Babies rubbing their faces at night is one of those things that looks uncomfortable but is usually normal. The rubbing is often a self-soothing behavior or a sign of something minor like dry skin or teething discomfort. To stop it, you first need to figure out why it is happening — and that is usually simpler than you think. Most of the time, addressing the root cause, like moisturizing dry skin or trimming a sharp fingernail, stops the rubbing within a day or two.
Why Do Babies Rub Their Faces at Night?
Babies rub their faces for several reasons, and most are not a cause for worry. The most common reason is self-soothing. Rubbing the face releases calming endorphins, and many babies do this to help themselves fall asleep or return to sleep after waking.
Another frequent cause is skin irritation. Dry air, especially in heated homes during winter, can make a baby’s skin feel tight or itchy. Some babies also have mild eczema or cradle cap, which creates a sensation they try to relieve by rubbing.
Teething is another common trigger. When teeth push through the gums, the pain can radiate to the cheeks and ears. Babies often rub their face or pull at their ear on the side where a tooth is coming in. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that teething discomfort peaks around 6 to 12 months, which matches when face rubbing often increases.
A less common but real cause is an eye issue. A stray eyelash, a bit of dust, or even a mild eye infection can make a baby rub their eyes and surrounding face. If the rubbing is focused around the eyes and you see redness or discharge, that is worth a call to your pediatrician.
What Does Research Say About How to Stop a Baby From Rubbing Their Face at Night?
Research on this specific behavior is limited, but studies on infant sleep and self-soothing offer useful guidance. A 2018 study in the journal Pediatrics found that most infant sleep disruptions are caused by environmental factors — temperature, noise, or physical discomfort — not medical problems. This means the solution is often environmental, not medical.
Studies on infant skin care from the American Academy of Dermatology show that simple moisturizing routines reduce itching and rubbing in babies with dry skin. They recommend fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers applied right after a bath and before bed.
Research on teething published in the Journal of the American Dental Association confirms that pressure on the gums — from a clean, cold teething ring — reduces discomfort and the associated face rubbing. The evidence does not support teething gels containing benzocaine, which the FDA warns against for children under 2 due to serious side effects.
There is no clinical evidence that face rubbing at night is a sign of a serious neurological condition in otherwise healthy babies. If your baby is meeting developmental milestones and has no other symptoms, face rubbing is almost certainly a normal behavior.
How to Stop a Baby From Rubbing Their Face at Night: Practical Steps
Here is what actually works, based on what we know about infant behavior and skin health. Start with the simplest fix and only move to others if needed.
Check the skin first. Feel your baby’s cheeks and chin. If the skin feels rough or looks flaky, apply a thin layer of fragrance-free moisturizer before bed. Cetaphil, CeraVe, and Vanicream are brands frequently recommended by pediatric dermatologists. Do this for three nights and see if the rubbing decreases.
Keep fingernails short. Babies can scratch themselves while rubbing, which makes the irritation worse. Trimming nails weekly and filing them smooth prevents scratches. If your baby already has scratches, use soft cotton mittens at night until the skin heals.
Adjust the room temperature. Overheating is a common cause of restlessness and face rubbing. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping the nursery between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. If your baby feels warm to the touch or is sweating, lower the temperature or remove a layer of clothing.
Offer a cold teething ring before bed. If your baby is between 4 and 12 months old and you see other signs of teething — drooling, chewing on hands, irritability — give a chilled (not frozen) teething ring for 5 to 10 minutes before putting them down. This often reduces the urge to rub the face during the night.
Use a humidifier. Dry air makes skin itch. A cool-mist humidifier in the nursery adds moisture to the air and can reduce face rubbing within a few nights. Clean it weekly to prevent mold growth.
What to Avoid When Trying to Stop Face Rubbing
Some common advice online is not backed by evidence and can even be harmful. Here is what to skip.
Do not use sleep sacks or swaddles that restrict arm movement past 8 weeks. Once a baby can roll over, swaddling is dangerous because it increases the risk of SIDS. Restricting a baby’s arms to stop face rubbing is not safe and not effective. The rubbing usually stops on its own as the baby grows.
Avoid teething gels with benzocaine. The FDA has issued a strong warning against benzocaine products for children under 2. They can cause a rare but serious condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces oxygen in the blood. Stick to cold teething rings or a clean, damp washcloth instead.
Do not put anything on your baby’s face without checking with a doctor. Some parents try essential oils, coconut oil, or vitamin E oil on irritated skin. These can actually worsen irritation or cause allergic reactions. If you want to use a moisturizer, choose one specifically formulated for babies and labeled fragrance-free.
Do not assume it is an allergy without evidence. Food allergies can cause facial rashes, but they are usually accompanied by other symptoms like hives, vomiting, or swelling. If your baby only rubs their face at night and has no other symptoms, an allergy is unlikely. Cutting foods from your diet or your baby’s diet without a doctor’s guidance can cause nutritional gaps.
When Should You Call the Doctor About Face Rubbing?
Most face rubbing is normal, but some situations need a medical check. Call your pediatrician if you notice any of these signs.
- Redness, swelling, or discharge from the eyes
- A rash that does not improve with moisturizing after one week
- Your baby seems to be in pain, not just fussy
- Face rubbing is accompanied by fever, vomiting, or diarrhea
- The rubbing is so frequent or forceful that it causes bruising or broken skin
- Your baby is not meeting developmental milestones like rolling over, sitting, or babbling
Your pediatrician can check for less common causes like ear infections, eye infections, or skin conditions that need prescription treatment. Ear infections, for example, can cause face rubbing because the pain radiates to the jaw and cheek. A quick look inside the ears can rule this out.
If your baby is otherwise healthy and happy during the day, face rubbing at night is almost never an emergency. It is a phase that passes.
Comparison: Common Causes and What to Do
| Cause | Signs | What to Try | When to See a Doctor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry skin | Rough, flaky patches on cheeks or chin | Fragrance-free moisturizer before bed | If rash spreads or does not improve in 1 week |
| Teething | Drooling, chewing, irritability, red gums | Cold teething ring before bed | If fever over 100.4°F or refusal to eat |
| Eye irritation | Eye rubbing, redness, discharge | Clean with warm water, check for eyelashes | If discharge is yellow or green, or eye is swollen |
| Overheating | Sweating, flushed skin, damp hair | Lower room temp, remove a layer | If baby is lethargic or has a fever |
| Self-soothing | Rubbing stops when baby falls asleep | No action needed; normal behavior | Only if rubbing causes injury |
The table above covers the most common causes. Most babies will match one of these scenarios. If your baby does not, or if the rubbing persists despite trying these fixes, a pediatrician visit is the next step.
Does How to Stop a Baby From Rubbing Their Face at Night Change With Age?
Yes, the approach changes as your baby grows. For newborns under 2 months, face rubbing is often a reflex or a sign of fatigue. At this age, the best response is to help them sleep. Swaddling is safe for newborns who cannot roll, and it can reduce rubbing because it limits arm movement. But stop swaddling as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling.
For babies 2 to 6 months, rubbing is often linked to dry skin or early teething. This is the age when moisturizing and teething rings are most effective. Around 4 months, babies start developing more control over their hands, so they may rub their face intentionally as a self-soothing habit.
For babies 6 to 12 months, teething is the main driver. The first teeth usually appear between 6 and 10 months, and the rubbing often peaks during this window. Cold teething rings and gentle gum massage with a clean finger can help. By 12 months, most babies stop rubbing their faces at night as other self-soothing methods like thumb sucking or holding a lovey take over.
For toddlers over 12 months, persistent face rubbing may be a habit rather than a physical need. At this age, gentle redirection during the day and a consistent bedtime routine often resolve it. If it continues, talk to your pediatrician to rule out allergies or sensory processing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a baby to rub their face while sleeping?
Yes, it is very common and usually normal. Most babies do it to self-soothe or because of minor discomfort like dry skin or teething.
Can face rubbing be a sign of an ear infection?
Yes, ear infections can cause pain that radiates to the jaw and cheek, leading to face rubbing. If your baby also has a fever, is pulling at their ear, or is irritable, have their ears checked.
Should I use mittens to stop my baby from scratching their face?
Soft cotton mittens can help prevent scratches from rubbing, but they should only be used at night and removed during the day. Keeping nails trimmed is a better long-term solution.
Does teething cause face rubbing at night?
Yes, teething is a common cause, especially between 6 and 12 months. The pain from emerging teeth can make babies rub their cheeks or pull at their ears. A cold teething ring often helps.
When should I worry about my baby rubbing their face?
Worry if the rubbing causes broken skin, is accompanied by eye discharge or fever, or if your baby seems to be in pain. Otherwise, it is usually a passing phase.
