How to Handle Baby Tantrums

The first time your baby has a tantrum  it can shock you. Watching your little one kick, scream and stiffen in anger can be unexpected and surprising. Even though they can be very explosive, baby tantrums are not about anything that you have done wrong, so don’t take it personally.

When your baby is shrieking, stomping, hitting, or even making his whole body go stiff as a board, it’s not about you. It means that your baby is having a sudden loss of emotional control. Baby tantrums are not about manipulation, since your child is far too young for this. Therefore, you should respond to your baby’s tantrums differently than how you’ll respond to tantrums once your child is older.

Why Do Babies Have Tantrums?

Baby tantrums often seem to come on suddenly, but they typically have a reason. They can be ignited by a variety of different triggers. If you can identify those triggers, then you can help our child to calm down; or better yet, avoid the tantrum in the first place.

Here are the most common reasons for baby tantrums:

• Overtiredness
• Hunger
• Frustration
• Anxiousness/Fearfulness
• Inability to communicate
• Resistance to change
• Over-stimulation
• Boredom
• Discomfort or pain

The best way to handle baby tantrums is to try to avoid them all together. You can often prevent babies from losing control of their emotions if you keep the following things in mind:

Follow daily routines
As much as possible, keep a regular and predictable schedule in regards to sleep times and mealtimes so you don’t accidentally miss these.

Avoid overtiredness
When your baby is tired tantrums are more likely. Keep regular nap and bed times.

Don’t let Baby’s hunger catch you by surprise
Feed your baby frequently. Babies have very small tummies and need regular nourishment.

Have realistic expectations
Keep your expectations realistic; don’t expect more than your baby is capable of. Your little one will eventually grow into a different stage where there will be different expectations. Be patient and learn what is typical for your child’s age group.

Don’t set your child up for frustration
Give your baby toys that are geared to his age and ability level. Assist your baby when learning new skills (such as climbing stairs or working puzzles).

Avoid over and under stimulation
Keep an eye on the environment. If things get too loud, fast or hectic your baby may mirror the mood of the surroundings and find it difficult to regulate in the midst of all the action. On the flip side, carry a supply of baby toys in your bag so that your child isn’t bored while you tend to grown-up things.

Help your baby adjust to new activities
Warn your baby before changing activities, instead of springing it on him. “One more swing, then we’re going home.” “It’s almost bath time!”

Be aware of social discomforts
Be patient when putting your baby in an unfamiliar environment or when introducing her to new people. Don’t push her – let her watch from your arms first. If you let her adjust on her own time frame she’ll be less likely to have a meltdown.

Model a calm spirit
When your baby is starts to become emotional, keep yourself as calm as possible. Use a soothing tone of voice and gentle touch to help your baby stay calm. Your little one can’t do it on his own; he needs your guidance.

Tips from The No-Cry Discipline Solution