If you're a new mom or dad, it can be a little scary to see your newborn shaking his head from side to side, banging his head on the pillow, or rocking his body back and forth. It's normal to feel a little startled when you see these things. But don't worry, these things are very common among young babies, especially when they're sleeping.
What does this head nodding and body shaking mean?
Simply put, this is the rhythmic movements that small babies, and sometimes even older children, make to soothe themselves. Imagine, after you put your baby in the crib, you have probably seen him go to sleep by shaking his head from side to side, or rocking his body back and forth. This is what we call “head banging” and “body rocking.”
These behaviors usually do not harm the baby. However, in rare cases, if they cause injury to the baby or disrupt the baby's sleep, we doctors call this condition "Rhythmic Movement Disorders " or `(Rhythmic Movement Disorders – RMD)`. But remember, most of the time this is not a disorder, it is normal.
What types of movements are there?
Babies display these rhythmic movements in a variety of ways. Let's look at some of the most common types:
- Head banging: A baby banging their head on the pillow, mattress, or sides of the crib.
- Body rocking: Shaking the entire body back and forth, or side to side, in a rhythmic manner.
- Head rolling or shaking side to side: Continuously shaking the head from side to side while sleeping.
These are the most common types. In addition, there are some less common types:
- Body rolling: A rhythmic movement of the body rolling back and forth.
- Leg rolling: The act of moving the legs back and forth in a rhythmic manner.
- Leg banging: Banging the legs on something like a mattress.
How common is this?
This is actually much more common than you might think. Studies have found that about 60% of healthy babies show these rhythmic movements by the time they are 9 months old. That means about six out of ten babies do these things.
This movement can be seen without distinction between men and women. Sometimes, if someone in the family has had this ``(RMD)`` condition before, there is a small chance that the children of those families will also experience this.
What are the symptoms of Rhythmic Movement Disorders (RMD)?
The important thing to understand here is that not every baby who makes these movements has a “disorder.” Doctors only consider it a “disorder” if these movements are persistently disrupting the baby’s sleep, causing the baby to become injured , or making it difficult for them to concentrate on tasks during the day.
Babies who demonstrate rhythmic movements may do things like:
- The whole body shakes to a rhythm.
- Only a part of the body, for example the head, an arm, or a leg, shakes to a rhythm.
- Head shakes from side to side.
- They hit their heads on the pillow or mattress.
- Sometimes these movements are accompanied by a slow humming sound, or other sounds (this is more common in children with RMD).
Why do little children do things like this?
Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly what causes this, but there are two main theories that are widely accepted.
1. Self-soothing: This is the most widely accepted theory. Babies do these movements to feel relaxed and comfortable. They think that these movements give them a sense of well-being, similar to the feeling they get when their mother or father holds them and rocks them. So they try to soothe themselves in this way before going to sleep.
2. Immaturity of the nervous system: Another theory is that because babies' nervous systems are not yet fully developed, they are unable to control these types of motor functions during sleep.
Think about it, when you were a child, you probably had a unique sleeping habit. Maybe hugging a pillow, or putting one leg up. This is one of those things.
Are there other conditions that could be associated with this movement?
If your baby is showing these rhythmic movements, it doesn't mean that there's anything wrong with him. In most cases, these are a normal part of a baby's development. However, very rarely, these movements can be seen in conjunction with other conditions. Some of these conditions include:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD )
- Sleep apnea
- Tourette syndrome
- Rett syndrome
- Angelman syndrome
The important thing is that most children who have these rhythmic movements do not have any of the other developmental or intellectual conditions mentioned. If you are unsure whether your baby's movements are normal for their age, it is best to see your pediatrician. He or she can give you the necessary explanations and advice.
How do doctors find this?
When you go to see a doctor, they will ask you about your baby's sleep patterns, when these movements started, and how long they have been happening. This is called a "sleep history."
In addition, some tests may be done to rule out other conditions. For example:
- Sleep apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Restless legs syndrome
To rule out such things, you may want to do the following tests:
- Sleep study (polysomnogram): This involves monitoring brain waves, breathing, and heart rate while the baby is sleeping.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): This tests the brain's activity, especially if a condition such as a seizure is suspected.
Is there a treatment for this?
Most of the time, children who make these rhythmic movements do not need any treatment, as this is a normal part of their development.
However, if the doctor determines that your baby has a ``RMD'' condition, and therefore is at risk of injury, the doctor may suggest things like:
- A safety helmet for your baby to wear when sleeping.
- Placing the baby's mattress on the floor, or placing the bed a little away from the wall (to prevent the baby from hitting their head on the wall).
If your baby's symptoms are more severe, the doctor may suggest other methods.
What can I do to stop my baby from shaking his head from side to side and rocking his body back and forth?
In fact, if your baby isn't harming themselves with these movements, you don't need to do anything special to stop them. Just consider it part of their development.
However, if you see that your baby is doing this excessively, or you are afraid that he will get injured, then it is best to seek medical advice as mentioned above.
How long will this situation last?
This is a problem that many parents have. The good news is that these behaviors usually subside on their own by the age of 2 or 3. Of children without any underlying medical conditions, only a very small percentage, about 5%, exhibit these behaviors by the age of 5.
What is the future of young children with such movements?
These rhythmic movements usually disappear on their own as the baby gets older, that is, in early childhood. These symptoms are very rarely seen in adolescents and adults.
In most cases, these movements are a normal, healthy part of a child's development. Even if they are diagnosed with RMD, those children usually outgrow them and go on to live completely healthy lives.
Should I be worried about my baby shaking his head from side to side and moving his body?
Most of the time, head shaking and body shaking are normal movements and nothing to worry about. However, you should definitely see a doctor if:
- If your baby displays these behaviors during the day: not only at bedtime, but also while playing and awake.
- If the baby has signs of an infection or injury: fever, rash, bruises, scrapes, etc.
- If the baby is injuring themselves, or if you are afraid that they will be injured.
- If you notice that your baby is snoring a lot, has sleep apnea symptoms, or is constantly having trouble sleeping,
- These symptoms may worsen when the baby is angry or stressed.
- If the baby is very sleepy, or if it is difficult to wake him up in the morning.
- If your baby seems to have difficulty looking straight at you and maintaining eye contact.
- If you notice that your baby is having developmental delays: for example, muscle stiffness, difficulty controlling their head and neck, or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- If you suspect that your baby is having a seizure-like condition.
If you see something like this, definitely seek medical advice.
Why do small children shake their heads from side to side?
Most of the time, babies rock their heads from side to side to soothe themselves. It's very normal for them to do this when they're trying to fall asleep.
Why do small children rock their bodies back and forth?
Rhythmic rocking is also a way to soothe yourself. It helps children feel calm and relaxed – especially when they are trying to fall asleep or at night.
As a parent, it's normal to feel uncomfortable and scared when you see your child shaking their head and shaking their body. But remember, in most cases, these behaviors are harmless. Most likely, your child is not in trouble – he is just trying to soothe himself. However, if you notice anything that worries you, be sure to talk to your pediatrician. He or she can tell you whether your child needs further testing.
Finally, things to remember
Okay, so let's summarize and remind you of some important points from what we've talked about:
- It's normal for babies to shake their heads and move their bodies, and it's something they do to soothe themselves.
- This usually goes away on its own after 2-3 years.
- If the baby doesn't harm himself, there's nothing to worry about.
- However, if these things happen during the day, if the baby is injured, if it is severely disrupting sleep, or if there are other worrying symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.
- If you have any doubts or fears, never hesitate to talk to a doctor about it.
It's very important to take care of your baby's health. I hope this information is helpful to you!
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