Can Babies Rub Their Hair Off?
Yes, babies can rub a patch of hair off, most commonly on the back of their head. This typically happens between 3 and 6 months of age due to friction from their head rubbing against firm surfaces like crib mattresses, playpens, activity mats, and infant seats. The constant rubbing causes the hair to break and fall out.
This type of hair loss is not a medical condition. It's a result of physical friction. The hair isn't actually pulled out, but rather worn away from repeated contact with a hard surface.
- Age Range: This usually occurs in babies aged 3 to 6 months old.
- Location: The hair loss is most commonly seen on the back of the head.
- Cause: Friction from the baby's head rubbing against surfaces during sleep or playtime.
- Prevention: Using softer bedding or padding around the baby's head while they are in seats, and potentially changing their sleeping position to minimize friction can help reduce or prevent this type of hair loss.
As babies gain more mobility, they often change their sleeping positions, thus reducing the friction on the back of the head. By the time they can roll over independently (around 5 months), the hair loss often resolves itself.
References:
- Multiple sources confirm that babies can rub off a patch of hair, primarily on the back of their heads due to friction against surfaces. The sources include various websites such as BabyCenter, Seattle Children's, Healthline, and others covering baby health and development. These sources note the common age range (3-6 months) and the underlying cause (friction). One Reddit post mentions babies stopping this habit around 5 months, coinciding with increased mobility and changes in sleep positions.
