Key Takeaways
- Hair pulling and head banging are very common in babies aged 6–24 months
- Up to 20% of healthy babies bang their heads as a self-soothing behavior
- Most children outgrow these behaviors by age 3–4 without any intervention
- Concerning signs include bald patches, bruising, developmental delays, or behaviors that worsen after age 3
Watching your baby pull their own hair or bang their head against the crib can be alarming. But in most cases, these behaviors are completely normal — and surprisingly common. Here's why babies do it and when you should be concerned.
Why Babies Pull Their Hair
Hair pulling in babies is rarely a sign of distress. Most of the time, it's driven by one of these reasons:
See also: Baby Separation Anxiety: When It Starts, Why It Happens, and How to Help and Baby Sweating While Sleeping: Causes & When to Worry.
- Sensory exploration (6–12 months) — babies are discovering textures, and hair is fascinating to grab and tug. They don't yet understand it causes pain.
- Self-soothing before sleep — some babies twirl or pull their hair rhythmically as a way to wind down, similar to thumb-sucking.
- Frustration expression — when babies can't communicate what they want, they may pull their hair out of frustration or overstimulation.
- Teething discomfort — pulling hair near the ears can be a response to referred pain from teething or ear pressure.
Redirect, don't react
When you see your baby pulling their hair, calmly offer a textured toy or lovey instead. A big reaction (even a concerned one) can accidentally reinforce the behavior because babies learn that it gets attention.
Why Babies Bang Their Heads
Head banging looks scary, but it's one of the most common repetitive behaviors in infancy. Up to 20% of healthy babies do it at some point.
- Rhythmic self-soothing — the repetitive motion is calming, much like rocking. Many babies do it at bedtime or during the night.
- Frustration or tantrums — when overwhelmed, some babies bang their head as an emotional release.
- Attention-seeking — if head banging gets a strong reaction from parents, babies may repeat it.
- Pain relief — babies with ear infections or teething pain may bang their head to create a counter-sensation that distracts from the discomfort.
When It Starts and Stops
- Typical onset: 6–9 months of age
- Peak: 18–24 months
- Resolution: most children outgrow it by age 3–4
These behaviors tend to appear as babies develop motor skills and emotional awareness but don't yet have the language to express themselves. As communication improves, the behaviors naturally fade.
Self-Soothing vs Concerning
Signs it's normal self-soothing
- Happens mainly at bedtime or naptime
- Rhythmic and predictable pattern
- Baby seems calm, zoned out, or drowsy during the behavior
- Stops on its own within 15–20 minutes
- No injury results
Signs that may be concerning
- Causes visible injury (bruises, bald patches, broken skin)
- Happens throughout the day, not just around sleep
- Accompanied by developmental delays (speech, social, motor)
- Gets more intense or frequent over time rather than fading
- Baby seems distressed or in pain during the behavior
What to Do
- Don't overreact — a dramatic response (even a worried one) can reinforce the behavior. Stay calm and neutral.
- Offer alternatives — give your baby a lovey, textured toy, or soft blanket to redirect the sensory need.
- Ensure a safe sleep environment — if your baby bangs their head in the crib, make sure the crib is sturdy and away from walls. Don't add padding (suffocation risk).
- Keep nails short — for hair pulling, short nails reduce the chance of scratching the scalp.
- Establish a calming bedtime routine — if the behavior happens at sleep time, a consistent wind-down routine can reduce the need for self-soothing.
- Check for pain — if head banging is new or sudden, rule out ear infections or teething pain with your pediatrician.
Safe crib, calm response
Move the crib away from the wall to reduce noise. Don't add bumpers or extra padding — these are suffocation hazards. A firm mattress on a sturdy frame is all you need. The banging sounds worse than it is.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Schedule a visit with your pediatrician if you notice:
- Bald patches from hair pulling that don't grow back
- Bruising or swelling from head banging
- Loss of developmental milestones — regression in speech, social interaction, or motor skills
- Behavior increasing after age 3 — most children outgrow it by then
- Other repetitive behaviors — hand flapping, rocking, or lack of eye contact alongside head banging
- Daytime-only pattern — if it never happens at sleep time and seems driven by frustration or withdrawal
Your pediatrician can assess whether the behavior falls within the normal range or warrants further evaluation for sensory processing differences or developmental concerns.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician for concerns about your baby's health or development.
