What can i do about my daughter that pulls her hair when she gets upset or she beomes irritable. I've recently noticed small patches of hair in her crib. This issue is now raising concern and I'm desperate for help.I hear many stories about how It's just a phase,but my most concern is that she'll have bald spots before this phase passes. I try to offer her a variety of pacifiers,she has never taken to any of them, only to play with. I blame myself and I become extremely emotional when I think about how I was during my pregnancy,being tempermental and sometimes argumentative. I also know that this negetive energy may have been passed on to her. I was 38 when I found out I was pregnant and at this age i found myself on an emotional rollercoaster. As mothers we all want our children to be okay. THANX to all moms for the information
Hi T.,
If I were in your shoes, I would probably call my pediatrician and discuss it with him/her. I don't know that trichotillomania can start that young, but you may want to look into it. Good luck to you and your little O..
I would make an appointment to see the pediatrician to discuss it and get to the root of the problem and frustration she is having. I would document how often this is happening so you can take it with you to the appointment. She could be in some discomfort that she can't communicate to you yet. If she has a binkie or something that comforts her, by all means, let her have it when she gets like this.
I wish you luck!
I had a similar experience. When my son was small, less than a year old, he would pull and eat my hair. I cut my long hair very short and thought that was the end of it. Right before he brgan school, age 2, he began pulling his own hair and forming big holes. I punished, rewarded, put hats, and even mittens on his hands. Nothing worked. I asked numerous doctors. Finally, I was told that stress can trigger it, but that often it developes into a habit. You must redirect the fidgetness habit. we had him wear rubber braclets to play with...like the ones for breast cancer and other causes. At took abot 2 years, but he slowly stopped. He is now 7 and does not use the bracelets, but he will still put his hands in his hair and catch himself before any pulling begins. you need to find an age appropiate alternative and be very, very consistent. Good luck, this is a very hard habit to break and one that many other parents do not understand.
Hi T..
I agree with Denise that I do not believe that trichotillomania (an anxiety related/compulsive behavior disorder) starts in infancy. I have heard of babies pulling their own hair out, but like you, I'd be concerned if my little one was doing it, and I'd definitely consult a pediatrician for their opinion.
Just as a practical solution, have you considered mittens or socks on her hands while she sleeps, just to keep her from doing it while she's in her crib? I know this is just a band-aid on the issue, but if it is just a phase and not something more serious, then maybe a simple solution like this can help to at least prevent her getting any bald spots...
Best wishes to you. Let us know what the pediatrician says.
I agree with he other ladies, I have heard of this happening, to me it sounds like this child has a problem with anxiety.
Hi T.,
I hate to say this to you, but is there any chance that she could have been abused (sexually, typically)?? I'm a special education teacher and have known of children (12-14 years old) who have pulled their own hair out as a way to cope with being sexually abused. Hopefully this is not the case for your daughter, but I thought it best to be aware of all possibilities! I wish you much luck and will pray that the ugly situation I have mentioned is not the issue for your daughter. Take care.
