Behaviour

My Baby Is Head Banging

Although watching your baby bang his head against his crib or wall can be very unsettling, it is surprisingly common and won't harm your baby. Approximately 20% of babies indulge in this habit. Boys are 3-4 times more likely than girls to bang their heads deliberately. Babies who head bang do it for a variety of reasons. For some, banging their head against their cot is comforting and part of their night time ritual to get them to sleep. Other babies bang their heads as a response to hurting themselves or to pain associated with teething or illness, such as earache.

Other babies bang their heads on doors, high chairs, walls, anything they can get their heads on, when they feel frustrated or angry. Both under-stimulation and overstimulation can be a trigger for head banging. Make sure your baby gets enough stimulation by providing lots of toys and games for him to play with. Play with your baby and show him how to play with his toys. If you think your baby might be headbanging because of too much stimulation (this is especially common in babies with learning difficulties), make sure the room is quiet and uncrowded. Clear away all but a few toys, make sure the TV or music is off, talk quietly, and make sure the lights aren't too bright.

Some babies and toddlers bang their heads as a way of gaining their parents attention. If you think your baby's head banging is out of frustration or anger, or a tantrum, ignore the head banging. If your baby knows it will get your attention, they're more likely to continue their habit.

If your baby bangs his head in bed as a self soothe technique, don't put soft blankets in his cot to cushion their head, as this increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS.


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This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional.