My 1 Year Old Is Pulling on Her Eye Lashes, Is It Normal?

Hi K.,

As the other moms said, I think it's normal, as my toddler does the same thing. I just calmy remind him to be careful with his eyes because he needs them to see...that sort of thing. Just try to make sure she isn't hurting herself and you'll be fine. :)

Hi K. -

At this age, it's not something to worry about -- see if it passes. If she does it for more than a couple of months, or if she does it at a later age, it IS something to worry about.

If it's long-term or compulsive, its called Trichotillomania, and it's basically an anxiety disorder. So, keep an eye on it (so to speak!) and see if it goes away. If not, see the doc.

Best,

J.

It is perfectly normal my 13 month old did it as well and sometimes still does it when shes tired.

My 15 month old LOVES eyes - its even one of "her words". She'll say eyyyyeee and point to (or often poke) either her eye or ours. She also sometimes gently plays with her eyelashes when she's winding down for sleep and has since she was a lot younger. I think I would only worry if she's hurting herself or pulling lashes out but at this stage I think its more about discovery. :)

I don't mean to scare you, but I would try to distract her as much as possible. My cousin did this when she was a toddler. All of her big thick eyelashes were pulled out and thin, wispy ones grew back. She is now in her 30's and has those same thin eyelashes.
Good luck!

lol - I love the paranoid 1st time mother part. I told my daughter it was probably my fault she didn't sleep through the night for so long because if she did sleep "too long" I would have to check to make sure she was breathing. I harassed the poor baby!

Anyway, that sounds normal to me. I still have to tell my 2 year old nephew not to touch the eyes of animals because it hurts. Unless she's rubbing her eyes excessively, she's probably just noticing eyes.

Take care! C.