Without the lanugo to anchor the vernix caseosa, these functions would be compromised. Some newborns have a fine, downy body hair called lanugo. As a result, lanugo contributes to the new-born baby's meconium. The presence of lanugo on new-borns is not necessarily a sign of premature birth. Some authors have claimed that fetal whales also have lanugo. For example, seals and elephants are often born with a covering of lanugo. Lanugo is also common on other animals. Lanugo hair is a much thicker type of hair that normally grows only on fetuses. Lanugo can be observed in malnourished patients, including those with eating disorders. Lanugo functions as an anchor to hold the vernix caseosa on the skin.