Strange New Behavior

I just think it is something new that she has learned on her own. Since she is in control of it she likes to do it. It is fun to watch them develop...she is just testing out her muscle control. I don't think it is anything to worry about.

Hi R.,
I would mention to your doctor just to be safe but when my daughter was the same age she started doing it as well. Almost like she was experiencing something for the first time and just wanted to do it like anything else she discovered she could do. My husband started making it into the "American Gladiator" trick as he would flex and say "American Gladiator" and then she would stiffen up and put her arms up as she was posing. We knew then it was voluntary as she would imitate him. My husband began to show it off as his "thing" he taught my daughter. Just wanted to give my example to show that it could be just something she is discovering she can do. But always worth mentioning to doctor.
Take care.

My 8 1/2 month old does this as well. She looks like she's flexing, and she even grunts like a body builder. Personally, I think that she's just working on new noises (she comes out with a new, strange noise every day it seems!). She will do it in response to my husband doing it to her first (he'll flex, and she'll do it in response), as well as on her own.

I would take her to the pediatrician to rule out seizures.

Hi
Not sure if this is what your daughtre is doing but when my girl was about that age she started shaking her head back and forth. I was worried and asked my mother in law if she was ok should I take her to the doctor. She laughed and said that she was imitating me. She said when I greeted my daughter that I would tip my head from side to side and coo with her and talk to her. So i guess that imitation is the greatest flattery :) Look at how you greet her and talk to her or how your mannerisms are. You might just find out that she wants to be just like Mommy :)

My son shakes his head "yes" all the time. It's very cute. However, if your daughter is tightening up her muscles, it might be more than something cute. Could you call the ped office and talk to a nurse? Sometimes they can rule things out quickly and save you a trip into the doctor's office.

Good luck!

my daughter too - comes and goes - doc said nothing to worry about unless it's like all the time, then it could be a tic - but if it's like just a couple of times and then she doesn't do it for a week, no worries. just bring it up at your next md appt. but you don't need to make a special appt. for it.

If this behavior seems voluntary that's one thing, but if it seems involuntary, even if it doesn't seem uncomfortable, then it would be a good idea to mention to her doctor. Notice if she does the same sort of movements each time. Is there any pattern as to when it happens? Just some things to think about. Involuntary movements can be indicative of an underlying issue, but can also be benign. Do what makes you as a mom comfortable regardless of what others tell you...

my daughter did that around that age, turned out she had an ear infection. just a thought...