Backwards Head Butting

Hi D.:
I had to sort of laugh,when you mentioned what happened. not because he split your lip,but because Babies,put us through so many lessons.Your son isn't misbehaving,he just can't talk,and the only way he can communicate,is by his actions.He is getting more active,at this age,and wants to move around.As soon as he begins squirming around on your lap,you know hes getting antsy and uncomfortable.Let him down.I can remember when my son,began teething,and I stuck my finger in his mouth to feel around. He bit down,and yipes!!! I thought he was going to take my finger!It was my own darn fault.He wasn't doing it to hurt me,but it felt good to his gums and little teeth coming in.You have to stop assuming,that your baby is just being naughty.Its not in their nature at this young age.They simply are trying to communicate with you. Sometimes,they will become frustrated,because they can't,but thats where your understanding and patience comes in. The best to you and your darlin boy.

my daughter did that too busting my lip open only she also tore my lip ring out also (and that didnt feel good) i just started to watch her cues to see when she was getting antsy or restless in my lap. i know it can be hard in a public place (like church). what i did with my daughter was let her be in her be in her own seat with some toys and when she got tired with that i would let her be on the floor and she would walk in between my hubby and i. also i always had lots of snacks to keep her occupied! dont just quit holding him just be more observant to his cues thats all. good luck!

Don't worry, don't "scold" him for it... as he is not doing it on purpose. He is just getting more mobile, more active and does not want to be held or be stationary.

It's all about ages and stages and phases and developmental growth.

Both my kids did that too...but it was when they just did not want to be held and wanted to play. Because it is developmental based... I wouldn't try and "stop" him from wanting to play....BUT, YOU CAN TEACH HIM BABY SIGN LANGUAGE...so that he learns to communicate his needs...and thus, this will help him in expressing himself.

I did this with both my kids. Your son is 9 1/2 months old...it's never too late to start. I taught my kids when they were younger than that. Babies learn sign language very quickly...just be patient, use repetition and consistency... and "teach" him certain key sign language gestures for his needs. THIS is what I would suggest. For example: my son would get frustrated and yell when he wanted "more" of something...but since he couldn't exactly talk as a baby...I taught him how to "sign" the word for "more please.." and before I knew it, he stopped screaming for something and would instead use his sign-language for "more" and tell me what he wanted. It REALLY helps them to communicate....especially while they haven't started talking yet.
*You can get a book on it, or look it up online to see what different gestures are for baby sign-language.

*the backward accidental head-butting "stage" WILL pass...and then there will be other stages/phases that occur. Later, hitting/pinching/biting tends to happen too. Remember though, it is all developmental based...not a "personal" attack on you or baby being naughty on purpose. They don't know "social rules" yet at such a young age. Whatever method you use, it needs to be AGE APPROPRIATE. No worries. It's all completely NORMAL.

Good luck,
~Susan

My son does the same thing. He is 11 months old and has been doing it now for about one month. At first I didn't do anything but then he would do it and it does hurt. Now when he does it i hold his head (softly and I know it doesn't hurt) and I tell him no. He usually looks at me like "what did I do" or he laughs and thinks he is playing a game. If telling him no doesn't change what he is doing I just redirect him. He has done it in his high chair as well though and he thinks it is funny at that point so I stop feeding him and I ask him if he is done. He then stops and opens his mouth for more food. Good Luck and hopefully you will have no more busted lips.

Hi D., throwing himself backwards, is a tatrum, don't allow it. J.

You got great advice from everyone EXCEPT for the one that says your son is throwing a tantrum! It's ridiculous to say that that a 9 1/2 month old child is throwing a tantrum. He is growing and is becoming more aware and is learning to communicate in his own way to have you understand what his needs are. My daughter does the same thing and when she does that I start flying her around and she starts to laugh. He may just want you to not just sit there and take him on a ride or put him down to explore. No matter what, know that your baby is growing up and NOT growing BAD!