It’s often misdiagnosed as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and inappropriately treated (5). Unfortunately, although this disorder is pretty common, there’s still very little information about it.

Exhibit an urge (that they might try to resist) right before they begin pulling.ĭoctors are still unsure about this, although some studies suggest that lack of parent-infant interaction, low pain threshold, or parental aggression could be some of the triggers (4).

This could also include eyelashes or brows.

Pull their hair repeatedly in one place over a period of time, where a bald spot might appear.

Your toddler might do any of the following: Still, there are some ways you can detect it. However, mental and emotional signs can be tricky to spot in toddlers since many do it unintentionally. Usually, baby trich sufferers show both emotional and physical symptoms.

Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP Symptoms of Baby Trich They might not even remember it later in life.Įditor's Note: Dr. While adults suffering from this disorder usually do it intentionally, young children often don’t realize what they’re doing. When this condition occurs in children under the age of 4, doctors refer to it as “baby trich.” Fortunately, when this disorder affects younger toddlers, it usually resolves quickly. This disorder generally has an onset between the ages of nine and 13 but can occur in children as young as 18 months old. Depending on the severity, it typically results in bald patches (2). Trichotillomania (TTM) is a disorder in which people feel an urge to pull out hair from their bodies. You may see that hair pulling generally occurs in sedentary moments such as during breastfeeding or bottle feeding or when your little one is feeling tired or upset.īabies doing this will likely grow out of the habit as they age. Other babies find it soothing to twist their mom’s hair in their fingers. Some babies fall asleep easily when they stroke their head or rub their nose this could be the same. Sometimes babies and toddlers use hair pulling as a self-soothing mechanism.

Give them a toy they love, or move their hand to another area.Īn interesting case study demonstrated this curiosity and that babies’ interest in hair decreased with gentle distraction techniques (1). If you see that the hair pulling is hurting them, try to redirect their attention. But if you feel worried, you can observe their behavior for a week or two and then mention it to your pediatrician.

Just because your baby is pulling their hair doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. They love to explore and see what happens when they try new things. The world is new and exciting for them, and even hair pulling is an educational experience. Hair pulling is generally something babies do simply because they can. When it comes to your toddler or baby pulling out their own hair, there are a few causes. Why Is My Baby/Toddler Pulling Their Own Hair?Īs a veteran mom, I’ve seen my fair share of strange behavior - my little ones pulling at things, smelling odd things, tasting gross things - the list goes on. Help! My Toddler Is Pulling Other People’s Hair.Why Is My Baby/Toddler Pulling Their Own Hair?.

Pica syndrome toddler