14 month old frequently hitting herself in the head...

[angelaartsstudent]

I can't help with the head hitting but I know that if DD eats something very processed and unnatural/sugary/both that she turns into a violent freaky little cyclone, so the additive thing is very possible!

[meow]

Let us know how you go with the diet. I've never worked out why my son hits his head and he hasn't grown out of it yet. I think he has sensory integration issues.

[fi1980]

OMG I just did some quick research into 160B and it acutally says it causes headbanging in small children A LOT of different sources say this - I can't believe it is so widely used if this is such a common reaction

Thanks again salad for bringing this to my attention - I never would have thought of this as a possible cause

[meow]

Hopefully that's it then!

[Frangipani]

OMG I just did some quick research into 160B and it acutally says it causes headbanging in small children A LOT of different sources say this - I can't believe it is so widely used if this is such a common reaction

Thanks again salad for bringing this to my attention - I never would have thought of this as a possible cause

Wow ...thanks for sharing this.

My DS1 used to head bang and hit himself all the time too....I think it lasted a few months (around a similar age as your DD). I use to worry as quite often it would leave little bruises (and I would just hope his child care workers and any body else who saw this understood it was a self inflicted injury). Thankfully he grew out of it....once he learnt to communicate better.

I try adjust his food - which could be tricky if it turns out to be common in alot of things (though he does eat alot of fruits and vegies...but sadly grapes are a favourite too )....and watch for this additive (which I never knew about)...and hopefully I can eliminate the squealing - which is not as bad, but very ear piercing I also have an almost 1 year old, who is possibly likely to go down the same path of frustration communication.

[Salad]

fi1980 - it is amazing what you find the 160B in, and because it is natural it is in a lot of products that are labelled "no additives" etc but like you I would never have thought ever that this could be a problem. DD used to always have huge bruises on her forehead as well from banging it all the time. I thought it was a frustration thing aswell to begin with but after chatting to another lady whos child was doing similiar to mine then researching it online, I eliminated it and my little angel returned. I have given it back to her on occasions only for her to start head butting again and turn into a monster, and it takes at least 4 days to leave her system so its just not worth it.

Please let me know how you go, I would love to know.

[fi1980]

Thanks again - I will definitely be back in a few days to let you know if there has been an improvement. DD has a permanent bruise on her forehead that I would love to see go away!

[NaeNae]

Salad ~ Do you know if its in yoghurt or called somethign else. I looked in the foods we give DD but its no there that I can tell.

[Salad]

Most yogurts are ok as far as I know, some do have other nasties in them but I guess it all comes down to what affects your child/ren It will either say "Annatto" or 160B on the label.

Check out "fed up with food additives" they have a website and a book which are both full of information.