my daughter eating her hair!!!

my 2.5 year old daughter has a habit of eating her hair. it got to the point where her hair is short from one side because of her pulling on it. we have tried everything imagineable. we have put hats on her, we dont let her hair loose, even putting a swimming cap on her but nothing works. everything. what should i do. i need help........... she cant continue doing that.

[tiredbuthappy]

sounds like an anxiety-induced habit. not to say that your child is necessarily more anxious than others- some suck their thumbs, some children twirl their hair, she may just eat her hair instead. if you're really worried mention it to the pediatrician, especially if she shows other signs of anxiety or other compulsive behaviors.. in the mean time, have you considered cutting her hair (a cute bob?) not being able to put her hair in her mouth for a while may break this habit before it becomes permanent.

[eborose]

My daughter just turned 2 in Dec. and I have been having the same problem.  Be carful because eating their hair can really cause stomach problems.  We tried the short haircut with her but she could still pull her hair so we ended up just shaving it, and hopefully by the time it grows back she will be out of the habit!!!