Scratches at daycare

Barbara83 · October 2013

My LO has been at daycare for 2 1/2 weeks now and there has been about 6 occasions when I've noticed she has scratches on her. Most of the time they're on her face, once it was so deep she had a scab, but she's also had red marks (seems deeper/darker and different than scratches) on her arm and today a dark line on the side of her head. I always notice these marks immediately when I pick her up so I ask them what happened and they always say she scratched herself. She does grab at her face a lot but she never gets red marks like that when she's out of daycare. I file her nails pretty much everyday but occasionally she gets sharp edges. I put mittens in her diaper bag. What else can I do? Does this happen to anyone else? Should I be concerned? I'm almost positive the other infants aren't touching her causing these marks but I'm not totally convinced she's scratching herself this much. I wish my dc had cameras. Advice?

laurakaz13 · October 2013

It's normal to feel nervous about things when just starting your LO in daycare. I used to scrutinize every red mark as well.

Have you asked the DCP's what the scratches are from? Just talk to them and tell them that it's bothering you. . My DD would always scratch herself at that age and I just cut her nails a lot. Otherwise, is your LO doing tummy time and other activities while there? I'm assuming she would be. Your DCP's should be receptive to any of your concerns, but I will tell you that you are likely having "new to daycare, first time mom" jitters right now.

Just for the future, I will tell you that my DD has had more bumps, bruises, bites, scratches, even one black eye while there. When she started crawling and walking I swear I had an "incident report" from them every day. My daycare will write a report when a kid has a tiny red mark.

I'm used to it now and don't even worry about it, b/c I know DD is so well-cared for, but that she plays so hard all day that she's going to have bumps and bruises.

Barbara83 · October 2013

Thanks for the reassurance. DD is only 2 months and not very active yet which is part of the reason I was worried she keeps coming home with marks. I know as she gets older and more active there will be plenty of bumps, cuts, and bruises. Her daycare seems pretty nonchalant about all the marks but I'm going to take your advice and express my concerns and insist they put the mittens on her especially if they see herggrabbing at her face a lot.

jlaOK · October 2013

My 4 month old always scratches herself. I constantly cut her nails and it seems like there's always a sharp edge somewhere. Remember that your DD is getting more active now (growing out of the newborn stage), discovering her hands, and will be more likely to scratch herself. If it really concerns you I'd just ask the teachers to put the mittens on her.

jschmidt6 · October 2013

I've noticed in the drier winter weather that my LO (3mos) has had more scratches lately. He used to have pretty greasy skin and now he's sort of dry so I think the tiny little scratches show up more. Also, did you swaddle LO at home a lot and now she's not swaddled?

traveltheworld · October 2013

DS used to scratch himself really badly - he would bleed and have scabs all over his forehead and face. It was very disconcerning. Given that your LO is only 2 months old and is probably in an infant room, the chances of her being scratched by other children is low.

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Scratches at daycare

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