Is Head Bobbing Normal??

Congratulations on you healthy, NORMAL, baby girl. She is just getting her balance. Very, very normal.
L.

Oh yeah! My daughter did it too...and I was so concerned about it...my Ped told me not to worry. It is a combination of environmental stimultion and neck muscle control! No worries! Hope this helps!

Hi Katie,

I also have a beautiful 3 month old baby girl!! She also head bobs. Mostly, like you said, when she is trying to steady herself. So as far as I know it is totally normal:)

trust me, it's very normal at that stage of life, a newborn doesn't have control of the muscles in their necks to hold/balance their heads... you should always support her when YOU hold her... as for her bobbing a bit when she's on her tummy... she will get stronger.... I have 4 grown daughters and 7 grandchildren... I remember those stages well.. if you still feel concerned, ask your baby's doctor.. they might even be able to give you a book about "what my baby should do at different ages"... but remember one thing, all babies grow and mature at different rates, so don't hold to the thought about "what they should be doing" like it's the gospel..... hugs my dear, L.

Hi, I'm P., I have been taking care of kids for 27yrs.. there are some baby's who do this. Why because there heads are larger. Sometimes The child is unable to hold her head up at this age do to the mussels in her spine and back.

How to solve the problem, place your child on her back, do leg exercises, arm exercises.. everyday for a month.. If you do not see a different, then your child must be taken to the doctors..

you can also help tighten your child's mussels but putting her in the bath tub and letting her stretch there as well, but never have water any higher then her sides.. hint..

P.

Hi Katie,
Congratulations on your baby! It is completely normal, I would suggest giving her tummy time during the day and this will help strengthen the muscles.

Hi, Katie!

My 13 yr. old Grandson (whom we have permanent legal custody of) has bobbled his head forever, his is more like a blind singer thing. I have thought sometimes of taking him to see someone but he is againest it. He normally does it when upset or in deep thought. Other than that he is a normal 'new' teen.

Best, A.

it is quite normal. the little one is just testing the waters, she is not yet strong enough to hold her head steady. sometimes it used to make me laugh with my two kids, but I was around children all the time and I was used to it. hang in there as she continues to get stronger the bobbing will stop and she will begin to be alot more steady. soon she will be turning over, LOL. that is another phase. aloha

I agree with Laura. Totally normal. Congrats on being a Mom!

Don't worry, sounds like your little one is just not used to using those neck muscles yet. Try tummy time. She might not love it at first but will get used to it. My 12 month old used to wobble but she's fine now.

My son used to do this too. My husband and I were not sure what to think. He eventually just outgrew it, or according to the others who have responded, strengthened his muscles enough to steady himself :-)

Absolutely normal until they strengthen & develop their muscles.

She's right on track. We used to call my son the chicken man when he did that. She's just building up her muscle control. Nothing to worry about! Congrats on the new angel and enjoy the new few months. Three to six months is a magical time as she starts discovering the world and interacting with you more. Have fun!

A.

Katie- Yes this is common. Try putting her over a boppy pillow on her tummy. This will allow her back and neck muscles to build. It is safe since she is on her tummy:)

Good Luck

B.

My daughter not only bobbed her head but poked out her stomach - our doctor said that her head was heavy and this was her way of learning to steady herself - quite funny to watch while she learned to walk.

Those neck muscles just are'nt strong enough yet. Think of someone who was wheel chair bound just starting to walk again. She will be fine in a month.

Katie,

Your post was a red flag to me and I will tell you why.

I see that you got a bunch of responses and some recommended talking with your ped if you are really worried. I really feel the same way, but would further it by checking about a condition called torticollis.

I don't see that you say anything that would cause me to think that this is the issue you are having, but I wanted to say something since this was an issue my daughter had and we treated it successfully with physical therapy. When I worked in a therapy center for children it was an issue that was pretty common and also commonly missed by peds at normal check ups since children may not exhibit the symptoms during a check up if it is mild.

Here's a website that explains the condition and also gives some wonderful exercises, which really can't hurt to do if you are worried and waiting for an appointment!

http://www.orthoseek.com/articles/congenmt.html

Hope I am not causing any undo stress and worry, but I just couldn't help but share about my experience.

Congrats on being a new Mommy!

M.

As you've already heard, it's normal at her age...also, it happens again a little later on with some toddlers....they'll bob their head, twirl around to make themself dizzy, some bang their heads....all experiments with their new found body control and sensations that come from them. So, if the behavior comes back around 18 mo. or so, don't be surprised.
L.
Early Education and Development Specialist

You got all your answers, just weighing in. My DS did it but not DD. We called him bobble head! As they did more tummy time and all they got better and it went away!

a little head bobbing is normal. Otherwise I would recommend talking to your pediatrician.

It is normal. I am 29 and I still bob my head. In my wedding it was noticed by all my guest and they comented on it because I also sway....If I stand completely still I will start to sway. There is nothing wrong with me its just my body doing what ever it wants to do. You little baby should be fine, if you are still worried then you show talk with the doctor about this.

I hope this helps enjoy your day,
K.

Hi Katie, Head bobbing is normal. If it goes on longer than six months I would then bring it to the babies doctors attention.

Just a quick addition--although I agree it is probably a muscle control issue, please keep an eye on it if it persists. My son had nystagmus as an infant and toddler--this is a shaking of the eye when it tries to focus. To compensate, he would slightly shake his head. To be honest, I noticed the shaking eye first, and then the head bobbing--also two of nephews did this as young babies, so I kind of knew what to look for. Anyway, if the shaking continues after your baby has good muscle control, talk to a pediatrician about it. The condition I describe is somewhat unusual, so I like to spread the word when I can.

YEP, normal. She's got a lot of work to do coordinating all those muscle groups. I wouldn't worry, my little man did it too.

I work in a daycare and one of the babies I take care bobbles her head all around. She used to do it alot but in the last month she has gained control. Its nothing to worry about. God Bless You and Your Baby. Mine will be 17 on tuesday it goes by way too fast.

Hi Katie,
All of my grand children have done this and my children. Try to keep her head still as possible, however, it is pretty normal. In what I have seen and learned with all the kids I have had around. 3 months are not steady yet, they still have to have balance for their neck, but they are learning now to steady themself up as lifting the body, head sitting up to look up etc. so, if your to concern best advice ask your doctor, They understand first mommies very very well. Good luck and enjoy your precious little one.

It is probably normal, but if you are concerned...you should call her pediatrician.

My 3 month old does the exact same thing :) Congrats on your baby girl.