Head banging is more common than you think! According to Baby Centre, up to 20% of babies and toddlers bang their heads on the floor when angry or self-soothing.
Head banging usually starts around 6 months and peaks around 24 months. It could start a bit earlier or later depending on the child and her temperament.
Here are some of the possible reasons why your child hits his head.
1. Self-comfort
I know it sounds weird, but some toddlers do it to relax and soothe himself. They bang their head rhythmically to self-comfort.
2. To get your attention
If you always jump up and drop all you are doing when your toddler bangs his head, chances are he will keep doing it to get your attention.
3. Pain Relief
If your toddler is in pain, he can bang his head to let you know he is in discomfort. Teething, ear infection and even severe cold can make your toddler do this.
4. Frustration or Anger
This is one of the most common reasons. If your toddler bangs her head during tantrums, then it is her way of venting anger and letting out emotions. He can’t express himself yet through words and that is the only way he understands…for now.
5. Developmental Issues
Health factors like Autism and other disorders may make your toddler frequently bang his head on the floor. As much as this can be a red flag, rarely is head banging alone the signal for a serious problem.
How to manage it
1. Give your toddler attention
If she has to keep banging her head to get your attention, she will. If your toddler gets a lot of positive attention from you, chances are there won’t be need for head banging.
2. Guard against head injury
If your toddler does this often, keep your environment safe. No nuts and bolts playing around, no sharp objects on the floor anywhereYou can also explore the rubber head guard. Anything to keep her safe mama.
3. Try not to worry
I know it is hard not to, but try. Head banging is a self-regulating behaviour. It is unlikely she will hit her head hard enough to cause any serious damage.
4. Help your child channel that energy into something positive
Experts often recommend dancing, clapping to music, marching and drumming to distract your baby and also to soothe.
5. Consult a doctor
If it happens more often than you can handle, see your doctor to rule out possible chances of disorder.
