My 1 year old son has developed an awful habit. When asleep, he gets himself onto his stomach, bum in the air, and rocks himself in such a way as to hit his head on the wooden bars of the cot. It's so hard and loud, it wakes us in the next room. Does anyone know the possible cause/reason for this????? How do we stop him from doing this so he doesn't hurt himself??? I'd really appreciate any ideas or help. Thanks.
When kids go from deep sleep to twilight sleep, which they all do more than once every night, they can use rocking to comfort them and put them back to deeper sleep. The repitition is soothing. I take it that he hasn't hurt himself by this as of yet. Truthfully, if it hurts, he will stop. Until then, I would let him do it.
I am also on a group for Autistic children where this subject has recently come up. One of the women told her sons Neurologist about it because he repeatedly bangs his head. He asked if it was side to side, which can be dangerous, or the top of his head. Kids that bang head first, the top of their head, really only need to be watched as that part of the head is very strong.
I know it sounds hard and painful. My son head bangs during the day when he is tired only his is sitting up and banging back and forth. You hate to see them do it but when you know that they are soothed by it, it makes it a little easier.
Another thought is to put a bumper pad at the head of his crib. I would think that the smothering issues are behind you since he is older. That way he has some cushion when he bangs. Good luck
Son rocks in cot - hitting his head 
My 1 year old son has developed an awful habit. When asleep, he gets himself onto his stomach, bum in the air, and rocks himself in such a way as to hit his head on the wooden bars of the cot. It's so hard and loud, it wakes us in the next room. Does anyone know the possible cause/reason for this????? How do we stop him from doing this so he doesn't hurt himself??? I'd really appreciate any ideas or help. Thanks.
