Why Does My Baby Grab My Face When Falling Asleep?
It’s quite common to witness a baby snuggling their face into yours, as they drift off to sleep. This delightful yet curious face-grabbing behavior is actually far more meaningful than you might think. Keep reading to find out why your little one displays this cute, sleepy gesture and discover some tips to help you deal with this behavior.
The Reasons Why Your Baby Is Grabbing Your Face
- Security – Firstly, it’s important to understand the significance of face-grabbing; it’s a way of communicating with you and expressing their need for security. The gesture is a way of saying, “I feel safe in your arms.”
- Manipulation – As babies get older, their funny little faces and innocent gazes can be used to their advantage. As sweet as it is, face-grabbing can be used for personal benefit and be a manipulation tactic to get what the baby wants.
- Curiosity – Your baby loves playing with their hands and exploring new objects, so it’s no wonder that they also explore your face too. They may just be curious about the softness of your skin or the warmth of your breath.
Practical Tips for Dealing with Face-grabbing
- Consistency – Babies thrive off consistency, so establish consistent rules about the face-grabbing. If you don’t wish for your baby to grab your face when they’re sleepy, be sure to tell them so and provide them with a safe and cuddly alternative.
- Comfort – Make sure your baby is comfortable while they’re trying to fall asleep. Check their body temperature, make sure their bedding isn’t too hard or too soft and ensure that the room isn’t too noisy, drafty or bright.
- Redirection – If your baby is still young and is attempting to grab your face, you can redirect their attention elsewhere. Allow them to explore calming objects like a new toy or a blanket. You may even try gently stroking their forehead or rubbing their cheeks.
Although face-grabbing can be annoying or even uncomfortable at times, it’s important to remember that it’s simply a way your baby expresses their love and security. It’s a sign of trust and dependency and should be viewed as a positive thing.