Baby Screams to Get What She Wants

This is so typical for this age. Ignore it, but expect it to get worse before it gets better. You're right, she's just experimenting with what works, and you can't let it! :-)

Respond with words to let her know what is going on - "I know you're hungry, sweetie. Mommy's making your food. It'll be ready soon." etc. Explain why things are happening the way they are. The more they know, the better off you can be :)

my 10 month old son does the same thing. I ignore the behavior. If she isn't in a dangerous situation then ignoring it would be fine. They are just looking for attention. Good Luck and it will pass I promise.

This is her way of communicating to you. It can be very frustrating to a little one who knows what she wants but can't get it for herself and no one seems to understand. So screaming at you makes you pay attention to her and then she gets what she wants. I agree with Patricia in that you use words to respond to her and explain everything that you are doing and that you understand her needs. It is a bit of a phase and will pass as she learns to communicate better with you.

Great comments thus far.
Two of my four are screamers. One is still in screaming mode because he's still not talking, the other is 5 and seems to be a bit more impatient than the others. Everyone is different. Talk a lot to her about what's happening now, what is coming next, them understanding what's going on is so important. Hopefully you will be out of this phase sooner than later as she is female and will most likely talk sooner than my boys. The more patient you are the better off she will be.

My 9.5 month old son does this. I think it's his way of expressing what he likes/dislikes. Instead of his normal blabbering and noises, he screams when he wants something or doesn't like something. I think it's his way of telling us he's not talking - he's trying to tell us something! I don't really even think about it or do much about it. If anything, I'll say "inside voice" and leave it at that.

TEETHING.....turns them into little monsters. Poor things have no idea why all of a sudden it hurts so bad...then dont know how to tell us. She needs alot of love if she will let you...cold things to chew on...teething tablets(hylands)...you can give them every 15 minutes until you see that she is calmer. if you have more questions I can help:)

I taught my pre-talker some simple American Sign Language for "eat," "drinks", (water, milk and juice) "more," "yes," "no," etc. It helped to cut down on some of the outbursts and gave us a new level of communication that was productive and fun. She was signing at 6 months.

B.

I'm glad you posted this because my 9-month-old son has been doing the same thing for the past couple weeks and it's sort of frustrating. LOL. He acts like he's all pissed off and seriously screams while waiting for a meal or wanting me or my husband to play, etc. until he gets what he wants. I try to tell him no but am unsure as to whether or not he knows what it means or not. I think its normal behavior as they are finding their "voice" and trying to get across what they want without being able to speak. However, I don't want him to think that screaming that way is acceptable behavior. Hopefuly you get some good advice because I am right there with you!!

Totally normal and nothing to discipline her for. If you get angry and yell she'll just learn it and start yelling NO back as soon as she can! Teach her ASL signs. You can get books or take classes here:
http://www.InspiredABQ.com
They also have some parenting classes you might find useful, as well as a lending library of resources.

Hi. Yeah, you are right....as much as the screaming is very annoying, ignore the bad behaviours and praise the good.