Shrieking 6 Month Old

I really like the suggestion to check out the colic clinic. Definitely rule out any medical problems....any chance he's starting to cut teeth?

If he's truly quite well, and seems to be shrieking for fun, he may just be enjoying the sound of his own voice! LOL. You can play with him. When he screams, make the same noise back at him but MUCH quieter...like a whispery scream. This will likely completely delight him and with any luck he'll start lowering his own screeches to a less unpleasant decibel.

Both my kids went through a screechy phase. They were a bit older, but it was clear they were just enjoying figuring out what their voices were capable of. Good luck!

oh im so glad someone else is going through what i am! my son just turned 6 months and is doing the screaming bit..it seems never ending. my 2 yr old has always been quiet and sweet, so this is new for me! we're seeing the doc on friday for his 6 mth checkup, i can let u know what he says if that'll help.

he is vocing his opinion lol. this is totally normal. my son now almost 1yr started yellng at the top of his lungs at around 4-5 months old and i think they just like to hear themselves saying wow thats coming from me or look what i can do. we would go in stores and he would yell and i would cringe sometimes b/c people wopuld look at us. he stopped for a while and started it again at 10 months and talks/yells to himself on a daily basis not constantly but throughout the day. it can get to be a much at times though. he is just expressing himself as long as he doesn't seem in discomfort or over tired i wouldn't worry about it. its jus a pahse that most babies go through. some are loder than others. if you see it as a problem you can always consult your pediatrician. \good luck and enjoy him.

I know of a place that should be able to help you. It is called the Colic Clinic. It is a wonderful place. Please call them. They are at The Infant Development Center , which is associated with Women&Infants Hospital(RI). They are located at 111 Plain Street in Providence. The phone # is ###-###-####. Iff you don't live in the area, they should be able to refer you some where else. Hope this helps. Lizz

My daughter also "cried" non-stop. She is 4 now and I lived to tell, although it wasn't easy! Could he be overstimulated? Rather than trying to distract him with toys or noise, have you tried turning down the lights, swaddling him, rocking in a rocking chair? Or a warm leisurely bath with lavender oil or chamomile? Or a darkened room with white noise like a fan or one of those ocean CDs?

I hope you find some peace and quiet!

Hi R.,

I personally would bring this up with your pediatrician. It could simply be that he loves to see your reaction and immediate attention to him. Babies are very keen and learn quickly (as do kids) on what to do to get xtra attention.

On the other hand, I believe it is important to rule out any health concerns from sound sensitivities in his little ears, to autism. My concern is the fact he just gets louder when you provide some kind of "motion". (bounce, walk, pat on back, etc.) Good luck and keep me posted.