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Why is my 11-month-old baby pulling their hair?

⚡ Short answer: Hair pulling in 11-month-olds is quite a common behavior.

Anonymous

11 aylık bebek annesi · Health

Why is my 11-month-old baby pulling their hair?

Maiyko AI ADVISOR

The real reply from the in-app AI advisor

Hair pulling in 11-month-olds is quite a common behavior. Usually it's for one of three reasons:

1. Self-soothing — Some babies pull their hair rhythmically as they fall asleep or when bored.

2. Sensory exploration — A way to explore touch sensation. The texture of hair and the feeling when pulled can spark curiosity.

3. Attention-seeking or reaction — Your reaction (surprise, laughter, warning) can reinforce the behavior.

What you can do:

  • Calmly redirect: "We don't pull our hair, let's hold this toy instead."
  • If hair-pulling happens at bedtime, offer a soft toy or cloth for them to squeeze instead.
  • Often, ignoring the behavior and redirecting attention to another activity is most effective.

Consult your pediatrician only if: Hair pulling is so intense that they're creating bald patches, or if other repetitive behaviors (rocking, head-banging) accompany it. This behavior typically decreases by 18-24 months on its own.

⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.

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