Why does my 10-month-old pull their hair?

Hair-pulling in a 10-month-old can have several common causes. The most common is self-soothing — babies sometimes pull hair rhythmically (like before sleep) as a calming ritual. They may also explore out of curiosity: hair's soft texture and the sensation when pulled fascinates them. Teething discomfort can trigger repetitive behaviors like this. Rarely, emotional triggers like boredom or need for attention play a role.

What you can do: Instead of ignoring it, gently redirect — offer a toy, soft blanket, or teething ring to hold. If hair-pulling calms him before sleep, create a consistent, relaxing bedtime routine (stroking, soft light, same time) to help. Never punish; redirect and engage instead. If your baby is pulling hard enough to hurt, has bald patches from the pulling, persists for weeks, or won't make eye contact or respond to others, talk with your pediatrician.