Head shaking?

[sasha]

Sometimes when he's tired - well, I think it's just when he's tired, could be other times too - Sebastian lies there, shaking his head from side to side. I find it a little disturbing... has anyone else had this and why is he doing it? I'm going to the doctor on Tuesday, so I'll mention it to her, and he also has his 8 month check with the CHN in a couple of weeks. Just wondered if anyone had experienced this.

TIA,

[Cricket]

Don't be too concerned about it. My DD does something similar when she's tired - thumping her head on the back of her highchair. It was a little disturbing to me at first, but the doctor assured me it is just a form of stress release and relaxing for them, and they generally outgrow it by the time they are two, or so. A friend of mine has a little guy who does the same thing in bed - thumps his head on the mattress until he falls asleep. (Once the sheet came off, and he rubbed his fore head raw and bleeding on the plastic mattress cover! Generally, though, they don't hurt themselves.) My husband also rocked his head from side to side, or thumped it on his headboard to settle down to sleep as a child. He even did it once or twice after we were married - that was a little startling for me.
Anyways, I'd mention it to your doctor for sure, at the next appointment, but until then, I wouldn't worry. I hear from more and more mums it seems, that their kids do/have done the same thing and were fine.

[sasha]

Thanks for that. I found it amusing that your husband used to do that when you were married Mine used to hold his breath in his sleep... gave me the creeps! Either he doesn't do it anymore or I'm used to it!

I just noticed - not long to go for you - have a wonderful birth.

[Angelgirl]

Our 7 month old does the same thing and has worn off a gorgeous bald-spot on the back of her head! I was also quite concerned but she definitely doesn't seem to be effected by it negatively at all.

[carls888]

DD who is 8 months old does the same thing. When she's tired or frustrated about something.
I'm glad to hear it's normal too as I was going to ask the Dr next time we saw him.
C

[krysalyss]

DS used to do it too but it seems to have stopped. He then exchanged that for leg thumping on the mattress and now he has stopped that too. Now he has started sleeping on his side and moving around the cot. I keep finding him sideways.