Baby Head Shaking: What's Normal? - Woodburn Pediatric Clinic

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Woodburn Pediatric is proud to welcome our newest providers, Cara Watson PMHNP and Stephanee Shedd PNP!

Read More Baby Head Shaking: What’s Normal and When To Talk to a Medical Provider May 23, 2018 Facebook X (Twitter) Linkedin Reddit

Watching your baby grow and explore the world is full of surprises, and sometimes, those surprises come in the form of unexpected behaviors. One that often catches parents off guard is head shaking. If you’ve noticed your baby shaking their head side to side, you’re not alone. While it can be concerning at first, this behavior is often a completely normal part of development.

Woodburn Pediatric aims to help you understand why babies shake their heads, when it’s simply part of learning and growing, and when it might be time to check in with a medical provider.

Is It Normal for Babies to Shake Their Heads?

Yes, in many cases, head shaking is a normal part of development. especially in infants between 3 to 12 months old. As babies gain control over their bodies, they start experimenting with movement, and their heads are a big part of that.

Here are some common, non-concerning reasons your baby might be shaking their head:

1. Developing Motor Skills

As your baby’s muscles strengthen, especially around the neck and shoulders, they begin to practice movement. Shaking their head from side to side is often just part of building coordination. These movements are essential for milestones like head control, rolling over, and sitting up.

2. Self-Soothing Behavior

Some babies shake their heads to calm themselves, especially before falling asleep. This behavior is similar to thumb-sucking or rocking and can help them feel secure.

3. Communication Imitation

Even before they can speak, babies mimic gestures and expressions. Head shaking can be an early attempt to imitate adult behaviors, like saying “no,” even if they don’t understand the meaning just yet. It can also be a form of nonverbal communication: a way to show joy, curiosity, or amusement.

4. Exploring Sensory Feedback

Infants are born with natural reflexes, including head-turning reflexes. These movements help them learn how their bodies respond to stimuli and are a normal part of neurological development.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While head shaking is usually harmless, there are times when it could signal an underlying issue. If your baby shows any of the following symptoms alongside frequent head shaking, it’s best to consult a medical provider:

• Repetitive, rhythmic, and uncontrollable head shaking throughout the day, especially if it seems involuntary 
• Paired with other repetitive behaviors, such as hand flapping or body rocking 
• Appears to be getting more frequent 
• Lack of other developmental progress (not making eye contact, not responding to their name, delays in motor skills) 
• Signs of illness, such as fever, irritability, or signs of an ear infection (pulling at the ears, trouble sleeping) 
• Shaking during feeding or refusal to eat 

If you’re unsure whether your baby’s behavior is typical, it’s always best to talk to your provider. At Woodburn Pediatric, we’re here to provide peace of mind and help you understand your baby’s unique developmental journey.

What Can Parents Do?

Here are some ways you can stay in tune with your baby’s development and behavior:

• Track new behaviors in a notebook or app so you can spot any patterns or changes
• Engage with your baby often, using eye contact, facial expressions, and soothing tones to promote social and emotional development
• Provide a calm and structured environment to support sleep and self-regulation
• Keep up with well-baby visits and developmental screenings to ensure your child is on track
• Take a video and bring it with you to your appointment with your provider

When in Doubt, Reach Out

As parents, it’s natural to worry about every new sound, movement, or habit. But remember: most of the time, head shaking is nothing to fear. It’s a sign that your baby is growing, exploring, and learning about the world.

If you have any concerns, our team at Woodburn Pediatric is just a phone call away. Schedule an appointment today or bring it up at your child’s next well visit. We’re here to support you and your family every step of the way.

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