My Baby Pulls Their Own Hair
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, Zero to Three, AACAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed pulls their own hair, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Hair pulling in babies and toddlers is usually a self-soothing behavior, similar to thumb-sucking or using a pacifier. Most children pull their hair when tired, nursing, or falling asleep, and it is rarely a sign of a problem. The behavior typically peaks between ages 1-2 and fades as children develop other coping strategies.
Key takeaways
- Hair pulling in babies and toddlers is usually a self-soothing behavior, similar to thumb-sucking or using a pacifier. Most children pull their hair when tired, nursing, or falling asleep, and it is rarely a sign of a problem. The behavior typically peaks between ages 1-2 and fades as children develop other coping strategies.
- Usually normal when: Your baby pulls or twirls their hair in specific contexts - when tired, nursing, or self-soothing
- Call your doctor if: Your child is pulling hair so hard that they are hurting themselves (crying, bleeding, or creating sores on the scalp)
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, Zero to Three, AACAP guidelines, hair pulling in babies and toddlers is usually a self-soothing behavior, similar to thumb-sucking or using a pacifier. Most children pull their hair when tired, nursing, or falling asleep, and it is rarely a sign of a problem. The behavior typically peaks between ages 1-2 and fades as children develop other coping strategies. At 6-12 months, babies often discover their hair around this age and may pull or twirl it as a form of sensory exploration or self-soothing. Hair pulling commonly happens during feeding (especially breastfeeding), when falling asleep, or when your baby is tired or overstimulated. Most babies are gentle, but some pull hard enough to remove strands or create small bald patches. It is generally considered normal when your baby pulls or twirls their hair in specific contexts - when tired, nursing, or self-soothing. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is pulling hair so hard that they are hurting themselves (crying, bleeding, or creating sores on the scalp).
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
Babies often discover their hair around this age and may pull or twirl it as a form of sensory exploration or self-soothing. Hair pulling commonly happens during feeding (especially breastfeeding), when falling asleep, or when your baby is tired or overstimulated. Most babies are gentle, but some pull hard enough to remove strands or create small bald patches.
12-24 months
Hair pulling often intensifies during this period as your toddler relies on it more deliberately for comfort. You might notice consistent patterns - pulling only at bedtime, only when holding a lovey, or only on one side of the head. The behavior is almost always self-soothing rather than self-harming. Creating noticeable bald spots is not uncommon and the hair will regrow once the behavior stops.
2-3 years
Many children continue to pull or twirl their hair as a comfort habit, especially during transitions, stress, or when tired. As language and emotional regulation improve, the behavior often decreases. If your child is pulling hair very frequently, creating multiple bald spots, or seems to be doing it in response to anxiety, gently redirecting to another soothing behavior (like a soft blanket or stuffed animal) can help.
3+ years
Most children naturally outgrow hair pulling by preschool age. If the behavior persists past age 3-4, becomes more intense, or your child seems unable to stop even when they want to, it may be worth discussing with your pediatrician. True trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling disorder) is rare before school age but can develop in older children.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed pulls their own hair and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child has multiple or large bald patches from pulling, or the hair loss is significant.
- Mention if hair pulling seems to be triggered by anxiety, frustration, or stress rather than just sleepiness or comfort.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby pulls or twirls their hair in specific contexts - when tired, nursing, or self-soothing
- The behavior is gentle or moderate; your child is not pulling so hard that they cry out in pain
- Your child has one or two small bald patches but seems unbothered by them
- Hair pulling is part of a bedtime or feeding routine and appears to be comforting
- The behavior comes and goes in phases rather than being constant all day
- Your child has multiple or large bald patches from pulling, or the hair loss is significant
- Hair pulling seems to be triggered by anxiety, frustration, or stress rather than just sleepiness or comfort
- The behavior is persisting or intensifying past age 3-4
- Your child seems distressed by the behavior but cannot stop, or the pulling appears compulsive
- Your child is pulling hair so hard that they are hurting themselves (crying, bleeding, or creating sores on the scalp)
- Hair pulling is accompanied by other self-harming behaviors like head banging, biting, or scratching
- You notice a sudden and dramatic increase in hair pulling that coincides with other behavioral changes or developmental regression
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice pulls their own hair — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby pulls or twirls their hair in specific contexts - when tired, nursing, or self-soothing — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child is pulling hair so hard that they are hurting themselves (crying, bleeding, or creating sores on the scalp).
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is pulls their own hair normal?
When should I call the doctor about pulls their own hair?
When is pulls their own hair normal?
What causes pulls their own hair?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about pulls their own hair?
Is pulls their own hair normal at 6-12 months?
Is pulls their own hair normal at 12-24 months?
Should I go to the ER for pulls their own hair?
Does pulls their own hair go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Self-Soothing Behaviors in Young Children. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Zero to Three. Helping Young Children Manage Big Feelings. Zero to Three
- [3]American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Hair Pulling Disorder (Trichotillomania). Facts for Families. AACAP
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Pulls Their Own Hair.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed pulls their own hair and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your child has multiple or large bald patches from pulling, or the hair loss is significant.
- Mention if hair pulling seems to be triggered by anxiety, frustration, or stress rather than just sleepiness or comfort.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your child has multiple or large bald patches from pulling, or the hair loss is significant
- Hair pulling seems to be triggered by anxiety, frustration, or stress rather than just sleepiness or comfort
- The behavior is persisting or intensifying past age 3-4
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is pulling hair so hard that they are hurting themselves (crying, bleeding, or creating sores on the scalp)
- Hair pulling is accompanied by other self-harming behaviors like head banging, biting, or scratching
- You notice a sudden and dramatic increase in hair pulling that coincides with other behavioral changes or developmental regression
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of pulls their own hair are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is pulling hair so hard that they are hurting themselves (crying, bleeding, or creating sores on the scalp).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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