Head Banging, Not the Good Kind

My son did it, and it was just a phase--a very annoying phase. I tried to ignore it, mostly. I don't remember when he stopped, but he's 3.5 now and perfectly normal. :)

Wish I had good advice for you! My son is 13 months and started doing it this week too! He doesn't have any bruises, but I know that it's hurting him sometimes.

My son who is now 13 yrs old, used to rock in his crib and bang his head on the end of the crib. The Pediatrician told me not to worry about it. I eventually had my son tested for ADHD/ADD. The also told me he had a mild form of Autism. So just keep watch over it, and talk to your childs Pediatrician.

Best of luck

J.

Yes it is a phase. Try to ignore it. The more attention they get, the more they will do it. Unfortunately with two kids the phase may last longer because they will feed off each other. Soon they will find new skills to practice and will forget about banging.

Ignore it unless they are hurting themselves...they've found a great way to "push ur button" & get some attention :) good luck.

Hi F.,

There are lots of signs of not getting enough sleep or the quality of sleep we need. First of all how is your child sleeping? That is so important for good health.

I was a head banger when I was a child and had sleep deprivation for 20 plus years.

I now sleep on a magnetic sleep system and sleep better then I have ever and put my granddaughter on one at 2 days old. She is 7 and loves sleeping on her magnetic bed.

She is on my web site if you would like to learn more. Go to www.nikken.com/ninamarie or email me if you have any questions.

Have a blessed day.

N. Marie

Hi F.,
My son started banging his head on what ever was near by at 8 months. We learned it was a quick way for him to get attention. As soon as he did it someone would quickly run to him and pick him up.

Be sure to always keep your son safe and never allow him to hurt himself. This may sound like unnecessary advice, but your child needs to know that you will always keep him safe even from himself.

I learned that I needed to give him other ways to get my attention. Like calling "momma" and giving other simple vocabulary "ball" or "book" to help him express himself. I tried to give him more attention even when I was busy in short bouts of interaction, especially when he had been amusing himself for awhile. The number of events drasticly decreased, but did not stop completely until he was in his twos. I can remember occasionally as late as 26 months I would be changing him and he would suddenly hit himself. I would take his hand and say, "Don't hurt my baby. Love the the baby" Then I would use his own hand to stroke his face or head.

The positive thing is, your little guy is very smart. He already knows how to get your attention FAST! Hope this helps.

M.

Both of my kids enjoy "head banging" while in their high chairs also. My 26 mo has done this since she was about 9 months and has shown my 13 mo how to do it. Now they both do it, but at least I can get the older one to stop. I am hoping they will stop on their own without getting hurt.
Wish I could give you some suggestions but just hang in there! This too will pass!

My daughter who is now almost 2 used to do the same thing. I have pictures of her with bruises all over her forhead. She used to bang her head all the time, but eventually she grew out of it & everthing seemed fine.

A.

Hi Fion,
Yes, it's just a phase-- trust in the survival instinct of your son-- he wouldn't do it if it really hurt. Kids are usually teens before they start that nonsense, and I haven't met a 'stoic' toddler yet! Chances are good he likes your reaction, so if you want him to stop, ignore him-- turn your back, even. I know it's hard to trust in his own ability to judge pain, but you have to believe he wouldn't do it twice if it hurt.

F.,

My twins are 11 months and my son just started the head banging a few weeks ago - his sister has not picked up the habit, though, thank God! Anyway, my pediatrician said it is a very normal phase and to ignore it. He said the only damage it's doing is driving me nuts. :-) My little guy bangs his head on his crib, his high chair, a cabinet door, etc. So far, he only has one small bruise. It gives me a headache watching him.

Hi F.:

My son, who will be 2 next month, went through the same thing at that age. He too thought it was hilarious that he bangs his head against anything and everything. Rest assured it is a phase and it shall pass. What I did continuously was not pay too much attention to it. When he would hit his head against something I would say "ouch" be nice to Keigan, (that is his name), then I would kiss his head and be done with it. Eventually it dies down. Hope it helps.