Body-rocking, head-rolling and head-banging

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Body-rocking, head-rolling and head-banging are repetitive, rhythmic behaviours. They are most common at bedtime, before going to sleep, or after a child wakes during the night or in the morning.

Even though these behaviours can look dramatic, they are common, and they're nearly always harmless. They usually disappear within 18 months, and may do so in as little as weeks or months.

• body-rocking starts at around six months of age

• head-rolling and head-banging start at around nine months of age
• boys are three times more likely than girls to head-bang.

Your child may:

• get up on all fours and rock back and forth, hitting his forehead on the headboard of his cot
• sit in bed and bang his head backwards against the headboard
• lie face down and bang his head and chest back into the pillow or mattress
• stand in his cot, hold onto the side rail and bang his head against it
• lie on his back and move his head from side to side.

It is uncommon to see these behaviours after three years of age.

Why do children do this?

Rhythmic behaviour is comforting and soothing even in normally developing children. You might notice an increase if your child is experiencing some anxiety or stress during the day. But by itself, rocking, banging or rolling does not mean your child has an emotional problem.

However, if you notice your child has started this behaviour at a time of major change in his life, or he seems to be having trouble coping with something, offering comfort and support may help.

It might look dangerous, but it’s not

If your child rocks or rolls or bangs his head at night, he is usually drowsy and will stop once he is sound asleep. A child who does not have a severe disability will not injure himself seriously by body-rocking, head-rolling or head-banging – the main damage may just be to your furniture and walls!

Some simple tips

If your child is developing well in all other ways, then you might decide to put up with the body-rocking, head-rolling or head-banging as it will eventually go away.

Here are some things that might be useful to keep in mind:

• Your child might repeat the behaviour even more if he sees that it is an effective way of getting your attention or getting you to come into his room (even if it is only to tell him to stop). Better to pay no attention to the behaviour at all.
• If you’re concerned that your child may be experiencing some anxiety, try to set aside extra quiet time to spend together before bed. Offer comfort and support if he seems anxious. If you have special time together, he may need you less after you say goodnight.
• If you're worried about your child hurting himself, remove any hard bedheads or shift the bed away from the wall to stop the risk of bruising.

Still worried?

If you continue to be concerned about your child’s rocking, or are concerned about other areas in your child’s development, seek professional advice.

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