What do I do? DD1 headbutting DD2

[SparklyPrincess]

My older daughter (2 1/2) keeps headbutting her younger sister (11 mo). Not hard, but enough to sometimes make LO cry. And occasionally make herself cry.

I usually put her on the bottom step of the stairs for a little while, get DD2 out of the way and then explain that she's hurting her sister.

Or sometimes I shout at her cos I'm getting really fed up of it

DD1 just doesn't seem to get it, and keeps doing it

Any help gratefully received!

Thanks

SP

bump

Don't leave them alone together.
Watch for any signs she's about to do it.
If you see that she's about to then stop her and speak to her.
Do this until this phase has passed.

Oh and ask her why she's doing it, especially if she's hurting herself, too.

I don't leave them alone (they'd only both follow me anyway!), it just seems to be completely unprovoked. She's not angry or frustrated, she'll just push into her or lie or lean on her (the latest addition to the phase)

I don't think she means to hurt herself, by the way.

I've asked why and either she doesn't know or doesn't understand the 'why' concept yet.

SP

One of mine was a bit like this. She would pinch the babies seemingly to hear them squeak. I had to take the baby with me wherever I went until he got older. I think it was a mixture of curiosity and jealousy but not meaning any real harm. Downright annoying and frustrating though.