Does Your Toddler Head Bump?

Do you ever notice your child bumping their head on their crib right before they go to sleep and then once they exhaust themselves, they pass right out? Twenty- percent of babies and toddlers bang their head on purpose, with boys being three times more likely to do so than girls. Toddler head bumping happens around the age of 18 months and goes until 24 months,and is completely normal, until it exceeds beyond the age of three.  The toddler head bump will happen every so often, no matter how careful a parent you are.  Be sure to keep informed and aware of what to do in this situation to prevent injury and tears.

Reasons Why!

Self-comfort is the number one reason for the toddler head bump because they’re indulging in a behavior to relax.

• Toddler’s bang their head rhythmically normally before they fall asleep and sometimes it can happen in the middle of the night. While some children twirl their hair, or rock on all fours, head banging is just another form of self-soothing for your little one. Your child could also be head banging because he doesn’t feel well and something is bothering him (ear infection, teething, overtired).
• The toddler head bump makes your tot feel better while also distracting him from any sort of discomfort. Bringing pain to the head deflects any other pain he’s experiencing.
• Your child could also be frustrated, causing him to want to bang his head. Your toddler hasn’t learned self-expression, therefore acting out physically relieves him of the stress.
•  Incessant head banging could be your toddler’s way of merely getting the attention he is lacking. Since watching him head bang makes you solicitous, that alone, could be satisfying enough for him because he’s getting the attention he wants.
• The chances our slim but your toddler could have a developmental problem, which could be associated with autism.

What To Do!

• Make sure your giving a lot of positive affection when your little one isn’t banging his head.
• Protect him from injury by making sure the screws, bolts and anything near or on your child’s bed is tightened.
• Adding cushions to the rails is a good idea because he won’t be banging his head against something so hard. This will also minimize the amount of noise he’s making.
• Set the room up so that he’s safe alone.
• Move the crib or toddler bed away from the wall and also try putting padding around the crib and other areas that could be cushioned.
• Detach any wheels that are underneath, so it will stay in place.