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What if my baby eats hair?

Published in Baby Health 2 mins read

Generally, it's mostly harmless if your baby eats a small amount of hair. However, the habit can become risky if your child ingests a lot of hair. Here's a breakdown of potential issues and what to look out for:

Potential Issues with Babies Eating Hair

Issue Description
Minor Ingestion A few strands of hair are usually harmless and will pass through their digestive system without issue.
Large Ingestion/Bezoars When a child eats a lot of hair, it can form a hairball (bezoar) in the stomach, which is a mass of foreign material.
Stomach Issues A large enough bezoar can cause stomach pain and even obstruction, which is serious and will require medical attention.

What To Do If Your Baby Eats Hair:

  • Monitor closely: If you notice your baby has eaten hair, observe their behavior for signs of stomach upset, pain, or changes in bowel movements.
  • Discourage the habit: Do your best to prevent your baby from eating hair by keeping hair out of reach. This might involve:
    • Wearing your hair up.
    • Regularly cleaning areas with loose hair.
    • Distracting your child from pulling out and eating their own hair.
  • Seek Medical Advice: If your child exhibits symptoms of stomach upset, pain or discomfort, or if you suspect they may have ingested a lot of hair, consult your pediatrician immediately.

Key Takeaways:

  • Small amounts of hair ingestion are usually harmless.
  • Large amounts of hair can form a bezoar, leading to potential problems.
  • It's important to monitor and prevent the habit as much as possible.
  • Seek professional help if you have any concerns.