremely difficult to flick or brush away; they must be physically pulled off the hair strand.
Lice and nits are most frequently found in the warmest areas of the scalp, specifically on the nape of the neck and behind the ears. While an older child might complain of an itchy or tickling sensation, an infant cannot verbally communicate these symptoms. Parents should instead look for signs of excessive fussiness, irritability, or unexplained scratching of the head, though these signs can be difficult to interpret in a newborn.
Treatment Options and Reducing Future Risk
The approach to treating a newborn for head lice must prioritize safety due to their sensitive skin and developing system. Mechanical removal, specifically wet combing, is considered the safest and primary method of intervention for infants. This involves thoroughly wetting the hair, applying a generous amount of hair conditioner, and systematically passing a fine-toothed nit comb through the hair from the scalp to the ends.
The process must be repeated every few days for a minimum of two weeks to ensure all newly hatched lice are removed before they can lay more eggs. Chemical treatments, known as pediculicides, carry specific age restrictions and should only be used under the explicit guidance of a pediatrician. For instance, over-the-counter products containing permethrin are often approved for use only in infants aged two months and older.
Prescription treatments, such as ivermectin lotion, have an even stricter minimum age, typically six months or older. Parents should never use these chemical products more frequently or in greater amounts than directed, as this can increase the risk of absorption into the infant’s body. To prevent re-infestation, it is important to check and treat all household members who may have been exposed to the lice. Additionally, clothing, bedding, and towels that have been in contact with the infested person should be washed in hot water and dried on a high heat setting for at least 20 minutes.