Baby Tantrums

By Elizabeth Pantley

From our provider:

Rated by 1 member

1 Comment

A baby's first tantrum can take you by surprise. Your baby can really shock you by shrieking, stamping, hitting, or making his whole body go stiff. But don't take it personally; baby tantrums aren't about anything you've done wrong, and they aren't really about temper, either - your baby isn't old enough for that. The ways you'll respond to your baby's behavior when he is older are different than how you should respond now.

Why babies have tantrums and what you can do about it
A baby tantrum is an abrupt and sudden loss of emotional control. Various factors bring tantrums on, and if you can identify the trigger, then you can help him calm down - and perhaps even avoid the tantrum in the first place. Here are the common reasons and ways to solve the problem:

Overtiredness: Settle baby down to sleep; Provide quiet activity.

Hunger: Give baby a snack or something to drink.

Frustration: Help baby achieve his goal or remove the frustration; Use distraction.

Fear/anxiety: Hold and cuddle baby; Remove baby from difficult situation.

Inability to communicate: Try to figure out what he wants; Calmly encourage him to show you.

Resisting change: Allow a few minutes for baby to make adjustment.

Overstimulation: Move baby to a quiet place

How to prevent baby tantrums
Often, you can prevent a baby from losing control of his emotions if you prevent the situations that lead up to this. Here are some things to keep in mind:

When your baby is tired, put him down for a nap or to sleep.
Feed your baby frequently. Babies have small tummies and need regular nourishment.
Give your baby toys that are geared to his age and ability level.
Warn your baby before changing activities ("One more swing, then we're going home").
Be patient when putting your baby in an unfamiliar environment or when introducing him to new people.
Help your baby learn new skills (such as climbing stairs or working puzzles).
Keep your expectations realistic; don't expect more than your baby is capable of.
As much as possible, keep a regular and predictable schedule.
When your baby is overly emotional, keep yourself as calm as possible.
Use a soothing tone of voice and gentle touch to help your baby calm down. He can't do it on his own, he needs your help.

About the author: Elizabeth Pantley is the author of several books, including Gentle Baby Care : No-cry, No-fuss, No-worry - Essential Tips for Raising Your Baby, The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night, Kid Cooperation (with an introduction by William Sears, MD), Perfect Parenting, as well as her latest The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers and is also president of Better Beginnings, Inc. She is a popular speaker on family issues, and her newsletter, Parent Tips, is seen in schools nationwide. She appears as a regular radio show guest, and has been quoted in Parents, Parenting, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, American Baby, Working Mother, and Woman's Day magazines. Visit Elizabeth's web site http://www.pantley.com/elizabeth.

For more pregnancy and baby, click here.

Find More About

Member Comments On...

Baby Tantrums

ferrari-johnson says:

August 22, 2008

As a mother of four I can honestly say these all work wonderfully. If you have an older child, ask them to speak with the baby. Sometimes, when my daughter is upset, I ask my 4 yr old to talk with her. He can always get her to smile even when her teeth are out of control. After that she readily awaits to be picked up and wants to cuddle immediately. Sometimes, she just wants to sit in his lap or lay on pillow with him. Try it, you may be presently surprised.