Toddler Head Banging: A Guide for Parents

As a parent, it can be concerning and distressing when your toddler bangs their head. It's natural to want to know what is causing this behavior and how to stop it. Here's what you need to know about this weird toddler behavior.

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What causes toddler head banging?

Frustration or anger

Toddlers often don't have the words to express their feelings, and head banging can be a way for them to release frustration or anger.

Attention seeking

Head banging may be a way for your toddler to get your attention, especially if they have learned that this behavior elicits a strong reaction from you.

Sensory seeking

Some children may bang their head as a way to seek sensory input. This may be due to sensory processing issues or a need for more physical stimulation.

Sleep related

Head banging may also be a sleep-related behavior, occurring during sleep or just before falling asleep.

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Even weirder? Toddler head banging is normal

It's important to remember that head banging is a normal part of child development and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if your child's head banging is causing them injury or is occurring frequently, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider or child development specialist.

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What to do about it?

To help reduce head banging, you can try the following strategies:

Provide a safe outlet for frustration

Encourage your child to use words to express their feelings and offer them safe ways to release frustration, such as by hitting a pillow or stomping their feet.

Connect

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Ignore the behavior

If your child is head banging for attention, try to ignore the behavior and instead offer attention for positive behavior.

Provide sensory input

If your child is head banging due to sensory seeking, you can try providing sensory input through activities such as swinging or jumping on a trampoline.

Address sleep issues

If your child's head banging is sleep related, you may want to try establishing a consistent bedtime routine and addressing any underlying sleep issues.

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Remember, you're not alone

Head banging in toddlers is often a normal part of child development and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if the behavior is causing injury or occurring frequently, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider or child development specialist. To help reduce head banging, you can try providing a safe outlet for frustration, ignoring the behavior, providing sensory input, and addressing sleep issues.

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^Sources:

• ^{American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Head banging: Is it normal? Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/Head-Banging-Is-it-Normal.aspx}
• ^{Mayo Clinic. (2018). Toddler behavior: How to manage common challenges. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/toddler-health/in-depth/toddler-behavior/art-20046157}

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