What should I do? The doctor said that it is fine he will out grow it. He has been banging his head into the wall at nap time and bed time for an hour or so. I don't know what to do. The doctor said that he is doing it for attention just to ignore it. Well I did that for 3 months. He is 18 months old and I don't know what to do. please help. It cannot be good for him to keep doing it. Has this happen to anyone else.
2006-08-25 14:09:27 · 13 answers · asked by Jessica p 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
he does not like to be held to go to sleep. he does not like to cuddle
2006-08-25 14:13:11 · update #1
I tried to move him away from the walls but he can get out of his bed and then he will sit next to the wall and do it their
2006-08-25 14:17:23 · update #2
He is only 18mths old and all ready knows how to get your attention,i do not think that is why he is doing it.This may be how he soothes his self before falling asleep.Some babies take a binky,some just lay in their bed.Try to help him find something else that soothes him b-4 falling asleep.Do not rock him or lay w/him he needs to go to sleep on his own.Maybe a hot bath or soft music,whatever he likes.Move him away from the walls and watch him very carefully.Also get a second opinion,his ears may be bothering him.If nothing works i am sure he will grow out of it soon.Hope all goes well.
2006-08-25 15:23:04 · answer #1 · answered by hotmama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since it's been going on for so long and your doctor is not taking your concerns seriously, I'd try visiting a Developmental Pediatrician. I'd seek out a Behavor Specialist as well. While headbanging of this nature is usually associated with Autism, it's also seen in Sensory Integration Dysfunction.
How does your son react to cuddling at other times throughout the day? Has there been any regression in his speech development? Does he make eye contact with you (or others)? Is he outgoing? Those are some of the questions a Developmental Ped or Behavior Specialist would ask. Those questions are geared to looking for signs of Autism.
I don't think he's doing this for attention since it hasn't let up. I wish you the best of luck in findind some answers for your son.
2006-08-25 19:41:39 · answer #2 · answered by Marie K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow...sounds pretty bad. Perhaps you can cut the nap time. I did when my daughter was 18 months old. I did because after her nap she wasn't sleepy until 11 pm which was too late. It was so much better for her. I had to work for the first week, every time I would see her dozing off...I would play a game with her, sing a song etc. I wouldn't take her for a drive around nap time or let her watch t.v..(that makes them sleepy). You have to keep him active. Around 8 pm he should feel really sleepy and perhaps not bang his head.
If that doesn't work, perhaps you can get him and alternative to bang his head on which won't hurt him....like a special cushion. I would even try putting mats on the walls.
Anyways, try the take away nap approach and I hope it works!
2006-08-25 16:36:07 · answer #3 · answered by BigMama 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm going to assume that the area is padded, so he does not hurt himself. Was he checked for ear infections, or fluid in his ear? He may lie down and get headaches; and this is the only way to deal with the pain.
Or, the doctor could just be right, and it's for attention. Change the bedtime routine slightly, make it calmer and more soothing if you can. But don't rock him to sleep, you will be setting a precedent that will make him stay awake longer and longer...so you'll end up rocking him, he'll fall asleep, and then you'll put him to bed. And then he'll wake up and it will start all over. (Yes, this has happened to me!)
2006-08-25 14:16:19 · answer #4 · answered by Karen? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
oh, yes, the head banging method for attention. It's a phase and he will get over it. Just do what your doctor says and ignore him. He just don't want to take his nap and he is doing it thinking that momma will come in and he won't have to take a nap. My nephews done this, my son hasn't done it yet, but I know what to expect. Let him do it. Eventually he will find out that you are the boss, not him and he will quit it and just take his nap.
2006-08-25 14:42:22 · answer #5 · answered by tricksy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is very common and most kids do out grow it, but also kids with autisim tend to do this. Since he hasn't stopped on his own and it is bothering you, I would take him back to the doctor and have him checked out again. Tell the doctor it is really worring you. It is probably just comforting to him. My 5 year old did this she out grew it when she was a little over 2. She is fine, but I do know about the worring.
2006-08-25 18:22:36 · answer #6 · answered by dani113077 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When he's tired, he'll go to sleep. 18 months is too young to be looking for attention, simply hold him. When he's tired, he'll go to sleep.
2006-08-25 14:15:21 · answer #7 · answered by Answerer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said he dosn't like to be cuddled, is this only at bedtime or at other times as well?
2006-08-25 14:53:23 · answer #8 · answered by mom tw boys 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He's just a baby !!
Change your doctor by one more simpathetic please!!!
Rock him, hold him, be with him until he fell asleep.
They grow up too fast !!!
2006-08-25 14:22:37 · answer #9 · answered by Susana C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pull his bed away from the walls so he cant reach them
2006-08-25 14:15:58 · answer #10 · answered by kleighs mommy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋