18 Month Old Toddler Pulling Out Hair When Frustrated

My friend's daughter did that. She started around 20 months and just stopped at 29 months (she was really nuts about it as she would pull out a chunk of hair, look at how much she pulled out and then often do it again). She is a VERY strong willed child and their doctor told them to calmly tell her that she needs to be nice to herself but not try to physically stop her as then it could be done just to get attention or become a control issue. Like with all kids they go thru phases (my son hit himself in the head for about 3 months - silly kids!!) and it will pass. Take a deep breath and know that you are a great mom and everything will be fine. I often have to tell myself - this too shall pass!

Being 18 months old is so hard, for both mom and kiddo! I have heard alot of toddlers doing this type of behavior. It is probably unrelated, but there is an anxiety disorder that entails pulling out hair on head, eye lashes. Tricho-something or other is the name. Google it. You may want to contact your pediatrician. Youths and adults can seek Cognitive Behavior Therapy, which changes this behavior, but they may have a different methodology for infants. Best of luck!

I guess I don't understand the co2 thing either? I was an RT and it doesn't make sense to me. Something must have been lost in translation I guess.
Anyway, my 15mo hits herself in the head when she gets angry. She just started doing it this past wk and it made me so upset. She does not do it for attention, she does it whether she knows I'm looking or not. Anyway, I have heard it is just an odd phase.Hopefully your little one will be done with it soon!

You are doing the right thing. Does she breath through her mouth? If so, help her to close her mouth and breathe through her nose. That will distract a bit from the hair. Remind her to close her mouth check her mouth at night. she can calm herself better if she has enough carbon dioxide in her cells, mouth breathing loses the C02. Shes a little young so distractions are best.M. buteyko breathing practitioner and oral facial myologist.

just thought I'd tell you that my 18 month old does the same thing... she gets really angry and starts pushing things and knocking them over in addition to sometimes pulling on her hair. She is usually a good baby/toddler who gives hugs and kisses too so I'm hoping this phase will pass soon!

BTW that CO2 bit the other mom was talking about makes no sense at all. You need oxygen! Closing her mouth might surpise her because she'll have to concentrate to breath but I doubt that would make anything better.

She is probably doing it because it gets results--attention from you! You can come up with an alternative physical expression of her frustration, like squeezing her hands together or teach her some sign language or if she speaks now, teach her to say "I'm frustrated!" She needs some outlet to express herself, and also a way to get your attention.