Why Does My Baby Rub Her Face On Me? | Newborn Baby Facts

There are many ‘strange things’ babies do. Rubbing their face can be one of them. It certainly was for all my two boys! If you are wondering why, this is what I found out.

Your baby most likely rubs their face on you for two reasons. 

The first is due to their rooting reflex. All babies are born with 6 reflexes for survival. The rooting reflex allows them to find and suckle the breast for milk.

The second reason is simply that they are tired. This is a common tired sign and one to look out for. Put your darling down to bed (and hopefully get some shut eye yourself!). 

What is the rooting reflex?

The rooting reflex allows the newborn to turn its head towards the breast. This occurs when you stroke their cheek or touch their mouth. They shake their head from side to side to find and suckle the nipple. 

It is one of six reflexes babies are born with for survival. The others are stepping, moro, tonic neck and the two grasping reflexes. 

What are tired cues?

Tired cues are similar for all babies, you just need to learn what your own baby’s cues are. 

Along with your baby rubbing their head on you, there are plenty of other cues that your little one is ready for bed. 

Crying and grizzling are pretty good indicators. However, there are less obvious clues like red eyebrows for instance. If you notice your baby has red eyebrows then they are ready for some shuteye! Hiccups is also another less obvious sign, but a sign nonetheless. Vacant expression or in turn restlessness are two more cues. Alongside shaking their head back and forth and pulling at their ears and rubbing their own face with either their hands or a comforter. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to keep a schedule of my baby’s routine?

Whether you are a stickler for routine or a fly by the seat of your pants type parent, it’s always a good idea to keep track of your babies sleep habits. There are plenty of ways to do this. A great way is by using a baby sleep tracker. A baby sleep tracker allows you to gain valuable information about when and how long your baby is sleeping for. 

This information is helpful when trying to maintain a schedule or put into place a rough routine. Babies thrive on routine, they find comfort in predictability, so having a sleep tracker record your little ones sleep patterns is one less thing you have to worry about. 

Why does my baby keep rubbing their ears?

Your baby is rubbing their ears because they are tired. It is a common tired cue. However, it can also be a sign of a possible ear infection. A baby constantly tugging at their ears should always be seen by your regular GP to rule out any ear infection, especially if they also cry and are unsettled.

Why does my baby rub its teddy on their face?

Your baby rubs its teddy on their face for comfort. It often helps settle them for sleep. They have spent 9 lovely months inside of you and are used to feeling warm and protected. The outside world is big and scary, rubbing their face often helps calm them.

Try wearing their comforter for a day so that it smells like you. This can be very soothing for your little one as they will smell you even when you are not in the room 

Another simple trick to help comfort them to sleep is to run your finger from the middle of their forehead down to their nose repeatedly. Watch your little cherubs eyes close almost immediately. They find this very soothing and it won’t be long until they have drifted off to the land of blissful sleep, where there is a constant flow of milk and warm cuddles all day long. 

Final Thoughts

Whether they are looking for breast – due to rooting reflex- or are simply very tired – growing up is exhausting! The act of rubbing their face is a normal part of a baby’s journey as they look for comfort.