Baby Shaking Head Side to Side
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAP, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed baby shaking head side to side, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Head shaking in babies is very common and is usually a normal self-soothing behavior or a sign of exploration and play. Many babies shake their head side to side when falling asleep, when excited, or when learning the concept of "no." Ear discomfort from teething or ear infections can also cause head shaking. While persistent or unusual head movements can occasionally indicate a neurological concern, in the vast majority of cases, a baby who is developing normally and shakes their head is simply exploring body movement.
Key takeaways
- Head shaking in babies is very common and is usually a normal self-soothing behavior or a sign of exploration and play. Many babies shake their head side to side when falling asleep, when excited, or when learning the concept of "no." Ear discomfort from teething or ear infections can also cause head shaking. While persistent or unusual head movements can occasionally indicate a neurological concern, in the vast majority of cases, a baby who is developing normally and shakes their head is simply exploring body movement.
- Usually normal when: Your baby shakes their head while playing and seems amused by the sensation
- Call your doctor if: Head shaking looks involuntary - your baby cannot seem to stop, and the movements look rhythmic and mechanical rather than playful
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, NIH guidelines, head shaking in babies is very common and is usually a normal self-soothing behavior or a sign of exploration and play. Many babies shake their head side to side when falling asleep, when excited, or when learning the concept of "no." Ear discomfort from teething or ear infections can also cause head shaking. While persistent or unusual head movements can occasionally indicate a neurological concern, in the vast majority of cases, a baby who is developing normally and shakes their head is simply exploring body movement. At 0-4 months, some newborns and young infants shake their head side to side as a self-soothing behavior, especially when trying to latch during breastfeeding (the rooting reflex can look like head shaking) or when settling to sleep. This is normal. If head shaking is constant, looks rhythmic and involuntary, or is accompanied by unusual eye movements, mention it to your pediatrician, as it could indicate a neurological concern in very young infants. It is generally considered normal when your baby shakes their head while playing and seems amused by the sensation. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if head shaking looks involuntary - your baby cannot seem to stop, and the movements look rhythmic and mechanical rather than playful.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-4 months
Some newborns and young infants shake their head side to side as a self-soothing behavior, especially when trying to latch during breastfeeding (the rooting reflex can look like head shaking) or when settling to sleep. This is normal. If head shaking is constant, looks rhythmic and involuntary, or is accompanied by unusual eye movements, mention it to your pediatrician, as it could indicate a neurological concern in very young infants.
4-8 months
This is the most common age for babies to discover head shaking. They find the sensation interesting and the dizzy feeling amusing. You may see your baby shake their head and then giggle. Head shaking while sitting in a high chair, during play, or when excited is usually just a fun motor experiment. Babies who are teething may shake their head because of referred discomfort from their gums to their ears. Check for other teething signs like drooling, chewing on objects, and irritability.
8-12 months
Around 8-12 months, some babies begin shaking their head to communicate "no" before they can say the word. This is a cognitive milestone - they are connecting a gesture to a meaning they have learned from watching adults. Head shaking when tired or falling asleep (sleep-related rhythmic movement) is also common at this age and is benign. If your baby shakes their head frequently and also pulls at their ears, has a fever, or is unusually fussy, an ear infection should be ruled out.
12-36 months
Toddlers shake their head to say "no" as one of their first communicative gestures. This is normal and healthy communication development. Some toddlers shake their head rhythmically when excited or during play. If head shaking is very frequent, associated with other repetitive behaviors like hand flapping or rocking, or if your toddler seems "stuck" in the behavior and cannot be redirected, discuss it with your pediatrician in the context of a broader developmental assessment.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby shaking head side to side and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if head shaking is very frequent and happens many times throughout the day.
- Mention if your baby is pulling at their ears alongside head shaking, especially with fever or fussiness.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby shakes their head while playing and seems amused by the sensation
- Head shaking occurs when falling asleep and stops once your baby is fully asleep
- Your baby shakes their head to communicate "no" starting around 8-12 months
- Head shaking is occasional and your baby is developing normally in all other areas
- Head shaking started around teething time and your baby also has other teething symptoms
- Head shaking is very frequent and happens many times throughout the day
- Your baby is pulling at their ears alongside head shaking, especially with fever or fussiness
- Head shaking is accompanied by other repetitive movements and your baby has limited social engagement or communication
- Head shaking looks involuntary - your baby cannot seem to stop, and the movements look rhythmic and mechanical rather than playful
- Head shaking is accompanied by unusual eye movements, loss of balance, or your baby seems dazed or confused afterward
- Your baby has sudden onset of rapid head movements with a change in consciousness - this could indicate a seizure
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby shaking head side to side — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby shakes their head while playing and seems amused by the sensation — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-4 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if head shaking looks involuntary - your baby cannot seem to stop, and the movements look rhythmic and mechanical rather than playful.
Related Conditions
Baby or Toddler Head Banging
Head banging is a surprisingly common self-soothing behavior in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 20% of healthy children. Most children who bang their heads are developing normally and will outgrow it by age 3-4. It typically happens at bedtime or during frustration and is rarely a sign of a serious problem.
Baby Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, and most children will have at least one by age 3. They are caused by fluid buildup behind the eardrum, often following a cold. While uncomfortable, most ear infections are not dangerous and many resolve on their own, though some need antibiotics.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is baby shaking head side to side normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby shaking head side to side?
When is baby shaking head side to side normal?
What causes baby shaking head side to side?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby shaking head side to side?
Is baby shaking head side to side normal at 0-4 months?
Is baby shaking head side to side normal at 4-8 months?
Should I go to the ER for baby shaking head side to side?
Does baby shaking head side to side go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Shaking Head Side to Side.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby shaking head side to side and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if head shaking is very frequent and happens many times throughout the day.
- Mention if your baby is pulling at their ears alongside head shaking, especially with fever or fussiness.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Head shaking is very frequent and happens many times throughout the day
- Your baby is pulling at their ears alongside head shaking, especially with fever or fussiness
- Head shaking is accompanied by other repetitive movements and your baby has limited social engagement or communication
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Head shaking looks involuntary - your baby cannot seem to stop, and the movements look rhythmic and mechanical rather than playful
- Head shaking is accompanied by unusual eye movements, loss of balance, or your baby seems dazed or confused afterward
- Your baby has sudden onset of rapid head movements with a change in consciousness - this could indicate a seizure
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby shaking head side to side are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if head shaking looks involuntary - your baby cannot seem to stop, and the movements look rhythmic and mechanical rather than playful.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Behavior Concerns
Baby or Toddler Head Banging
Head banging is a surprisingly common self-soothing behavior in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 20% of healthy children. Most children who bang their heads are developing normally and will outgrow it by age 3-4. It typically happens at bedtime or during frustration and is rarely a sign of a serious problem.
Baby Ear Infections (Otitis Media)
Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, and most children will have at least one by age 3. They are caused by fluid buildup behind the eardrum, often following a cold. While uncomfortable, most ear infections are not dangerous and many resolve on their own, though some need antibiotics.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
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