I'm Concerned - Baby Rolling Eyes And Tantrums

by Anonymous

Hi! My nephew, who is 21 months now is still not talking at all, he also recently has started to roll his eyes and has terrible temper tantrums.

I am really concerned about him as even the nursery commented on his eye rolling.

I have mentioned it to my sister but she says there is nothing the matter and he is fine. Do you think there is reason for me to be concerned?

Thanks

---

Baby Help Line Response:

Normal Or Not When Toddler Doesn't Speak, Roll Eyes And Have Tantrums

Hi Concerned Sister!

I understand that you are concerned and before commenting on the specific situation I want to say two things.

First of all, doctors often say that the one person that really knows if something is wrong with a baby or young toddler is MOM. Why? Because, she is usually the one who spends the most time with the baby and knows him or her the best. So if your sister says that her son is fine, chances are he really is.

Secondly, I'm not a doctor. And even if I was, trying to give medical advice online would be a really bad idea, I think.

Still, I want to share a few thoughts.

Regarding the boy not talking, that doesn't have to mean anything. Does he understand words at all? At around 18 months of age, at least in some countries, there is a health checkup at which the parents are asked if the toddler can say 10 words. If the baby can't, then no big deal. But if the baby says nothing, understands nothing and takes no part in the spoken family interaction at all, it could indicate a hearing or even a developmental problem. So such cases are usually followed up.

Regarding tantrums - what does he do? If he yells, cries, kicks, tries to bite etc when not getting his way, it is completely normal. At that age, however, many babies are still quite easily distracted and thereby calmed. But that varies.

The one thing that that seems the most relevant to check up is the eyes rolling. Again, even though some babies do this because they can or because they are tired, maybe it wouldn't hurt talking to a doctor to rule out any illness. I think I would, at least.

If your sister decides that she wants to talk to a doctor, then filming the boy while rolling his eyes is probably a good way to get relevant help from a pediatrician.

Here is another quite long thread about babies that roll their eyes.

And here is a thread with another 21 month old baby that doesn't talk.

I hope this helps,

Paula

Find answers and comments below.

---

Read more about Baby Development here:

• Return to Baby Development Q&As
• Baby development milestones, games to play and polls
• Have a question? Ask here!

Find more Baby Questions Answered Here...

Baby Help Line | Crying Baby Q&A | Baby Bonding Q&A | Baby Poop Q&A | Baby Urine Q&A | Baby Sleep Q&A |
Baby Feeding Q&A | Infant Vomiting Q&A | Baby Development Q&A | Baby Rashes Q&A | Sick Baby Q&A

 

Return to Easy Baby Life Home