Question:
> My daughter just developed this little problem…. > For about the past two weeks, any time during the day (or night) when my > 4.5 month old starts to get tired, she’ll pick up one of her toys and > begin hitting herself rhythmically, first in the forehead then in the > stomach. Its *very* disturbing to watch, and even when I take the toy out > of her hands, she continues to hit herself with her clasped hands.
Krista. . . Neither of our youngsters has ever shown this behaviour, but I can understand why it’s painful to watch! Frankly, I would never let her continue to hit herself. You say it’s when she’s tired. . . to me this would be my cue to snatch her up for cuddle-time. Take away the toy, and if necessary, I would swaddle her up so her hands can’t reach her head, then snuggle and rock or whatever she likes before sleeptime. Barring any other bizarre behaviours, I would guess this is just her way of telling you she’s had it! Of course I’m just a dad and not a health professional. If you’re worried I would make an appointment with a pediatrician. Good luck with the parenting thing… Greg Lubianetzky father to Teri, 7 years and Tommy, 7months
Response:
> > My daughter just developed this little problem…. > For about the past two weeks, any time during the day (or night) when my > 4.5 month old starts to get tired, she’ll pick up one of her toys and > begin hitting herself rhythmically, first in the forehead then in the > stomach. Its *very* disturbing to watch, and even when I take the toy out > of her hands, she continues to hit herself with her clasped hands.
Sounds upsetting all right. It is probably nothing: many children paw their faces rhythmically when they’re tired. Or it might be something worth checking out. One place to ask about syndromes that can produce this kind of behavior is bit.listserv.autism. I DON"T mean to suggest that your child has autism, I am only thinking that some people in that group may be familiar with conditions that give rise to this kind of thing. Good luck! -Troy
Response:
Obviously, if you have a question you should ask your pediatrician, however… Babies do weird things. They are discovering their bodies and what they can do which can produce some strange looking but relatively harmless behavior. My first son began shaking his head at about 10 months, which looked strange but was nothing. My second son (14mos) is going through a head butting phase, anything and anyone is a target. He thinks its funny and when you react he trys to wrestle you. Try not to worry, and enjoy her Susan mom to Aaron (4 years) and Bryan 14mos
Response:
My daughter just developed this little problem…. For about the past two weeks, any time during the day (or night) when my 4.5 month old starts to get tired, she’ll pick up one of her toys and begin hitting herself rhythmically, first in the forehead then in the stomach. Its *very* disturbing to watch, and even when I take the toy out of her hands, she continues to hit herself with her clasped hands. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, should I let her continue or did you find a way to make your child stop? Thanks for your help, Krista (mom to Sarah, 12/2/95) Krista Beck-Gallagher
Response:
I have an almost 4.5 month old little girl and she doesn’t do that. I think you should call a pediatrician and ask if they’ve heard of that what you should do. In the mean time, I would suggest that you start giving her plush toys so that she doesn’t hurt herself.
Response:
: I have an almost 4.5 month old little girl and she doesn’t do that. I : think you should call a pediatrician and ask if they’ve heard of that what : you should do. In the mean time, I would suggest that you start giving : her plush toys so that she doesn’t hurt herself. I would alos probably onsult her ped … however, my brother in law used to bang his head into a wall when he went to sleep (starting in the crib). He aced the LSATs, and practically aced the Bar exam. He is now a lawyer w/ one of the most prestigeous firms in NYC. Maybe it did damage him … 
My 10 mo old would occasionally whack herself at that age, but not in the manner you describe. She was/is more a thumb sucker. Now she rubs her hand over her face when she is tired — dragging her bottom eyelids open .. kind of sickening. Good luck — Devorah
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