Hi mamas!
My son is 11 months old. He has recently started smacking himself in the face, on the side of his head and on his ear. He also pulls his hair! He doesn't seem to be hurting himself. He smiles, giggles and "talks" while he does it.Silly boy! I don't think I've ever seen another baby do this before, so his is a new one. Have any of you other mamas experienced this with your little ones? He does have very dry skin. I thought maybe he is doing it because his skin might itch and it feels good. I really can't think of any other reason, other than maybe I make a startled face and he thinks it's funny so he continues. Any experiences you mamas have had I am anxious to hear!! Thank you!
He's probably just experiencing/learning about new sensations. My oldest used to hit her head against the wall. It didn't last long.
ours used to twirl his hair at that age, and bat at his right ear (like a dog with fleas). we thought it was bizzaro. the ped said not to worry, and not to make fuss about it. both behaviors lasted about 2 weeks at best, then he gave them up.
go figure. good luck to you and yours,
F. B.
Some kids have higher/lower sensory threshholds than others (and than what we may consider normal). For some children, the slightest touch may seem painful (they are more sensitive) whereas some others don't feel anything until it's a lot of pressure (often the rough-and-tumble kids that barely blink when they fall, and bounce back quickly without seeming to feel any pain). This also applies to taste, hearing, and other sensory experiences (some medical professionals have noticed some children's preferences for bland or spicy foods and under/overstimulation in bright or noisy areas may be linked to these types of sensitivities). Maybe your son doesn't feel the smacking in the same way you or I might...if it continues, though, it may be good to check in with a doc (as a high sensory threshhold can lead to unnoticed injuries in a small number of children since they don't perceive pain the same way most of us do). Good luck--I know it can be a challenge!
Our son (now 13 months) pulls on his hair very hard and has for a few months now. Sometimes he pulls some of it out. Ouch if you ask me. We just pull his hands away if he seems to be getting carried away. We mentioned it to our pediatrician but he said not to worry as it is a normal baby thing. Good luck.
Yes, kids are very strange at times. :-) They do that and I think they think it's being funny. I always said 'Don't hurt yourself' or something to that affect and tried to show them to do something 'funny' not hurting themselves. They do outgrow that stage soon though.
