My 17 Month Old Son Has Started Slamming His Head on the Ground

At 17 months, he can't communicate his feelings well when he's upset but slamming his head on the ground is a sign of a deeper problem. Take him to the doctor right away because there might be something deeper involved in his actions. Maybe even autism.

My 15 month old daughter has kind of the same problem. She would go to our glass door and hit her head or when she would get mad she would hit her head on the floor or anything else that was near her. I asked her doctor about it because I had never seen this before and my oldest never had done this before. Her doctor said that it is normal. She said some kids just do it because they are fustrated or for stimulation. She said that once she said once a child hurts themselves they will generally stop. My daughter does not do it much anymore but she still has some occasions where she still does it. I wouldn't be to concerned about it just keep an I on him and if he starts doing it then take him and put him in a play pin or if he is still in a crib put him in there. This will make it harder for him to hurt himself and teach him not to do it anymore. I hope this helps.

It seems pretty early for the "terrible twos", but it seems to be mainly that. My kids went through some pretty bads fits when they were about two years old, like screaming and slamming their heads on the kitchen floor for twenty minutes. The only thing I could do was to move them to a softer spot so they wouldn't injure themselves. Also, if I moved myself into another room, I'd be less likely to injure myself, as well. :) Every once in a while distracting them with a toy or activity would work. The only other thing I can think of is if there has been recent trauma in the family--or even a recent move. That could speed things up. Other than that, just a lot of patience--and prayer--should tide you over.

People look at me like I am weird, but I have kept the approach that "well once he knocks himself out he will learn", and I LOVE how many older moms agree. I may be a first time mom, but I like the Grandmas of this age. He will eventually grow out of it. Unfortunately it might take 18 months to 2 years

Hello, M.,
My daughter went through the same thing and I have a son who is about to go through it. I think it's just a way of acting out. He probably won't hit very hard, even though it looks like he's really slamming it down. I just ignored it and it seemed to go away. Sometimes kids will act out more if they get a big reaction.
Don't think it's anything to worry about.
Good luck and hang in there!
Jen

He is doing this to get your attention, If it really hurt him he wouldn't do it. So Let him do it, but ignore him. he has to learn that this isn't going to get your attention. Tell him "if you want me tell me" and the more he hits his head the mopre you need to ignore him. He won't hurt himself, he only does it because of your reaction.

My oldest did the same thing(1 of 5) he made me insane with guilt and concern.One day we went to the park..he didnt get his way and his head met the cement and not the carpet he was used to!All I can say is he never did it again! a large lump but he had to learn on HIS own it wasnt worth it to do that anymore.Not much help I know but at least you know you are not alone.Good luck!
M.

howdy M.!
i asked my pediatrician this same question about 25 years ago and he told me not to worry, he will figure it out and won't do it when he decides that it hurts...i don't mean for this to sound flippant but as a mom, with experience you will learn what to have real concern over!
also, when my younger son did have a real injury that sent us to the e.r. ~ thank the Lord for the attending physician who explained to me that a child's skull is made up of flexibe bone that hardens by the time they are about 6, so that with impact the skull will give to protect the brain...i hope this is some reassurance for you!

I have a friend who's son did the same thing! she was worried too. One time he did it until he knocked himself out! her Dr. said it was a form of temper tantrum, and to deal with it accordingly. He told her that some kids just go to the extremes to get attention. She started punishing him when ever he did it, and with in a week he quit. This may not be your kid, and maybe you should talk to your Dr. to see what's up!

My daughter did this also right around that time. I too hated it and wanted to do anything i could to get her to stop. I am not a Doctor, but I thought that it was just her way of gaining control over a situation she had no control over. Most of the time I just ignored it because she would really not bang it so hard, but other time I tried to redirect the situation and she would stop. I know it's extremely difficult to watch, but after asking around it is not all that uncommon. I would talk to the Dr. about it if it continues. Hope this helps a little.

Well my daughter did the same thing for the longest time, she would slam her head against concrete or the walls or tile floors, whatever she could and it used to freak me out because she would have marks on her head from it.. I would just always pull her away from doing it and let her throw her fit on the carpet, atleast that way she didnt get hurt.. Anyway she eventually grew out of it and doesnt do it anymore..