Babies hold their hair for a couple of reasons, potentially driven by either seeking comfort or simple curiosity.
Here's a breakdown of the possible explanations:
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Seeking Comfort and Pleasure: Some babies find that pulling or holding their hair releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. They may then repeat the behavior to experience that positive feeling again. This becomes a self-soothing mechanism.
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Exploring Cause and Effect: Babies are naturally curious and eager to learn about the world around them. Holding or pulling their hair can be a way for them to explore cause and effect—they pull their hair and observe the resulting sensation or reaction. This exploration is a crucial part of their development.
In summary, babies holding their hair is usually harmless and stems from a desire for self-soothing or an exploration of their senses and the world around them.
