If you’ve ever had a baby, you’re probably familiar with the sound of their nails against their skin as they scratch it. It can be incredibly irritating to listen to, especially if you’re the one who has to keep cleaning up the mess they make by scratching. However, babies have very little control over their arms and legs when they’re born, so there has to be a reason why they scratch themselves like this in the first place! Here are three explanations behind why babies might scratch their skin so often and what you can do about it!
5 Reasons Why Babies Scratch
Doctors don't know exactly why babies scratch their skin but it could be due to ____, ____, or ____. There are also many harmless explanations like chaffing, which is caused by long sleeve on short sleeve clothing.
Scratching is not always a sign of illness and may just be due to how sensitive babies' skin is or because they need something to do with their hands.
Allergies are the most common reason why babies scratch
Itchy skin is something every baby
experiences at some point. Although babies may just seem to scratch their skin as a way of communicating, there is actually an underlying cause behind the itchy sensation. Many babies experience allergies and by scratching, they are hoping to get relief from their itchy and dry skin that comes with allergies. For infants, parents can try moisturizing their baby's dry spots with olive oil, coconut oil or other similar oils.
Aches and pains are another frequent cause
Your baby may have an itchy butt due to chafing from being in the same position all day, or it could be caused by a diaper rash. If you're changing your baby's diaper every time they poop and poop is clean, it might be that their skin is dry and itchy because of lack of moisture. That may also happen with newborns who don't have many natural oils on their skin yet.
Dryness is also a common factor in causing it
Dry skin can be incredibly uncomfortable, as it can lead to itchiness, inflammation, and cracking. Add in some eczema, or an allergy from something in the environment, and you have the perfect storm of scratchy goodness.
The baby could be teething too
Your baby's skin could be dry or irritated. This happens because of how their skin has become less moist as they grow and because their skin has become more elastic and doesn't retract to its original position after being stretched out by scratching. You can use a moisturizer, like petroleum jelly, to keep their skin moist or even give them a bath using
only water (not soap) twice a day. You might also need to try giving your baby toothpaste when they are teething.
Malnutrition/starvation can be another reason
When babies are introduced to solid foods too early or without the proper nutrients, they will feel the itchiness of dry skin and use their scratching reflex as a way to deal with it. In most cases, this can be easily
resolved by feeding them nutrient-rich foods, such as milk or cereal that contain Vitamin A, D, and E.
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