When babies scream with frustration?

[Ozziegirly]

So, my DS is 6 months and is at that stage where he is constantly on his hands and knees, rocking back and forward, about to launch off.

He sees a toy and knows that he can nearly get to it, if only the crawling part of his brain would juuust kick in. So he screams with the pure frustration of it. Loudly. Very loudly.

What do you do?

That's a tough one. Could you distract him? Maybe just plonk him in his bum and give him a toy, obviously not the toy he was screaming for otherwise he will scream every time. This stage will soon pass though.

I have tried distracting, but it only works for a few minutes and then he's back on all fours again, desperately trying to get to the one toy that's a little out of reach!

Thing is, the frustration is obviously motivating him, but the screaming, oh, the screaming.....

It's not as bad when I am constantly there, encouraging and chatting, but obviously I can't do that the whole time.

And I just know that when he can crawl it's going to be screaming because he can't walk. It used to be screaming because he couldn't lift himself up that well....

Sounds like you've got a bright boy. Think you might just have to accept that he is a screamer and once he can crawl and walk he may be screaming because he wants a motorbike .

My DS used to be frustrated and needed lots of stimulus. Have you tried playgroups, swimming, music groups, maybe gymtots?

As above plus ear plugs for in the house until the phase passes. One of mine had a seriously loud yell. Can still hear them cry, it just doesn't hurt the ear drums....

He does seem bright, he's very interested in things but at this stage it seems to manifest itself as frustration at not being able to do everything!

I do something with him every day to try to tire him out and keep him stimulated, which does help - swimming especially he loves and I would go every day if I could.

Music group is a great idea actually, the only time he sits quietly is in church when the choir is singing and he stares in rapt amazement.

He is a wonderful boy and I kind of understand his frustration, but the screaming - my neighbours must think I am torturing him!

Oh I so remember those days, it was just so much easier for me to go out every day just to wear him out.

We found that a door bouncer was useful at this stage, as they can move around a bit by themselves (albeit up and down rather than forwards!)

How's he getting on now? Still screaming?

Oh my ds 2 had an ear splitting scream.. it really hurt. Touch wood at 20months he seems to have stopped. Instead if anyone says 'no' or slights him in any way we have [careful] throwing himself to the floor.. Still screams on occasion but less ear splitting.