Behavior & Social

Toddler Hitting or Banging Their Own Head

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, AAP guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed toddler hitting or banging their own head, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Head banging and self-hitting are surprisingly common behaviors in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 20% of healthy children. Most head banging is a self-soothing behavior, similar to thumb sucking or rocking, and often occurs at bedtime or during frustration. It typically starts around 6-9 months and peaks between 18-24 months. Most children outgrow head banging by age 3-4. While alarming to witness, children rarely hurt themselves from typical head banging, and it is not usually a sign of a developmental problem.

Key takeaways

  • Head banging and self-hitting are surprisingly common behaviors in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 20% of healthy children. Most head banging is a self-soothing behavior, similar to thumb sucking or rocking, and often occurs at bedtime or during frustration. It typically starts around 6-9 months and peaks between 18-24 months. Most children outgrow head banging by age 3-4. While alarming to witness, children rarely hurt themselves from typical head banging, and it is not usually a sign of a developmental problem.
  • Usually normal when: Rhythmic head banging at bedtime that lasts less than 15-20 minutes
  • Call your doctor if: Your child is hitting their head hard enough to cause visible injury (bruising, swelling, or skin breaks)

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What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH guidelines, head banging and self-hitting are surprisingly common behaviors in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 20% of healthy children. Most head banging is a self-soothing behavior, similar to thumb sucking or rocking, and often occurs at bedtime or during frustration. It typically starts around 6-9 months and peaks between 18-24 months. Most children outgrow head banging by age 3-4. While alarming to witness, children rarely hurt themselves from typical head banging, and it is not usually a sign of a developmental problem. At 0-12 months, rhythmic head banging often starts around 6-9 months. Babies may bang their head against the crib mattress, pillow, or headboard at bedtime as a self-soothing mechanism. The rhythmic motion is calming, similar to being rocked. Some babies also rock their whole body. This behavior can be distressing for parents but is a normal developmental phase. Ensure the crib is safe (no hard edges or gaps) and try not to draw too much attention to it, as reacting strongly can reinforce the behavior. It is generally considered normal when rhythmic head banging at bedtime that lasts less than 15-20 minutes. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is hitting their head hard enough to cause visible injury (bruising, swelling, or skin breaks).

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Rhythmic head banging at bedtime that lasts less than 15-20 minutes
Your child is hitting their head hard enough to cause visible injury (bruising, swelling, or skin breaks)
Head banging during tantrums in a child who is otherwise developing normally
Head banging is accompanied by significant developmental regression
Your child does not seem to be in pain from the head banging
Head banging seems related to pain (check ears for infection)
The behavior started between 6-24 months and is not intensifying
Your child is not responsive or seems dazed after head banging episodes

By Age

What to expect by age

0-12 months

Rhythmic head banging often starts around 6-9 months. Babies may bang their head against the crib mattress, pillow, or headboard at bedtime as a self-soothing mechanism. The rhythmic motion is calming, similar to being rocked. Some babies also rock their whole body. This behavior can be distressing for parents but is a normal developmental phase. Ensure the crib is safe (no hard edges or gaps) and try not to draw too much attention to it, as reacting strongly can reinforce the behavior.

1-3 years

Toddlers may bang their head or hit themselves during tantrums, when frustrated, when in pain (such as teething or ear infections), or as a continued self-soothing behavior at bedtime. During tantrums, head banging is a way of expressing intense emotions that the toddler cannot yet verbalize. Stay calm, ensure your child is in a safe environment, and do not give excessive attention to the behavior. If your child is head banging during tantrums, acknowledge their emotions and help them learn other ways to cope. The behavior usually resolves by age 3-4.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed toddler hitting or banging their own head and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if head banging is frequent and lasting a long time (more than 20-30 minutes).
  • Mention if your child seems to be injuring themselves from the banging.
  • 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

Probably normal when...
  • Rhythmic head banging at bedtime that lasts less than 15-20 minutes
  • Head banging during tantrums in a child who is otherwise developing normally
  • Your child does not seem to be in pain from the head banging
  • The behavior started between 6-24 months and is not intensifying
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Head banging is frequent and lasting a long time (more than 20-30 minutes)
  • Your child seems to be injuring themselves from the banging
  • Head banging is accompanied by developmental delays or concerns
  • The behavior is increasing in frequency or intensity rather than decreasing
  • Head banging continues past age 3-4
Act now when...
  • Your child is hitting their head hard enough to cause visible injury (bruising, swelling, or skin breaks)
  • Head banging is accompanied by significant developmental regression
  • Head banging seems related to pain (check ears for infection)
  • Your child is not responsive or seems dazed after head banging episodes

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice toddler hitting or banging their own head — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that rhythmic head banging at bedtime that lasts less than 15-20 minutes — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-12 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 your child is hitting their head hard enough to cause visible injury (bruising, swelling, or skin breaks).

Toddler Tantrums and Meltdowns

Tantrums are a completely normal and expected part of development, peaking between ages 1.5 and 3. They happen because the emotional centers of your toddler's brain are developing faster than the parts that control reasoning and impulse regulation. On average, toddlers have one tantrum per day, and each typically lasts 2-15 minutes.

body rocking

self soothing behaviors

sensory seeking behavior

Guide

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 toddler hitting or banging their own head normal?
Head banging and self-hitting are surprisingly common behaviors in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 20% of healthy children. Most head banging is a self-soothing behavior, similar to thumb sucking or rocking, and often occurs at bedtime or during frustration. It typically starts around 6-9 months and peaks between 18-24 months. Most children outgrow head banging by age 3-4. While alarming to witness, children rarely hurt themselves from typical head banging, and it is not usually a sign of a developmental problem.
When should I call the doctor about toddler hitting or banging their own head?
Your child is hitting their head hard enough to cause visible injury (bruising, swelling, or skin breaks) Head banging is accompanied by significant developmental regression Head banging seems related to pain (check ears for infection)
When is toddler hitting or banging their own head normal?
Rhythmic head banging at bedtime that lasts less than 15-20 minutes Head banging during tantrums in a child who is otherwise developing normally Your child does not seem to be in pain from the head banging
What causes toddler hitting or banging their own head?
Head banging and self-hitting are surprisingly common behaviors in babies and toddlers, affecting up to 20% of healthy children. Most head banging is a self-soothing behavior, similar to thumb sucking or rocking, and often occurs at bedtime or during frustration. It typically starts around 6-9 months and peaks between 18-24 months. Most children outgrow head banging by age 3-4. While alarming to witness, children rarely hurt themselves from typical head banging, and it is not usually a sign of a developmental problem. Common explanations include: Rhythmic head banging at bedtime that lasts less than 15-20 minutes. Head banging during tantrums in a child who is otherwise developing normally.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler hitting or banging their own head?
You should mention toddler hitting or banging their own head at your next visit if: Head banging is frequent and lasting a long time (more than 20-30 minutes). Your child seems to be injuring themselves from the banging. Head banging is accompanied by developmental delays or concerns.
Is toddler hitting or banging their own head normal at 0-12 months?
Rhythmic head banging often starts around 6-9 months. Babies may bang their head against the crib mattress, pillow, or headboard at bedtime as a self-soothing mechanism. The rhythmic motion is calming, similar to being rocked. Some babies also rock their whole body. This behavior can be distressing for parents but is a normal developmental phase. Ensure the crib is safe (no hard edges or gaps) and try not to draw too much attention to it, as reacting strongly can reinforce the behavior.
Is toddler hitting or banging their own head normal at 1-3 years?
Toddlers may bang their head or hit themselves during tantrums, when frustrated, when in pain (such as teething or ear infections), or as a continued self-soothing behavior at bedtime. During tantrums, head banging is a way of expressing intense emotions that the toddler cannot yet verbalize. Stay calm, ensure your child is in a safe environment, and do not give excessive attention to the behavior. If your child is head banging during tantrums, acknowledge their emotions and help them learn other ways to cope. The behavior usually resolves by age 3-4.
Should I go to the ER for toddler hitting or banging their own head?
Seek emergency care if your child is hitting their head hard enough to cause visible injury (bruising, swelling, or skin breaks), or if head banging is accompanied by significant developmental regression. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does toddler hitting or banging their own head go away on its own?
In many cases, toddler hitting or banging their own head resolves on its own, especially when rhythmic head banging at bedtime that lasts less than 15-20 minutes.
AAPNIHAAP

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Head Banging and Body Rocking. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]National Library of Medicine. Rhythmic Movement Disorder in Children. NIH
  3. [3]American Academy of Pediatrics. Temper Tantrums. HealthyChildren.org. AAP

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Hitting or Banging Their Own Head.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed toddler hitting or banging their own head and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if head banging is frequent and lasting a long time (more than 20-30 minutes).
  • Mention if your child seems to be injuring themselves from the banging.
  • 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 banging is frequent and lasting a long time (more than 20-30 minutes)
  • Your child seems to be injuring themselves from the banging
  • Head banging is accompanied by developmental delays or concerns

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child is hitting their head hard enough to cause visible injury (bruising, swelling, or skin breaks)
  • Head banging is accompanied by significant developmental regression
  • Head banging seems related to pain (check ears for infection)

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

Emergency ContactsBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of toddler hitting or banging their own head are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is hitting their head hard enough to cause visible injury (bruising, swelling, or skin breaks).

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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