Head banging and body rocking may look strange to you, but these are normal self-comforting behaviors in babies. The rhythmic back-and-forth movements can soothe your baby and help him or her drift off to sleep, in the same way being rocked in a rocking chair does. Your baby may also bang his or her head as a distraction from pain – due to teething or an ear infection, for example.

Head banging is surprisingly common. Up to 20 percent of babies and toddlers bang their head on purpose, although boys are three times more likely to do it than girls. Head banging often starts in the second half of the first year and peaks between 18 and 24 months of age. Your baby's head-banging habit may last for several months, or even years, though most children outgrow it by age 3.



Some babies bang their forehead or the back of their head against the headboard of their crib, while others are partial to the crib railings. Other babies roll their heads from side to side while lying on their back – often resulting in a bald spot on the back of the head.

Head banging in babies is rarely a sign of a developmental or emotional problem. But if your baby does it, go ahead and mention it to the doctor. In rare instances – especially if your baby has developmental delays – it signals a problem.

Most likely, though, your baby's behavior is harmless. Your baby won't get hurt banging his or her head. The only precautionary measure you should take is to tighten the screws and bolts on the crib regularly, as all the motion may work them loose. Don't put pillows or blankets in the crib to soften the surroundings – these are a suffocation hazard.

If the sound of your baby banging his or her head bothers you, try moving the crib away from the wall.

Since your baby is probably trying to seek comfort, offer a hand. Make his or her sleeping environment peaceful. Help your baby unwind with a warm bath before bed, give a gentle massage, or spend extra time rocking him or her to sleep. Some babies find soft music, the steady rhythm of a ticking metronome, or white noise soothing at bedtime.

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