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Home › Articles › Baby Bonds › Tiny Tears, Huge Tantrums

Tiny Tears, Huge Tantrums

How Do You Know What's Normal and What Could Signal a Problem?

By Renee Roberson

Pages:  1  2  3  

We've all heard of the terrible two's (or three's) and the tantrums that are sure to be a part of each toddler's development. But most parents aren't familiar with this type of behavior in infants – that is, until their own child starts displaying fussier-than-normal behavior.

It can often be a shock to a parent when their infant emerges from the "newborn haze" and the predictable cycle of feeding, changing and sleeping. After the first few months, your baby starts to become more aware of his or her surroundings – and may not always necessarily like or feel comfortable in them.

Typical Baby Frustrations
If your baby is the only one at the infant playgroup who isn't happily enjoying tummy time or pacified by the usual array of toys, don't fret. Dr. Cathryn Tobin, a pediatrician and expert on children's health and behavior problems from Ontario, Canada, says that in most cases this isn't a cause for alarm, but it may be time for you as a parent to step back and assess the situation to help your child be more comfortable in his or her environment.

Dr. Tobin says that most of these "tantrums" probably happen several times a day. "Every time a little guy gets tired, hungry, frustrated and bored he has to communicate with his behavior since he can't say it in words," she says. "This begins to happen very early on, even before 6 months."

Since dealing with an infant's tantrums is very different from the approach one would take with a toddler (for example, a time-out), Dr. Tobin recommends taking a proactive approach with your infant's development and run down your checklist each time your baby becomes inconsolable. Ask yourself if your child is hungry, uncomfortable, bored or overtired. Is it time for a diaper change or feeding? Does your baby need to be burped? It could be as simple as a case of over-stimulation and may be helped by just putting your baby in the crib or bassinet for a little downtime.


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