When Do Babies Stop Scratching Their Face?

But one question that plagues parents is whether or not their child is scratching too much. If you have ever had a baby, you know that they go through a phase where they put their hands in their mouth and then start scratching their face. It’s a phase that all babies go through, and it can be frustrating for parents. But when do babies stop scratching their faces? According to Baby Center, babies usually stop scratching around six months old, when they start teething and develop a new oral fixation. Until then, parents should take steps to protect their children’s faces.

After birth, newborn babies are prone to scratching their faces, which may be frightening for parents. Make sure that their nails are trimmed short. You can also try putting socks on their hands or using mittens. If you are concerned about your baby’s scratching, you should talk to your pediatrician. If you’re a new parent dealing with this, you might wonder when your child will stop scratching their face. Continue reading to learn more about why your kid is scratching their face and how you can help.

Reasons why Babies Scratch Their Faces

Scratching their face is one of the most common causes of injury for babies, and it can be highly frustrating for parents trying to comfort a crying baby. Although babies usually develop the habit around five months old, it can start anytime between three and seven months. Even though this behaviour is natural, you should never overlook scratches as they can result in more severe problems, such as infections or scratches on your baby’s eyes. There are many reasons why babies scratch their faces. Some reasons are discussed below:

Exploring Face

Exploration is the most common reason for babies scratching their faces. Babies are curious about their surroundings and bodies at this age. The world around them piques their curiosity. They often use their hands and fingers for exploration.

A recent study reveals that babies scratch their faces to explore them. According to the Developmental Science journal, this finding was recently published. This is why you might see your baby sticking their fingers in their mouth or scratching their face frequently.

Moro Reflex

The Moro reflex is a natural reflex that babies are born with. It’s also called the startle reflex because it causes babies to jerk their arms and legs out when they feel like falling. The Moro reflex usually goes away when a baby is 4 to 6 months old, but some babies have it for longer. The reflex can sometimes be strong enough to cause a baby to scratch its face.

Sharp nails

One of the reasons babies scratch their faces is because they have sharp nails. However, their nails start to harden and become sharper as they grow older. It can be harrowing for a baby when they accidentally scratch themselves. As a consequence, they may become infected. To avoid this, you should trim your baby’s nails regularly.

Dry Skin

An infant’s skin is susceptible to becoming dry and itchy during the first few months. It is especially true as the winter air becomes colder and drier. This scratching can result in redness and puffy areas on the skin, which are more susceptible to bacterial infection.

Eczema                                                                             

Inflammation, itching, and redness are common symptoms of eczema. Although it is not harmful, it can be uncomfortable for your baby. If your baby has eczema, it may also be more likely to scratch its face frequently. Discussing with your doctor is the best way to treat eczema in babies.

Upset Babies

Babies are an excellent addition to any family. Sometimes, however, a baby becomes upset and starts scratching their face. Even though this is typical baby behavior, it can be embarrassing for parents who witness their child in a state of turmoil.

Allergic Reaction

Babies could scratch their faces because of an allergic reaction to something they recently came into contact with, like new food, a pet, severe eczema, or a chemical. If your baby has a rash or hives, you should take them to a doctor to rule out other possibilities.

Itching and Irritation

Itching can also be a reason why your baby scratches their face. Babies have sensitive skin, which can become even more irritated during teething. If your baby’s scratching is due to itchiness, you can give them a soothing lotion on their skin. Dry skin can also cause itchiness, so keep your baby’s skin moisturized.

When Do Babies Stop Scratching Their Face- How To Prevent It

When do babies stop scratching their faces? It’s a common question pediatricians get asked. Your baby’s face may be scratched for various reasons. If your child continually scratches their face, you should determine the root cause and try out one of these possible solutions. We have listed a few ways to stop babies from scratching their faces below:

Moisturize Their Skin Regularly

Moisturizing a baby’s skin is essential because it protects their delicate body from dryness and other skin conditions. The most common issue babies face is scratching, which can be prevented by applying moisturizer to keep the skin moist.

Trim Nails

Mothers should trim their babies’ nails regularly while they sleep to avoid scratches. Although babies are lovely, if you have a newborn at home, you will be aware that they can also be very fidgety and playful! They relish movement, which can be painful when they scratch themselves or other people with their nails.

Covering Hands

Covering their hands is one of the best ways to stop babies from scratching their faces. It’s a quick, easy solution that can be done with two or three hand bands or socks. Look for socks or  winter gloves in your baby’s favorite colors or patterns

 Treat Skin Condition

Skin conditions like baby eczema, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis can lead to severe irritations, which may make the baby scratch their skin. Preventive measures must be implemented before infection or bleeding worsens.

Make Sure Your Baby Isn’t Uncomfortable

Babies are always more content when they are comfortable, and parents naturally want to keep them in that condition. You must ensure that your baby is not uncomfortable to avoid face scratching and skin rash.

Avoid potential allergens

Identify any potential allergens that may be causing your baby to scratch their face and avoid them if possible. Common allergens include certain fabrics, pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. It may be food that is causing your child’s symptoms, so discuss this with your child’s doctor.

How To Treat Babies Scratches

The following methods can be used to treat baby scratches on the face.

• It’s essential to clean scratches gently as soon as you notice them.
• Lukewarm water and antibacterial soap are enough to clean the area.
• If your baby’s skin is inflamed or has blisters, apply several antibiotic ointments.
• Learn how to trim your baby’s nails and put mittens on them, so they don’t nail scratch their face.

Face scratching is a common habit among babies. They do this because they are in an itching frenzy or trying to explore something new. Babies will even scratch people as well as themselves, especially when they are teething. Being a mother is a natural part of having a baby and worrying about its safety. That’s why you must know how to treat babies’ faces properly, so your child doesn’t get infections.

Final Thoughts

Try one of these methods to cut down on your baby’s time scratching their faces and heads. Which is your favorite? Our advice is to not worry too much about when your baby will stop scratching their face. If it’s bothering you and they are doing it a lot, try taking a break from holding them until they can do it less. Or try putting gloves on their hands to stop them from scratching as much.