What on earth has happened to my wonderful baby?

[tigger8]

My baby has been a 'dream' thus far, not least because I have waited 15 yrs for her! However, this past week she has become very, well.....annoying. She is shrieking and squealing a really high pitched noise a lot of the time which is fine at home, although I have a permanent headache but, out in public, the looks I am getting! She seems to be sucking her gums a lot, is napping less......could it be purely teething problems? She, also, seems to be sticking her finger in her ear a lot....ear infection? She is just over 11mths? Is she suddenly becoming a naughty child? Omg...is this a sign of things to come? Anyone else experienced anything similar with a baby this age? Any pointers greatly appreciated!

Anybody?

My DD did the same about this age. She has discovered a new thing to do and it is fun. It'll stop when she finds the next new thing!

I dont think shes becoming a naughty child

Definitely think its a combination of teething/frustration (is she mobile yet?) and just experimenting with her new voice and sounds.

She sounds completely normal (and wonderful!) ?

The squealing must be an age thing I think. My DS is also 11 months and does this too. It's horrible! He also has screaming rages if he can't have something he wants.

Other than that, he's completely adorable...

Sounds like you've got a Changeling there. The fairies have nicked your baby. Feckers.

Although it could also be teething. The pulling of the ear is a particular sign. Keep her topped up with pain relief. The emergance of tge molars is very painful. My DS suffered terribly and would scream and scream at times. It was scary and nerve fraying to listen to.

Or it might be fairy related.

You do know that wonderful babies are just people in waiting? They are individuals and they don't always conform to an ideal.

No, she is not suddenly becoming a naughty child. The shrieking and squealing for example, is sometimes the discovery of their voice. However, that said, she may or may not have an ear infection but either way her behaviour will almost certainly be normal; either a response to infection or a developmental step on her part.

Trust me, your wonderful baby will present many challenges in the years ahead. Many will be 'annoying' but you will just have to get on board.

You just know when you write on here, albeit when nerves are frayed and you are a tad emotional, that a plethora of knowledgable people will bring you back to earth again with a smile not a thud. Thanks people x

I hear you.

DS is 11 months this week. He's discovered he can make a growling noise and also blow raspberries both of which he does almost constantly. The ear pulling and hand chewing is very familiar too.

Comforting to read this thread thanks for posting and thanks for the responses.

They are realising that they are not an extension of you. They are experimenting. They find they have a will if their own. They will go through 'phases'- the annoying behaviour will stop..............then a different one will start! by the teenage ones you will look back fondly to a bit I'd squealing and think 'wasn't life simple' !

Think yourself lucky you lasted til 11m before the squealing started! My dd is 19wks and learnt she could squeal and scream a few days ago. Now even when she's happy she does a horrible ear-piercing squeal, especially if she's having a giddy/wriggly minute on her mat. She has also learnt to blow raspberries so we have constant slobbery bibs as well!