Baby Scratching Own Face
The short answer
Newborns commonly scratch their own faces because their movements are uncoordinated and their nails are sharp. This is normal and not a sign of distress. Regular nail trimming is the best prevention. Mittens can be used temporarily but should not be used long-term as babies need to explore with their hands.
Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.
By Age
What to expect by age
Newborns frequently scratch their faces because their arm movements are jerky and uncoordinated. This is completely normal. The scratches look alarming but heal very quickly due to the excellent blood supply to facial skin. Regular nail trimming (every few days) is the most effective prevention. Baby mittens can be used for short periods, especially during sleep, but avoid using them all the time as babies need to feel and explore with their hands for sensory development. Swaddling also prevents face scratching during sleep.
As hand control improves, scratching may become more purposeful. Some babies scratch at their ears or face when tired, overstimulated, or if skin is itchy (possible eczema). Keep nails trimmed and consider if the scratching might indicate itchy skin.
Scratching becomes less accidental and more purposeful. If baby is scratching at specific areas repeatedly, evaluate for eczema or other skin conditions causing itch.
Scratching from uncoordinated movements should no longer be an issue. Persistent scratching may indicate itchy skin conditions, ear infections (scratching at ears), or habits.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Superficial scratches on the face from uncoordinated movements
- Scratches that heal within 1-2 days
- Improvement as baby gains hand control
- No signs of skin irritation or infection at scratch sites
- Baby scratches frequently at specific areas (ears, scalp) suggesting itch or discomfort
- Scratches are deep or seem to be in the same spot repeatedly
- Skin around scratches appears red, inflamed, or eczema-like
- Scratch marks that become infected: spreading redness, swelling, pus, or fever
- Deep scratches near the eyes
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Physical Concerns
Cutting Newborn Nails Safely
Newborn nails are soft but surprisingly sharp and grow quickly. You can start trimming them within the first few weeks. Use baby nail clippers, baby scissors with rounded tips, or a gentle nail file. Many parents find it easiest to trim nails while the baby is sleeping. Accidentally nicking the skin is common and heals quickly.
Early Eczema Signs in Newborns
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) can appear in babies as early as 2-3 months of age, presenting as dry, red, rough, and sometimes itchy patches, most commonly on the cheeks, scalp, and outer surfaces of the arms and legs. It affects about 10-20% of children and is manageable with regular moisturizing and, when needed, medicated creams prescribed by your pediatrician.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Only Army Crawls
Army crawling (also called commando crawling) is a completely valid and normal way for babies to move. Many babies army crawl for weeks or even months before transitioning to hands-and-knees crawling, and some skip hands-and-knees crawling entirely. What matters is that your baby is independently mobile and exploring their environment.
One Side of My Baby's Body Moves Differently
Babies should generally use both sides of their body equally. If one side consistently moves differently, is weaker, stiffer, or less coordinated, this warrants evaluation. Asymmetric movement can indicate hemiplegia (cerebral palsy affecting one side), brachial plexus injury, or other neurological conditions that benefit from early therapy.
My Baby Crawls Unevenly
While some variation in crawling patterns is normal, consistently favoring one side or dragging one limb while crawling warrants attention. Babies should use both arms and both legs relatively equally when crawling. Persistent asymmetry could indicate muscle tone differences, hip issues, or neurological concerns that benefit from early evaluation.