[arnoldpdx]

My DD is 5 mo. and she recently started shaking her head from side to side. She doesn't appear to be in any pain, she'll just shake it, like she's saying no, but she's done it with enough frequency that it makes me wonder what's going on. Is it related to ear problems? Teething? Just a new thing she's trying out? Anyone else have an idea why she's doing this?

 

[mamaprek]

Our 10 month old has been doing this for the past 1 or 2 months. A few times I've wondered why, but I think he's just learned a new "trick" and likes to do it. Not sure..?
Good question.

 

[crazyeight]

its a trick. i think its cause its makes things look funny. my dd will put her hands on the floor and look up at you and shake her head and then smile.

i'll shake mine back at her and it turns into a game. i think it also helps her balance as she did this when she started sitting. if your learning how to sit and then shaking your head kinda imitates a person walking, a stroller, or other movement (inner ear) and this i think helps them use those small muscles to make small adjustments. just my theory. although ds never did it.

 

[travlr]

My nearly 9 mo old DD has been doing this for a while too. She loves the reaction from the family especially if we shake our heads back at her

. She'll laugh and laugh and do it again.

 

[KtClaire]

Maggie does this all the time. My husband thinks she likes to make herself dizzy.

: She did it at the dr's the other day and they just thought it was funny. They said the only problem related would be an ear infection. Babies just do weird things!

 

[orangeiron]

I am not going to remeber any of the correct terminology, but babies and kids make themselves dizzy on purpose, it helps them balance something. It is very normal and even healthy for them to go it to grow up right, it's also why kids spin around until they fall down. dd2 loves shaking her head, when she was about that age sge did this head banging thing that made us nervous, but she was fine and she grew out of it. babies definately just do wierd things.

 

[mamatoablessing]

Yep, just a new trick your little one is showing off! DD started doing this right at 5 months as well. It was pretty consistent for about a month and then it sort of stopped, although I do see her do it every now and again. Totally normal - just practicing bodily control and movement!