7 Month Old Puts Toys on Face

Updated on June 12, 2011
D.L. asks from San Diego, CA
13 answers

What the heck is he doing? My 7 month old grabs toys, clothes, even his own hand and puts over his eyes and then starts gasping like he can't breathe! He seems to think it's funny! I have never seen this before and can't really figure it out. I am not worried, just curious if anyone else has a crazy kid like mine!

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A.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

You are not the only one! My son does the same thing and finds it to be hilarious. I used to wonder if he was having a hard time breathing, but now I think it just a new trick he likes. I join in and laugh now!

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T.T.

answers from Detroit on

omg thank you so much for this post. O thought my baby was just a weirdo, he's been doing notthe exact same thing for months. I feel better now :)

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Y.K.

answers from Los Angeles on

Nothing to worry about; my son did the exact same thing at right about the same age and he cracked up every single time he did it. It became our little game, especially when he was on the changing table. He would grab his clean diaper, his blanket, or his cuddle toy and cover his face over and over again and giggle and wiggle in excitement. That game led to peek-a-boo and I was actuallly sad when he outgrew that stage. Enjoy it while it lasts and if you have a video camera, try to capture his game on film; I didn't have a video camera then and it's something I wish I could look back on. Have fun!!

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C.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

My second baby did that too! It used to freak me out. I think it's okay when they're awake and playing. Also He's old enough to move it off his face if it bothers him. Just keep an an on him. :)

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J.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi D.:
Babies do some of the funniest things. I know there were plenty of times, Id sit and observe my son,doing some quirky thing,and wonder....What the heck is that? Is that normal? Well, the answer is yes indeed.As a matter of fact,you can stop fretting and feel relieved,that not only is your son normal, but hes so delighted with his ability to control his hands and excellent motor skills,that it takes his breath away! Babies love practicing their new talents,and they can put things on their head,and on their face.He can better grasp something,only now he is able to send it in a direction. He may love pulling hair,but its not because hes being mean,its the keen feeling of having the cordination to do it, and the sensation he feels in between his fingers.When he gasps,its really that he is suprising himself and Taking his own breath away. Hey, these are daring feats. Keep things lighthearted,and giggle at him. He will love the fact, mommy finds him funny..encourage him,by giving him something new to handle with his hands like a ball,or a book that he can use his fingers to leaf through. Its good practice,and he can only progress. They are so cute at this age.All they want to do is learn new things,to impress you. I wish you and your (smart) little guy the best.

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J.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

Perfectly normal. I also have a 7 month old (born March 3rd) and he LOVES to do this. I have turned it into a game and play peek-a-boo with him. There were a few times he freaked me out when he would keep it on there super long and then start flailing around like he couldn't breath. I think it is all a normal part of their developement.

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J.A.

answers from Los Angeles on

I seriously thought my son was the only one who did this! He's now 7 months, but he's been doing it since 2-3months. Initially it started w/ burp cloths, but now he does it with any toy (even heavy ones). He always flails his arms around and sounds like he can't breathe; but he also giggles while he does it, so I always assumed he was enjoying it! At least now he's finally figuring out how to take the burp cloths and toys OFF his face. Enjoy! :)

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C.S.

answers from San Diego on

My question is dose he look for a reaction from you? I have a 6 month old who kind of dose the same thing except she is just playing peek a boo. We began playing that with her when she was about 1 month old and for the last 2 months she starts to play it first and then we join in. I forgot to mention that I have a 5 year old and one that is going to be 3 on Sunday. This was a game that they could play with her before she could really play with them. So I hope that this might help. Lately may little one like to use what ever she can reach. Some times it is a bib or toy or blanket or even her clean diaper during a quick change. I hope that helps to let you know that you are not alone. I felt the same way with my second and head butting. After talking with other moms with little ones around his age it just seemed to be what they all were doing at that time. Take care and enjoy.

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V.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

Rather than sound like a broken record I will refrain from telling you it's a baby's way of playing peek a boo ;) My son makes a sound like he can't breathe too and I have actually figured out it's his version of a laugh! He does it mostly when someone walks into the room. It's like a slowly inhaled gasp and it usually tickles his throat so he has to cough afterwords. At first it made me panic but now he does it all the time. Kids are funny that way...

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D.M.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know it seems weird but, have you played 'peek-a-boo' with him?

My son did the same thing at around 8 mos. old when we started with fun games and it turns out it was his version of 'peek-a-boo' he just didn't get the idea very well and started to sound like he was gasping for air. I couldn't figure it out forever, and it was my Dad who finally said 'Umm, he's just playing peek-a-boo' and grabbed the blanket he had over his face and started up with the game. My son laughed and giggled, like he was grateful someone finally understood!! I had never used clothes or anything like that, but I figure he was just using what was close to him for fun.

Hope that helps...if you are really worried keep a log of the behavior and mention it to your son's doctor. Never hurts to get a second opinion.

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M.J.

answers from San Diego on

yep. peek a boo.

our daughter loves to pull the sheets of our bed over her face (or a burp cloth, or her bib) and kick wildly. Then either we pull it down and say "peekaboo" or eventually she will pull it down and look at us with a huge smile. It's a favorite.

We just make sure that she doesn't have anything in reach that would be bad for her to put near her face (e.g. plastic, squishy pillows, etc).

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J.N.

answers from Los Angeles on

I know everyone else has said pretty much the same thing, but my guess is that he knows he's going to get a pretty intense reaction out of you and he's testing to see if your response is the same everytime, or if it's different from before. He's learning cause and effect, plus he's also learning about how different materials block his vision/the light/air to breathe, etc.

If you want it to stop, then you'll have to be non-responsive. Be ready to swoop in and save him if he does start flailing for real, but just keep a close eye on him when he starts doing it to make sure he doesn't get himself into real trouble. Otherwise, just be patient and like my mother has said time and time again "This too shall pass"

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Both my kids did that too... it's maybe an age thing?
Anywho....yeah, this is the age when they like to play peek a boo...

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