Baby Rubs Eye and Face Hard with Hand/blanket When Eating...

my lil guy was born with a ton of hair and while he would nurse he would rub the side of his head....he wore his hair right off :) I shaved his head at 3 months because he started to resemble Donald Trump's comb over :) the good news is, it all grew back :) seriously though all 5 of my babies rubbed or pulled while nursing, it sounds normal to me....sometimes they push on your breast to get more milk out...I think it's just a natural instinct that they transfer to rubbing the face...

This is so funny, I thought my daughter was the only baby that pulled her hair when she was eating. She did it with such force I thought for sure it would all fall out. For whatever reason (as painful as it is for us to watch) I think its just soothing to them. Don't worry too much, they grow out of it.

M.,
Sounds like he may be itchy from allergies, poor guy he can't tell you yet.

Is his skin reddish and dry?

If he is drinking formula with cows milk you may want to experiment with another kind of formula. Like an elimination diet, to see if the behavior changes.

It could also be a form of a tick or just a soothing behavior he has grown to use. My eldest son used to twirl/play with my hair while I fed him his bottle.

Of course check with the doctor they may be able to give better ideas.

Good luck and enjoy your son - they grow up too fast (my Mom was right...)

My son rubs his eyes when tired & sometimes has pulled his hair. NOt to the extent you are saying but maybe its just cause your baby is tired. So maybe try feeding him earlier? When not so tired?

it sounds like it could be a sensory issue. Have you discussed it with your doctor? And the pulling of hair? IS it the same side as he's rubbing. Have you had his ears checked? HE could have discomfort if he is staying to one side all the time.

My dgtr did the same sort of thing! She didn't necessarily do it when drinking that I remember - but when she was tired - she'd grab and yank SO hard on her hair I always thought it had to hurt - but it didn't seem to phase her! As far as a blanket goes - she didn't really latch onto anything for a long time - and would just play with burp clothes or taggie toys but she always rubbed them on her face! She's 3 now and she still sleeps with a blanket in her mouth and she rubs it into her eye, next to her nose, and her neck before settling in! So - it may just be him. If it really gets bad or something else seems to happen also - talk to the doc - but it may just be him figuring out the world!

Baby may be have ear infection. Ask Pediatrician.
If a fever than may be ear infection. If no fever but, still rubbing ears he may have swimmers ear.
Or the baby may be relaxed and just a way of calming.
Make sure nails are cut. Also, If i had this situation going on and if it didn't sit right with me. I always get my kid in to see the pediatrician. My gut is always right.
Good Luck. I hope this helps. :)
Barb G.