Gentle hitting?

Question

When I put my little girl to sleep sometimes I lay my hand on her face so she can hold my hand for comfort. But sometimes she will grab my hand/fingers and start gently hitting herself in the face with it. Occasionally she’ll do it a little fast or a little rough and I have to hold my hand back  I can’t tell if she’s just playing or what. She only does it when we’re about to take a nap or when I will play with her by laying my hand on her face and go wack so I don’t know if she’s playing or if somethings going on. Any advice? Is this normal? (Shes  about 5 1/2 months old if that holds any correlation)

Answer

It’s nothing to be concerned with especially at that age. My 1 year old still taps my hand on his face. He just likes the tapping feeling and soothes him. She probably doesn’t intend for it to be rough just test different pattern different paces ect. It’s unintentional exploring if that makes sense?

Answer

My oldest did this too at about that age. My ped said it was a self-soothing sensory thing that some babies do amd nothing to worry about.☺️
It's odd and it kinda freaked me out but it's nothing to worry about if you don't let her/ she doesn't actually bruise/ harm herself.

Answer

Yea, my baby girl started doing stuff like that a little later around 6-7 months and it freaked me out at first but it's totally sensory stuff. They looove sensory input. Like slapping your leg.. look into head banging in babies and you'll see more research about it. It's not selfharm, just oddly soothing.

Answer

Both of my kids have done that. It’s just a sensory seeking calm down method they’ve discovered and it helps them connect with you as well. Nothing to worry over.

Answer

Maybe she doesnt like your hand on her face.

Gentle hitting?

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