This problem happens to every fifth child, but with varying degrees of severity. Usually, an infant starts banging its head in the second half of its life. A toddler hitting his head against the rungs of the crib usually evokes quite extreme emotions. Parents treat such behavior as either quirky or are terrified that something really bad is happening.
More oftenmy headabout the furniture hitting the boys. It happens episodically or on a daily basis. Although such behavior may be a harbinger of disturbingdisorders , in most cases it is only a developmental stage and disappears without any consequences by the third birthday at the latest. But that doesn't mean the problem can be downplayed and left unattended.Parentscan try to find the cause of such behaviors, and with appropriate action reduce their frequency.
Hitting the head is sending a signal
Before you start to panic because your baby is hitting his head, watch your little one - it will be easier for you to discuss this with your doctor or other specialist later. Usually, such behaviors are a way of showing the environment that something is not right for the child, that he needs something. After all, an infant cannot express emotions yet. Note at what time of the day and under what circumstances these behaviors occur. Often, children seek relief by banging their heads rhythmically. They want to calm the excess of emotions and calm down. Perhaps the little one behaves this way after an overly intense day or many visitors. Or maybe she reacts like this after the babysitter leaves, with whom she is not comfortable? Such banging of the head may then remind the child of soothing rocking in mother's arms or in a pram - it is an attempt to relieve tension. The confirmation of this theory may be hitting the head before falling asleep, when it is necessary to calm down emotions, calm down and relax. Then even small changes, such as an evening bath in silence, with dim lights, soft music seeping in the background and singing a lullaby in mum's tender embrace, can work wonders. Hitting the head against the furniture can also be a way to get bored. Perhaps it happens when you need to cook dinner or when your little one stays alone in a playpen or cot for a long time. In this way, it sends out signals that it needs activity, interest and fun together. Make sure that your baby moves a lot during the day or that you are providing it with the right amountthe amount of stimuli for development. Maybe he needs more activities, reading books, playing with blocks or playing toys. Sometimes toddlers also discharge anger or rebellion in this way, even against unpopular activities. Head banging can be a way of getting parents' attention. After all, whenever a baby behaves this way, mom or dad will drop everything, run immediately, take the baby out of the crib, carry it in their arms, hug it. So maybe it is a cry for the need for closeness and tenderness?
Head banging as a reaction to pain
It happens that hitting the head against the rungs of the crib is a symptom of disturbing changes. If the little one has not done it before, and now it happens to him often, several times a day, and additionally behaves as if he is in pain, it can signal pain this way. Hitting can be a way of dealing with headaches, but also ear, throat and stomach aches, and even teething pain. So it's always a good idea to measure your child's temperature, check the gums and see if it calms down when worn on the hands. Hitting the head steadily distracts the child from pain and allows him to calm down. It also happens (fortunately, rarely) that it is a symptom of developmental disorders or a serious disease. Usually, however, hitting the head against the furniture is not the only symptom causing concern. The little one may more often than other children be irritated or, on the contrary, quiet, as if immersed in his own world. A child who does not like cuddling, does not look for tenderness in mother's arms, is not interested in toys should arouse anxiety. The help of a specialist is needed when you have the impression that the child is looking not at you, but "through" you. If the little one is a unique enthusiast of other monotonous activities, such as tapping a toy on the ground, swaying regularly, and repeating it over and over again - this should also arouse anxiety.
What to do when the baby reacts by banging his head?
- First, your child's safety must be ensured to minimize the risk of injury. At the beginning, it is worth looking at the crib: if there are any protruding screws, splinters, unstable rungs in it. On the sides of the cot, it is better to put on the protectors, often available with baby bedding. They can also be replaced by a blanket or a quilted duvet placed between the rungs (make sure you tie them well). Also, get rid of paintings and other hangers on the walls above the crib so that nothing falls on the baby. If hitting the head happens at the table, it is better to move the baby away from the table, and even put on a hat while feeding.
- Secondly, it is necessary to observe the child and evaluate in whichcircumstances and under the influence of which stimuli or events bangs the head against the rungs. This is very important, because a doctor or a child psychologist will definitely ask about it.
- Third, a visit to the doctor is essential. Perhaps the baby has swollen gums, a diseased ear, or other abnormalities that could explain the behavior. Urgent advice is needed when your baby is hitting his head, cries, is abnormally agitated or has symptoms of an infection.
- Fourth, try to pay more attention to your baby (but not just when he bangs his head). Nothing will happen if you cook dinner every two days. Better spend more time with your little one. Wear it more often on your hands, show the world around you, read books, turn on gentle but rhythmic music. Dance with the baby by clapping your hands.
- Fifth, when you see the child bang his head, don't scream or punish him, but try to keep him occupied with something else that will be more attractive.
When to see the doctor
If the banging of the head intensifies or you notice new behaviors that make you anxious, be sure to consult your doctor. Consultation of a pediatrician is also necessary when a child:
- keeps hitting his head, even if it hurts him
- has a fever or cries at the same time
- doesn't like being hugged or carried, it doesn't calm him down at all
- loses appetite at the same time
- also has other, repeatedly repeated behaviors that raise your doubts.
"M jak mama" monthly