Comments on: Hair Pulling

By: Amber

Amber — Tue, 26 Dec 2006 21:14:51 +0000

My 14mo old son is so in need of my hair. When it is nap time, bottle time or tired he has to play with my hair. We also co-sleep and in the middle of the night he pulls and tugs at it. It is getting to be too much and I want him to find another form of security or comfort. Any suggestions?

By: Terry

Terry — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 15:46:56 +0000

AH! Your kid is a FREAK! OK, just kidding! I’ve actually heard from a whole lot of mommies who are just about pulling out their own hair because they’re so stressed out that their little darling is engaging in what looks like self mutilation. But it’s, indeed, not an abnormal coping mechanism/comfort exercise–which is good to know. But in the meantime, what do you do?

I cut my child’s hair. Drastically. She got a very cute haircut, close to the scalp. Since then, she’s had to find other ways to self soothe. She uses my hair when I’m in range. She isn’t crazy about the Lovey doll, like I thought she would be, but she does play with her hair when she needs to. Otherwise, we hope she’s just found different outlets. Regardless, she’s not pulling out her hair. And if she returns to the behavior, I’ll cut it short again and just be as nurturing and supportive as I am now.

Yes, everyone mistakes her for a boy. I just don’t let it bother me. She’s gorgeous. And just a little neurotic, but, hey, it’s amusing most of the time!

By: Renee

Renee — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:47:27 +0000

My son does the same thing and it is a comforting behavior for him too. He is 20 months old and has been doing it since he was born almost. He has a small bald spot on his head now from doing it so much. We tell him not to do it too, but he even does it in his sleep. If I find any good solutions I will write back. Its good to know Im not alone.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 20:22:58 +0000

Eeeek! Lovey Babies are scary!! “Use your own hair…mwaaa haaa haaa haaa…” But, uh, I hope it works for ya.

No, really. I didn’t realize she was pulling her hair out. I’m sure she’ll grow out of it, but I guess it sucks in the mean time…um, no pun was intended there, honestly.

By: Terry L. Holt

Terry L. Holt — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 16:23:16 +0000

We just bought a lovey baby, and it’s to arrive in the next week or so: http://www.loveybabies.com/

We’re hoping it works. The haircut is scheduled for after the doll’s arrival, as cutting it prior would be, we think, a bit traumatizing, as she uses her hair when I’m not around for comfort. This is not unusual behavior, from what I’ve read, and it’s found in children who are resistant to change.

As far as the “duh” comment goes, well of COURSE we’ve told her not to pull out her hair. She’s doing it unconsciously. Tabasco sounds a bit too punitive and cruel. We’re hoping having an accessible substitute for my hair will work and will keep her from pulling out her own hair.

Thanks for reading!

By: Dwight

Dwight — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 16:23:07 +0000

I guess tobasco sauce on her hair would be too radical, huh? I wish I had a more practical suggestion.

By: grandmother

grandmother — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 10:03:40 +0000

yes, duh. Cut her hair. A cute little pixie cut would be adorable on her. How about telling her you are the boss and
she is not allowed to pull out her hair.