Pulling Her Own Hair Out

You didn't say how old... But my 16 month old had a cold and an adverse reaction to her shots at 15 mon, including the flu shot, so flu symptoms as well. It lasted about two weeks. She was up screaming for two hours at night before she would finally settle down and sleep. We would be in and out of her room. Then she would wake up all hours of the night for round two. And back up way before her normal time in the morning. Anyhow, during that time I noticed she was pulling out her hair. I would be rocking her in the middle of the night, she was so exhausted and pulling at her hair. The more I tried to block her the more angry she would get, doing it more. If I even moved to put her in bed she screamed. I asked her ped. He said it was completely normal. Basically a self-soothing behavior, even if it looks painful. There is a lot of info about the subject. Some children bang there heads against the crib. I am sure you have heard of children doing this. Same thing. In our case it was extreme tiredness and passed. At least to my knowledge, she is back to sleeping 8-8 and I have not noticed anymore hair pulling, but who knows I am not in there. Look up books or on the internet for "self-soothing" or "self-quieting" skills/techniques and such in toddlers. Shouldn't I have been the one pulling my hair out. Just keep in mind that this too shall pass, she won't be pulling her hair out on her way to college...

Have you tried giving her a toy or two in her crib????

My niece went through this.. only she would eat the hair she pulled out. My sister-in-law was told to distract her as much as possible by throwing a ball with her, but she had 4 other kids to contend with.. She gave her a shorter haircut for a while... and eventually she grew out of it... Maybe if you give her something to keep her hands busy like a lovey, taggy blanket, or some kind of textured fabric.... (something with fringe that might give her the same sensation the hair did? I used to ball up pieces of lint from my crocheted blankets... it's funny what kids do to soothe themselves.) Good luck!

R., I don't think this is normal. It's got to hurt her to pull out her hair; is she eating it, too? Please take her to the doctor right away.

In the meantime, try giving her something else to play with...maybe a baby doll with hair???

Peace,
Syl

It depends on the severity, it may be something she does to calm herself... but if she starts to get bald patches she may have an issue. It is actually called tricotillomania (sp??) & is an actual disorder. It can be caused by nervousness, but it can even be a side effect from certain medication! Look at her meds if she is on any & if it becomes an issue- call a Dr.

If it's breaking off, she may just be twirling it, but if she is pulling it out- then it can be more of an issue. Good luck :)