Baby Scratching Back of Head? Causes & Solutions for Parents
Every little behavior your baby exhibits can seem mysterious to you as a parent, especially when it involves something unusual, like your baby scratching the back of your head. Is this normal? Is it hasty? Could it be a sign of something more serious?
Take a deep breath; it’s usually nothing to be concerned about. Babies may rub or scratch the back of their head to express their discomfort because they have few other ways to express it. Baby scratching back of head? Discover common reasons and expert tips to help soothe your baby and ease your worries.
Let’s look at some possible reasons why your baby might be scratching their head and provide some soothing methods.
Table of Contents
1. Cradle cap itching on the scalp
Cradle cap, a benign skin disorder that results in scaly patches on the scalp, is one of the most popular causes for a baby scratching the back of their head. These patches may become itchy as they dry out or begin to flake.
What to Look for:
- White or yellow scales or flakes on the baby’s scalp;
- A faint redness around the afflicted areas;
- Regular scratching or rubbing of the baby’s head back
Activities You are able to take: Using a soft brush, gently massage your baby’s scalp while using a mild baby shampoo. Natural oils, such as coconut oil, can also help remove the flakes before a bath.
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2. Dry skin or eczema
Babies’ sensitive skin is prone to drying out, especially in dry indoor environments or during the winter. Severe itching from dry skin or baby eczema often affects the back of the head.
What to Look for:
- Areas that are red, rough, or scaly;
- Clearly visible scratching or signs of discomfort;
- Increased scratching after taking a bath
Things You Can Do: Apply a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free baby lotion to your infant’s skin on a regular basis. Use lukewarm water for brief baths to prevent additional dryness.
3. Teething Problems
Unbelievably, a baby’s scratching of the ears or back of the head may be a sign of teething. This is because teething pain can radiate to different areas of the jaw, neck, or head, resulting in odd self-soothing behaviors.
What to look for:
- excessive drooling;
- red or swollen gums
- Anger and gnawing on a hand or toy
Things You Can Do: Give your infant some chilled (not frozen) teething rings or a cold, damp washcloth to chew on. If the discomfort persists, ask your pediatrician about safe teething remedies.
4. Self-soothing or fatigue
Sometimes your baby will scratch the back of their head, which simply indicates that they are tired. Babies’ distinct self-soothing techniques may include repetitive movements like rubbing or scratching.
Things to watch out for include:
- Head scratching and rubbing of the eyes and ears;
- Pre-nap fussing or yawning;
- Absence of signs of skin irritation
Things You Can Do: Observe the baby’s sleep cues and establish a calming bedtime routine. This kind of behavior can be lessened with a regular sleep schedule.
5. Itching from Clothes or Mattresses
Your baby may be irritated by the materials they come into contact with, particularly if they are wearing tags or other materials that are harsh on delicate skin.
What to Look for:
- Redness or rash on the neck or scalp
- Pain when lying on particular materials
- Scratching usually happens after naps or before bed.
What You Can Do: Choose baby clothes and bedding made of soft, breathable cotton. Wash all baby items with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent to remove any potential irritants.
Warning Signs to Watch Out for and When to Be Concerned
Although head-scratching is usually harmless, there are some situations in which it could be a sign of a more serious issue, like an allergy, an infection, or even head lice, though newborns are less likely to have lice.
If you observe any of the following, give your pediatrician a call:
- skin damage from severe or ongoing scratching;
- oozy rash, swelling, or bleeding;
- infection symptoms (fever, irritability, poor feeding);
- no improvement with at-home care after a few days.
Conclusion: Trust Your Intuition
Because every baby is different, scratching the back of the head is sometimes a typical developmental behavior. But as a parent, you need to trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be scared to call your pediatrician. But as a parent, trust your gut.
With a little observation and gentle care, you can usually find the cause and help your child find relief. For more helpful tips and guidance, you can check the newborn care section here.
Remember: You’re doing great. You clearly care about your baby’s behavior, and that’s what matters most.
