Head Banging in Babies & Toddlers
Content reviewed against published AAP, Sleep Foundation, AACAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Head banging is a common rhythmic movement where a baby or toddler repeatedly bangs their head against the crib, wall, or floor. It affects up to 15-20% of healthy children and is typically a self-soothing behavior that begins around 6-9 months and usually resolves by age 3-4. While alarming to parents, it is rarely a sign of a developmental problem.
Key takeaways
- Head banging is a common rhythmic movement where a baby or toddler repeatedly bangs their head against the crib, wall, or floor.
- Most common cause: Self-soothing or self-regulation (most common)
- Emergency: Head banging has caused visible injury (bleeding, large bump, possible concussion)
- Home care: Ensure the sleep environment is safe — pad the crib rails or move the crib away from walls
Possible Causes
When to Seek Help
Emergency — Call 911 or go to ER:
- Head banging has caused visible injury (bleeding, large bump, possible concussion)
- Head banging after a fall or head injury (could indicate pain or neurological concern)
- Child is inconsolable and banging head with apparent severe pain
Urgent — See doctor today:
- Head banging combined with fever and ear pulling (possible ear infection)
- Self-injurious head banging causing bruising or skin breakdown
- Sudden onset of head banging with loss of developmental skills
Same-day appointment:
- Head banging causing parental concern with developmental questions
- Increased frequency of head banging with possible illness
Monitor at home:
- Rhythmic head banging only at bedtime in an otherwise normally developing child
- Brief head banging during tantrums in a toddler (self-limiting)
- Head banging that is decreasing over time
By Age
6-12 months
Normal: Head banging often begins around 6-9 months as a self-soothing behavior at bedtime. Episodes are typically rhythmic and last less than 15 minutes.
Worry if: Head banging combined with lack of eye contact, no babbling, not responding to name, or absence of social smiling. Also concerning if baby seems to be in pain.
1-2 years
Normal: Peak age for head banging. Very common especially at bedtime or during tantrums. Child is otherwise developing normally and interacting well.
Worry if: Head banging during the day (not just at sleep times), causing injury, combined with loss of developmental milestones, or lasting more than 30 minutes.
2-3 years
Normal: Usually begins to decrease in frequency. Most children outgrow this behavior by age 3.
Worry if: Behavior is intensifying rather than decreasing, causing visible injury, or accompanied by other repetitive behaviors and developmental concerns.
3+ years
Normal: Most children have outgrown head banging by this age.
Worry if: Continued head banging past age 3-4, particularly if combined with language delays, social difficulties, or self-injurious behavior.
Home Care
- Ensure the sleep environment is safe — pad the crib rails or move the crib away from walls
- Do not give extra attention to the behavior as this can reinforce it
- Establish a calming bedtime routine with rocking, singing, or white noise
- Offer alternative rhythmic soothing (rocking chair, gentle music)
- Make sure baby is getting enough physical activity during the day
- Ensure the child is not in pain (check for teething or ear infection)
- Keep a consistent sleep schedule to reduce overtiredness
- Do not punish or restrain the child for head banging
Frequently asked questions
What causes head banging?
When is this an emergency?
What can I do at home?
When should I call the doctor?
Sources
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Symptoms
Bottom line
Most cases of head banging in babies are not emergencies. However, seek immediate care if head banging has caused visible injury (bleeding, large bump, possible concussion).
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.