Baby Smacking Head with Hand

My baby girl (13 months) has been smacking her head with her hand repeatedly a lot lately. She does not hit it hard, it’s almost just like just tapping it. I don’t think she’s in pain (I saw babies can do this sometimes in response to teething pain or ear infections) and there isn’t one specific thing that prompts it. She just does it randomly and kinda a lot as of recent. Does anyone else’s baby do this? Is it just a sensory thing or way to self-soothe?
For context, I used to be a behavioral therapist for children with autism and related disorders and I know they would do this at times. However my daughter has zero signs of being Autistic and I don’t want to just assume it’s something like that because of my previous work experience.

Any insight, info, or similar experience would be greatly appreciated :)

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Can be a sign that they’re tired. Totally developmentally appropriate and normal for all babies.

my daughter does this too! sometimes kind of hard. i want to think it’s because of the baby songs we listen to but not completely sure why she does it … also 13 months old.

It’s normal developmentally. But I get it. I’m always trying to correct him and say soft hands. We don’t need to be mean to ourselves lol. I’m not sure how much it helps. But I’ve absolutely had the same thought of Autism etc. for us our peds isn’t worried as of now.

My baby does this and she thinks she playing peek a boo 😭😭

Mine does it too. I think it’s a combo of “head shoulders knees and toes” and “peekaboo” mixed with lack of ability to be gentle lol

Mine does this, I think it’s the sound and feeling is what makes him do it over again a few times

Could still be ur child sensory seeking without jumping to autism

My baby girl has been hitting her head against the wall (not too hard, just enough to make a sound/get the sensory input) and I try to redirect her to hitting hard toys together to make noise or hitting her head into a pillow or squishmallow to get that headbanging feeling without the damage

Fellow BT here too! Head banging and hitting themselves are developmental things and they also are ways of them showing signs of tiredness as well. When they’re are attempting to stay awake longer than their little bodies can handle. It’s like is throwing cold water on our face or giving our selves a few pats to the face to “wake up” so to speak! :)

Thank you all! I figured I was overreacting or being too worrisome lol but it’s better to be safe than sorry. I really appreciate all of your comments :)

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