My 8-month old has gotten into a habit of screaming when he dislikes something, such as getting into his car seat or sitting in his stroller for any longer than a half hour. He is a very active baby and does not like to be strapped into anything! When we're at the mall or somewhere else that requires use of the stroller, he starts screaming to get out. I know he is doing it because he wants to play and this is his way to communicate to me that he doesn't want to sit anymore. But, I get self-conscious because people start to look at me. He's only 8 months old though, which I think some people forget. He just one day realized he could make that sound and decided to stick with it. So, my question is, for those of you who had babies who would scream like this, when did it stop? Can I expect him to do this until he's able to talk? Or is it just a short phase?
Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!
K.:)
I put some of my daughter's favorite toys beside her carseat. After screaming for five minutes, she would start playing with her toys. Six months later she stopped screaming and she would just play with her toys. I hope this works for you.
P. S
My daughter did this for awhile, but it didn't last long. I think a lot of it was her finding her "voice". I would just try to laugh at it and make her laugh, too, and that would help with the stares!
My son started this last month when he was 7 months old, it was so embarassing because people would say is he ok or look at you like you had hit him or something. I am happy to say he grew out of it in about a month. We said no and shhh everytime he did it and although it seemed like it wasnt working, it did. If he screams now afterwards he shakes his head because he knows thats what we are going to say. Just remember it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks and this to shall pass. Good luck.
My daughter who is now 18 mo. old and she is the same way. It doesnt really stop!! Its just they get more verbal about it all. Ha! She is very energetic and head strong so she still screams to get her way. I jsut try to find ways to keep her occupied and some times I just have to be okay with the screaming. As far as everyone else is concerned, I learned with my first child because I was so self conscious with him but with my daughter, I so dont care anymore. Most of the time people know what its like and to be honest, Im too busy to care too. I just move on. There isnt much you can do about it but ride the waves.
Goodluck from one Mom of a wild child to another. It will get better around about 4-5. My son is 7 now and is an angel. It will pass. Dont know if that makes you feel better or worse.
K.,
Is there something she can play with in her stroller that will entertain her? If so, let her start out in there for 20 minutes if 30 is her limit, and then before she freaks out give her some sort of toy. Maybe then you can get a few more minutes before the melt down.
Good Luck!
At this age there is not much you can do, I wouldn't change your plans for him though. Try to see if you have a busy day if there are places you can give him a rest from the "constraints" of course the little snacks work well as a distraction or whip out some toys you keep just for the stroller. We used a firm no or no thankyou when the screaming starts but just get down to his level and let him know you hear him. Don't give in right away b/c he will get used to screaming for what he wants,don't give him a big reaction. As far as the staring people might as well get used to it hahaha but seriously some people like to pretend that their child never acted out in public and personaly I don't buy that, I think the older people forget those things, if they don't have kids well they will be in for a suprise when they think they are just going to have a nice outing with baby. Good luck and hold your head high most of all love him lots b/c they get big too fast!
Hello, Yes this is just a phase. I am the mother to 3 kids and all 3 of them went through this too. I find the best way to move past this was to just ignore it.If you give your child attention he will expect you to give him attention everytime...good luck it will get better.
It's perfectly normal so don't stress too much about it. Try to bring a variety of snacks or toys/baby books etc to help. Both my kids took a pacifier so that helped. But there were times when we just had to get up and leave a restaurant because we couldn't keep them at least reasonably quiet, so I had to take the kids outside while hubby paid the bill and boxed up the food. Try not to feel too embarrassed. I know it's hard when you're in the middle of it, but it really is normal and all (or almost all) babies do it.
Probably wont last long. Dont worry about the people staring, if they have had kids they know their kids did it too. For the ones who havent had kids...the harder they judge, the worse their kids will be;)
I heard about a book called "Baby Signs" when my son was his age. I taught him some simple sign language and helped him communicate and it helped with the screaming. If the baby can tell you what they want it helps.
I'm just now entering this stage and my son has started to scream. my gut says: ignore him and don't react, or he will do it for the reaction. I think it's working b/c he has toned it down and screams very low, just to hear his voice but not for attention. I give him all my attention all the time, unless he screams. it is working
K. my 1 year old son did the same thing when he was 8 or 9 mths. Its perfectly normal. That is their way of communicating. I thought to myself I hope my son is not going to be a bad child. Now that he is 1 he does not give anymore problems he is used to it...........It's just a phase, but you have to tell him we have to go bye - bye and things like that...........
