My 7 month old has recently started hitting herself--hard. She balls up her little fists and bangs them into her belly. It's not a spastic movement; she seems to have full control over her arms. She does it when she's excited or angry and I've repeatedly taken her hands and said "gentle" and then I softly lift and bring her hands to her belly. And repeat a few times. She absolutely understands what I'm saying but then she goes right back and bashes herself a few more times. Is she looking for a reaction from me? Does anyone have any thoughts about why she might be doing this or if I should be concerned? Well I'm already concerned... thanks!
Thank you for all of your encouragement. Just as quickly as she started doing it she stopped. And then tonight she did it for a little while again after maybe two weeks without doing it at all. It's funny, but I so appreciate your assuring me that it's not a big deal. Thank you!
I know some babies bang their heads on walls "for fun" - it's probably a sensory thing, and I'm sure it doesn't hurt nearly as much as you think, or they would definitely stop. It'f probably the same for your daughter - she's just exploring her body, and for whatever reason, she likes the sensation of hitting her belly. It'll probably stop soon, once she's bored with it.
I wouldn't worry mom, she wouldn't hurt herself.
M
In the Dahn Yoga practice, a similar motion is encouraged. Taking both fists and simultaneously tapping the belly on either side of the belly button/kidney area is good to stimulate the body and get energy flowing. They'll spend half an hour doing that as part of a yoga warm up. Perhaps your baby is naturally responding to ancient biorhythms in her body!
I wouldn't worry about it at all. She's not old enough to know what she's doing and certainly not old enough to understand what you are saying to correct her behavior. Definately not hurting herself.
She has no fine motor skills, so she really has no control over how she is hitting herself. It has nothing to do with getting a reaction from you. Most babies throw their hands up and about when they get excited. She's really not hurting herself or she'd cry. She doesn't have the muscle control or capability to do it gently. But as she gets older that will come.
