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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

New Mum Baffled

24 replies

clairebzippy · 14/03/2013 18:23

Hi mums,

So I have a problem. I have a lovely 6 month old boy who I absolutely adore. He is a very engaged child, chatty and hitting all his milestones. The problem is that he has the mother of all tantrums every day!

I'm talking purple, arched back, feet stamping, blood curdling wail! I have NO idea what causes it nor how to help!

When he starts I can't pick him up, distract him, soothe him, anything. I've tried everything and I'm so embarrassed when he does it when we're out.

There doesn't seem to be a trigger- it can happen any time of day. In desperation I've tried the Cry It Out Method and it was hideous- he went on and on for 30 mins- yet no tears? I'm so confused!

Am I spoiling him? Is it possible for him to have tantrums? I want to help him and feel
So useless.

Any advice would be so appreciated!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

MiaSparrow · 14/03/2013 18:41

a) you can't spoil a baby. b) he's too young to be having tantrums!

I'd guess it's more likely some kind of tummy discomfort. Or teething...

Original poster

clairebzippy · 14/03/2013 19:37

Thanks for response- people keep saying to me 'ooh he's so spoilt' but it just feels plain wrong to leave him.

I guess what I'm asking is is there a way to stop it or reduce it? And if how do I soothe him?

OP posts:

Wossname · 14/03/2013 19:42

Teething? I would say its unlikely to be a tantrum at that age.

FattyMcChubster · 14/03/2013 19:49

Ignore other people.
Have you noticed any pattern? Certain time? After a certain food? Needs to poo?

VikingLady · 14/03/2013 21:36

Is it when he may be overtired? What are his naps like?

MurderOfGoths · 14/03/2013 22:56

When DS did arched back it was usually wind or stomach troubles. He's not spoilt, ignore those idiots.

ZuleikaD · 15/03/2013 07:32

Do not leave him, he's not spoilt - it sounds like pain. Agree with pps who've suggested it might be wind - will he let you rub his tummy when it happens? Also, have you recently weaned him? There may be something that disagrees with him.

Goldmandra · 15/03/2013 10:43

First thing is to get him checked out by your GP. If this is pain the GP may be able to work out the reason.

6 month old babies don't tantrum because they don't have the awareness that such behaviour might influence you. You are most definitely not spoiling him.

Don't do CIO again. No tears does not mean no distress. Ignore people who tell you otherwise.

SuperDuperTrooper · 15/03/2013 10:53

My first thought was teething too and if not that some other discomfort. Seems quite likely at that age especially if you can't find any trigger at all at any time. I agree that a trip to the GP may be prudent if it continues.

ellesabe · 15/03/2013 19:43

Who the heck is telling you that he's spoilt???

If it were me, I'd be telling those people to wind their necks right in!

Satine5 · 15/03/2013 20:18

My DD was behaving like that but this is because she had silent reflux, lots of trapped gas, cows milk protein intolerance. It got worse when we started weaning too. They font do tantrums at this age and you are not spoiling him! I suggest you keep a diary for a few days to see when it happens, maybe you will notice a pattern! Also maybe keep a food diary? Hope this helps! I eould then get him checked out. It took us continous trips to various GPs before we were treated seriously and prescribed anti acid meds. Not suggesting your dc has reflux, but sounds like spmething is upsetting him.

Satine5 · 15/03/2013 20:19

Sorry for typos btw!

Original poster

clairebzippy · 16/03/2013 16:37

Thanks for responses, I just don't know what to do for the best!
He's done it today straight after a nap- I tried everything, nappy change, cuddles, feed, playing, lying him down and nothing works! It's like he's determined to scream until he's done! Yet when he's done he's all smiles and fine again! I can't work it out!

OP posts:

Original poster

clairebzippy · 16/03/2013 18:16

Is he likely to be a 'high needs' baby?

OP posts:

MurderOfGoths · 16/03/2013 19:01

More likely he's not feeling well I'd have thought.

What's he doing before or during crying? Is he chewing on things or dribbling? Pulling his legs up to his belly? With DS the arched back usually means stomach pain/wind.

Original poster

clairebzippy · 16/03/2013 19:14

He was fast asleep before this bout! Woke up and started!

OP posts:

stargirl1701 · 16/03/2013 19:16

My DD is similar. She has silent reflux.

Original poster

clairebzippy · 17/03/2013 06:37

He had very Obvious reflux as a tiny baby but seems to be growing out of that. Just googled silent reflux symptoms and they don't really fit him x

OP posts:

lola88 · 17/03/2013 09:28

DS used to have tantruum like outburst when he was smaller because he was overtired, he seemed to get to the point where it was all to much and scream and cry. I found it so stressfull because strangers would look at us wondering what was wrong and i think wondering why i wasn't 'fixing' it but there was nothing i could do just talk to him but nothing calmed him. It was mostly outside the house i think because there was to much going on for him.

He did grow out of it about 11mo when he started sleeping better

readyforno2 · 17/03/2013 09:53

Could he be constipated?
My ds gets like that when he is struggling a bit.

Original poster

clairebzippy · 19/03/2013 07:09

Lola88 thanks that sounds just like my son! It often happens whilst we're out/ he once brought an entire restaurant to a standstill and I was so embarrassed because NOTHING would console him.

It's not constipation he opens his bowels every day x

OP posts:

MoelFammau · 19/03/2013 12:07

I would say silent reflux.

freddiemisagreatshag · 19/03/2013 12:10

Another one saying silent reflux. I'd take him to the GP if I were you.

DrMcDreamysWife · 19/03/2013 12:16

My dd has screaming fits like this. To be honest it's usually overtiredness and needing more sleep. She like your son can do it when woken from a nap..something because she wants more sleep and woke before she was ready. Other times I think it's because she wakes hungry. She doesn't always do it after a nap. She did it this morning at the end of singing session at library, so embarrassing but just crashed out on the walk home... She was overstimulated and tired I'm sure. She woke from her nap happy happy!!

Think about the amount of sleep he has in the day and maybe a sleep routine would help?

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