15m Head banging off side of pushchair.

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Hi everyone,
Ds (15m) is very big for his age (off scale for height). He has his 4 molars coming through so not sure if it’s that but he has started head banging really hard normally when frustrated. In the house it’s fine as I will just put an pillow under his head but in public it’s difficult.
It happens mostly when I put him in his pushchair. I’ve went through 3 pushchairs in the hope he would get used to one. Sometimes he’s fine but if he doesn’t want to be in he will have a tantrum and start slamming his head against the side frame of the pushchair which is hard . He does it with such force and repeatedly , I’m concerned he will cause an injury. I’ve bought a mini pillow which i put on the side of the pushchair to protect his head if he starts but he chucks it out.

Today I spent a 30 minute walk holding the pillow on the side of his pram while walking to stop him from slamming his head off the frame. As soon as I pick him up he stops crying and is happy. He does the same with the car seat, or against the wall or floor if something doesn’t go his way. He loves to run around but refuses to use his backpack reins so he needs to stay in the pram.

Im at a loss what to do. I can’t ignore him as he’s trying to bang his head with full force. Any advice most appreciated!

That sounds really tricky and it sounds like you are dealing with it very well. I know this is obvious, but have you spoken to your Health Visitor? I imagine they'd have experience of this. If it is developmentally normal (my 2 yo didn't do it but that doesn't mean anything) they can reassure and offer advice, and if it is a concern they can get your son referred.

Mine went through a phase of this and my Mum, in a rarely non-irritating sage moment, said it's totally developmentally normal. It didn't go on for long before he moved on!

It does sound like he wants something and this behaviour is getting it for him - attention, cuddles, being carried. I had to carry my DD a lot for a while, even though she could walk. It does pass!

Maybe try talking to him more about what you are going to be doing next, so at least he knows. If he doesn't like the plan, you may still get this behaviour. I think Janet Lansbury's advice on toddlers is really helpful, so maybe look at her stuff on tantrums on her website? I could summarise, but probably better to read it yourself.