Screaming Babies

by Kimmama | More from this Blogger

16 Aug 2009 06:33 PM

I may have to buy a pair of earplugs if I want to protect myself from hearing loss. My 4-month-old has recently discovered that he can scream. He screams so loud, it feels like your ear drums are going to pop. He's decided that screaming is a much more fun way of expressing himself than cooing or laughing. When we tickle him, when he watches TV, when he plays with his toys, or when he recognizes someone, he screams at the top of his lungs with delight. I'm surprised he hasn't lost his voice yet!

Until he finds a new sound to try out, we will have to make a few adjustments. Here are ten things to do if your baby is screaming.

1. Whenever she screams, tap her mouth and watch her reaction. She may laugh when she hears the wah-wah-wah-wah sound!

2. Avoid the library for a while. If you are dying for something to read, browse the Families blogs. (Shameless plug!)

3. Move your baby away from whatever is making him or her excited and find something quiet to do. Reading a book or rocking in a chair is a nice way to wind down with your baby.

4. Scream back! 80% of the time, if I scream in response to my son's scream, he'll quiet down and watch me closely. Though, the other 20% of the time he'll just scream again with a big smile on his face.

5. Whisper in your baby's ear. If your baby is ticklish, you may get a big grin. Whispering will cause your baby to quiet down and listen. She'll also enjoy having your face so close. If you are not careful, she'll grab a handful of your hair!

6. Head outside. Screaming doesn't sound so loud outdoors, and chances are, there are plenty of other screaming children in your neighborhood.

7. Spend some time talking face-to-face with your baby. He may be screaming to get your attention!

8. Turn on some music. You'll never believe which artist always gets my son to calm down. We call him the "baby whisperer." Are you ready? Barry White. Works like a charm every time!

9. Sometimes your baby is screaming because there is just way too much going on. Pick up your baby and go for a walk while rubbing her back. She'll calm down in no time.

10. Check to see if your baby needs help. My son will also scream if he drops a toy he can't reach or if he is standing up and can't quite figure out how to bend his legs to sit.

Learn more about Kimmama

Kim is a freelance writer and stay at home mom to her newborn, Micah. She has been married to her husband, Eric, since 2006.

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