2 yr. old!!

My two year old cousin has been pulling the hair out of her dolls, rocking horse, and her own head and eating it.  Her mom has not been able to get any answers of why this is happening. I was wondering if you could give me any information on this such as..Is it healthy? Why it is happening? Is it normal at two years of age? What harm it can cause? and What can be done to prevent it?

                                                                                                       Thank You,
                                                                                                                  Audrey S.

[Renee Radenberg]

Children at that age do put all types of items in their mouth; however, they do not usually eat them. The condition when people eat non-food items is called Pica. She may not have this condition but I suggest she takes a daily chewable multi-vitamin with iron and see her MD to be checked.