Is My Baby Normal?

Updated on August 08, 2008
C.W. asks from Bronx, NY
4 answers

My husband has been very supportive of me, but one thing he does has made me very insecure and I finally am at my wits end. At every turn, he says, "is that normal?" He thinks she must have something wrong with her because he doesn't see her behavior described in any of the books or anywhere on-line.
My little one rarely cries, she whines -- my husband calls it the dolphin. Most people describe her as the happiest baby, smiles/laughs quite easily, but I work hard to keep her entertained. When she wakes up, she's smiling and looking around for about 15 minutes, then its keeping her occupied so she doesn't whine all day. Also, she can go from laughing to screaming upset like a light switch. Tonight when she did this, he asked if she was autistic.
I think this is normal, but he's got me thinking now that its not and that I'm clueless as to what she needs and what I should be doing.

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E.R.

answers from New York on

I believe this is a normal behavior as she is just learning how to communicate with you. All that I have read about 6 month babies (mine is currently 5 months)is that this is the stage at which they really are trying to express themselves. My daughter like yours sounds very similar and can go from happy and playing to crying in an instant as that is my cue along with the clock that either she is hungry or it is nap/bedtime. Most of the time it occurs at the end of the day and she is getting herself tired out and ready for bed. If you are really concerned you can call your pediatrician to ease your mind. - Good Luck.

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C.O.

answers from New York on

So what's the problem? ;)
I am just teasing. I just wish that I had had this problem today with my son! It just sounds like your little girl is very social and easy going.
I am no autism expert, but I have read that autism can manifest in a number of different ways, but many of them are social in nature, not smiling, not looking in the eyes, when speech develops not keeping on a normal (or semi normal) developmental curve. You little one sounds like alot of fun and completely normal. My son will turn one tomorrow (yippee!)and every moment of every day of every week is about keeping him entertained--but he cries plenty if he is not getting what he wants--and your daughter will probably become that way too in a couple of months when what she wants becomes more defined in her mind's eye. I found that when my son could finally sit up well at 6 or 7 months, there were so many different new things to look at (or the same things but looking at them in a different way) that there was alot less crying because of so many distractions. That passed as he became bored of the same old toys and settings. But then again every month has been different for that reason.
You mentioned that you feel insecure when your husband questions that your daughter is 'normal', but it jumps off the page at me that he is really the insecure one and is looking for you to guide him. You sound like you know exactly what she needs, and it sounds like your husband trusts your judgement because he is expressing his insecurity in his question as opposed to simply telling you "this isn't normal!!". I have some friends in that boat too.
Best of luck--months 6, 7, 8 and 9 are some of the best in the first year!!

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L.D.

answers from New York on

I have a 6-month old. It all sounds normal to me.

Your husband should stop looking for things to be wrong as she will pick up on that. Instead, accept her for who she is right now and enjoy her!

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M.K.

answers from New York on

It sounds to me you have a lovely "normal" 6 month old little girl! Tell you husband to "chill out"!

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