Baby girls pulling their hair is often a self-soothing behavior, similar to thumb-sucking. It frequently begins as simply twirling hair around their fingers before progressing to actual pulling.
Understanding the Behavior
Many factors contribute to a baby pulling her hair. It's often a way to self-soothe and comfort themselves, especially in moments of stress, boredom, or tiredness. This isn't necessarily a cause for alarm, especially if it's not excessive or causing injury.
Common Reasons for Hair Pulling:
- Self-Comfort: This is the most common reason. It's a repetitive behavior that provides a sense of security and calm. Think of it like a pacifier for the hands and hair.
- Boredom: Young children, especially bright ones, may pull their hair out of boredom when they need stimulation.
- Sensory Stimulation: The texture and movement of the hair might provide satisfying sensory input.
- Teething or Discomfort: Discomfort from teething or other physical ailments can lead to this behavior as a means of distraction or self-soothing.
Differentiating Normal from Concerning Behavior:
While occasional hair pulling is usually harmless, excessive or forceful pulling might warrant attention. Consult your pediatrician if you are concerned.
The provided reference states that hair-pulling in children under two is usually a self-comfort action, often beginning as twirling and later progressing to pulling. It notes a correlation with thumb-sucking and sometimes boredom, adding that children who pull their hair are often bright.
