Mom’s Question:
Is it normal for a baby to hit themselves in the head repeatedly when they are tired? Is this something I should be concerned about? The doctor said her ears are clear but has no answer for why she hits herself like that.
Dee Dee
Baby Helpline:
Baby Hits Her Head When Tired – Reasons & What to Do
I have received this question several times from worried parents because it looks so odd when a baby hits their own head!
But even just judging for the number of questions and the huge number of comments, it is a common behavior.
You can check out these two Q&As on the same topic and read the comments. I am sure you will find it calming. 🙂
4 Resons Why Babies Slap Their Heads
To answer your question – babies do hit their heads for several reasons.
One of the reasons is actually self-soothing, for example when tired. Some babies and older children too find the srythmic slapping soothing and it can actualy make them relax.
Another reason is pain relief, so it is great that you had your baby’s ear checked. I can imagine that any pain could become more apparent to the child when everything calms down and it is time to sleep. So hitting their head could be pain relief when they are tired.
Teething can also make a baby hit his or her head or face.
There can be developmental issues involved too, but in that case, you would definitely see other signs as well.
What to Do When Baby Hits Her Head
So what to do about it..?
Well, first of all, ruling out any physical pain or illness (like you just did) is a good start.
Secondly, you need to make sure your baby doesn’t really injure her or himself. This is usually not a problem, but for example, make sure the baby doesn’t have any heavy or sharp objects at times when he or she is likely to start the hitting.
Third, don’t react to it! If you start giving your baby a lot of attention when hitting, there is a significant risk that you will reinforce the behavior. Instead, ignore it as much as possible, and divert your baby’s attention to something else if the behavior disturbs you a lot or you are afraid that your baby can get hurt. Why not try a lullaby and cuddle, for example? Or patting the lovey?
But again, if it is just a matter of hitting the head relatively softly when tired, it is likely to be a self-soothing thing and really nothing to worry about.
I hope this helps,
Paula
My baby has been hitting herself on the head (and hard!) while drinking her bottle, especially she’s tired and ready to go to sleep. I mentioned it to her pediatrician and she wasn’t concerned. She’s 9 months old now and has been doing it for a few months. I usually try to catch her hands so she hits my hands instead of her head.
Thank God mine isn’t the only one. My 5 month old daughter does this too and it worries me bad. She only does it when she nurses and most of those times she is extremely tired. I hope she stops soon.
OMG, you do not know how happy I am to hear that your babies do this too! My daughter is 5 months old and has done this for over a month now when she is trying to fall asleep! It’s really scary! I hope she grows out of it!!!
My son does it too. I think his arm may have nowhere comfy to fall and he discovered bonking his head with it? Or maybe its from my coffee drinking or from my meds??
My daughter is 4 months old and hits herself in the head when she is going to sleep these days…Had me worried to, but it seems to be pretty common.
When I nurse my seven month old daughter, she starts hitting herself on the left side of her head, pretty hard. She is my third child and the only one who has done this. I am hoping it will stop soon, she’s been doing this now for about two weeks. My doctor thinks it could be pain from teething.
My child is 11 months old and is still doing it so i hope that it’s normal.
My baby is 5 months old and hits herself in the head…. DRIVES ME NUTS!! I feel bad and that something is wrong…. I have read it is normal and I just hope it stops soon! Who knows maybe she is “special” Let’s hope not and move on!
My daughter just woke up an hour ago and she started hitting the side of her head,she is 8 months old .am scared cos this is her first time doing this
Hi,
It could be her ear, throat or teething. Or she just does it to soothe herself. Watch for signs of illness and teething and maybe also take her temperature.
Good luck,
Paula
I’m so glad to hear its normal my 14 month old only seems to do it at bed time but he hits the from of his head I didn’t know If it was from being sleepy or if it was because of his teething but either way it really concerned me. it just looks painful 🙁
My baby is 7 weeks old and he’s hitting himself when he’s tired. I notice other babies engaging in this behaviour are older. Should I be worried?