Understanding Head Banging
Head banging can be upsetting for parents to see. But in most cases, occasional head banging is a form of self-stimulation, self-comfort, or a way to release frustration. It's not a sign of another problem.
If your child is banging their head, you can help by dealing with whatever is causing the emotional upset and protecting them from injury as much as possible. Try not to make a big deal about the head banging or scold your child for this behavior.
Why Do Some Kids Bang Their Head?
Self-Stimulation
Some children bang their head as a form of self-stimulation. The rhythmic motion can be calming or provide sensory input they need.
Self-Comfort
Head banging can be a self-soothing behavior, similar to how some children rock or suck their thumb when they're tired or upset.
Release Frustration
When children are frustrated, angry, or overwhelmed, head banging can be a way to release pent-up emotions when they don't have the words to express themselves.
Important: Head banging is typically a normal part of development for many children, especially toddlers. It usually peaks between 18 months and 2 years of age and typically stops by age 3.
How Parents Can Help
1. Address the Underlying Cause
Deal with whatever is causing the emotional upset. If your child is banging their head because they're frustrated, tired, or overwhelmed, address those underlying issues.
- • Ensure your child is well-rested
- • Make sure they're not hungry or thirsty
- • Help them express their feelings with words
- • Provide comfort and reassurance
- • Reduce stress and overstimulation
2. Protect from Injury
Protect your child from injury as much as possible:
- • Pad the crib or bed if they bang their head there
- • Remove hard surfaces near where they might bang
- • Ensure their environment is safe
- • Check for any injuries after episodes
- • If they're banging against walls or furniture, try to redirect them to softer surfaces
3. Don't Make a Big Deal
Try not to make a big deal about the head banging or scold your child for this behavior. Paying too much attention to it can actually reinforce the behavior.
- • Stay calm when it happens
- • Don't scold or punish
- • Avoid excessive attention (positive or negative)
- • Gently redirect to another activity if possible
4. Provide Alternative Activities
Offer alternative ways for your child to self-soothe or release energy:
- • Provide safe toys or activities that offer sensory input
- • Encourage physical activity and exercise
- • Offer comfort objects like stuffed animals or blankets
- • Teach and practice calming techniques (deep breathing, counting)
- • Provide opportunities for safe rough play or movement
When Should You Be Concerned?
While head banging is common and usually nothing to worry about, in some kids it can be part of a developmental problem.
A child who is head banging often, particularly if there's a question of developmental delay or unusual social interactions, should be seen by a doctor.
Signs That Warrant Medical Attention:
- • Head banging occurs very frequently or intensifies
- • Your child causes injury to themselves
- • Head banging persists beyond age 3
- • Accompanied by developmental delays
- • Unusual social interactions or behaviors
- • Occurs along with other concerning behaviors
- • Your child seems to be in pain or distress
- • Interferes with sleep, eating, or daily activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is head banging normal for toddlers?
A: Yes, head banging is quite common in toddlers and is usually a normal part of development. It typically peaks between 18 months and 2 years of age and usually stops by age 3. It's often a form of self-stimulation, self-comfort, or a way to release frustration.
Q: Will head banging hurt my child?
A: Most children who bang their head have a remarkable ability to control the force of their banging to avoid serious injury. However, it's still important to protect your child from injury by padding their environment and removing hard surfaces. If your child is causing injury to themselves, consult with your doctor.
Q: Should I try to stop my child from head banging?
A: For most children, head banging is a temporary phase that will resolve on its own. Instead of trying to stop it directly, focus on addressing underlying causes (frustration, tiredness, overstimulation), protecting your child from injury, and providing alternative activities. Making too big a deal of it can actually reinforce the behavior.
Q: Is head banging a sign of autism?
A: While head banging can be associated with autism spectrum disorder, it's also very common in typically developing children. Head banging alone is not a sign of autism. However, if it's accompanied by other developmental concerns, delays, or unusual social interactions, it's worth discussing with your child's doctor.
Q: What should I do if head banging continues beyond age 3?
A: If head banging continues beyond age 3, becomes more frequent or intense, or is accompanied by other concerns, consult with your child's pediatrician. They can evaluate your child for any underlying issues and provide guidance on appropriate interventions.
Key Takeaways
Usually Normal
Head banging is common and typically resolves by age 3
Protect from Injury
Keep your child safe while allowing the behavior to pass
Stay Calm
Don't make a big deal about it or scold your child
⚠️ Important Note
This article provides general information and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. If head banging is frequent, continues beyond age 3, causes injury, or is accompanied by developmental delays or other concerns, consult with your child's pediatrician for evaluation and guidance.