Screaming 9 Month Old

Screaming 9 Month Old

My son is nine months old and spends much of his time screaming, sometimes this is accompanied by crying but not always, when I say screaming I mean its really really loud. Other mothers have started commenting that they have never heard a baby so loud or who screams so frequently. This has been going on for weeks, when he screams he never has temperature, I offer food and drink and he wants neither nor does his nappy need changing. Its just short bursts of exceptionally loud screaming and it can continue on and off for hours.

It mainly seems to start if I put him in his stroller, cot, bed, highchair or sometimes the floor, or sometimes when I talk to someone else, but sometimes even when I am with him or carrying him or giving him sole attention he screams too.

He had a recent check up and he doesn't have an ear ache, sore throat, or urinary infection. He has just cut his third and fourth teeth so I don't think it's teething either. I am really worried there is something wrong and I know people think that too.

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Screaming 9 Month Old

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Jun 22, 2009

Anxiety
by: Baby Help Line

Hi mom,

You know what, it sounds to me as if your son is scared. At his age, his mind is developing and he is know realizing that he is his own person, separate from mom. For many babies, that is terrifying.

One of my children, my daughter, reacted in a similar as you son. And that she has a strong voice didn't help. She screamed so load out of the blue (in my view) when we met some people or even at some voices, that I thought something really hurt her. (Now four years old, she has a lovely singing voice, which isn't bad.)

9 months old really is at the peak of both separation anxiety and stranger anxiety for many children. They need very badly to be reassured that mom continues to be around, despite her actually having her own body, separate from theirs. It may sound like a joke, but for the children, this really is a trauma.

Being put down, put in a crib or just left alone for a couple of minutes can be more than they can take.

Studies have shown that babies that are allowed to really be held and carried and have their needs for comfort met at this time actually grow out of their anxiety faster. So even if it is tough - and it is! - don't be hard on your son. Don't use any cry it out methods and don't worry that he isn't normal. He can probably sense that from you too, which doesn't help.

Instead, carry your little screamer around, hug him, kiss him and tell him that you love him over and over again. And when he does show small signs of independence encourage him with a big smile.

He is simply growing up. And that can tough, as we all know :-)

Take care, and don't worry,

Paula

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Jun 22, 2009
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Submitted by: Baby Help Line

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Hi mom, You know what, it sounds to me as if your son is scared. At his age, his mind is developing and he is know realizing that he is his own person, separate from mom. For many babies, that is terrifying. One of my children, my daughter, reacted in a similar as you son. And that she has a strong voice didn't help. She screamed so load out of the blue (in my view) when we met some people or even at some voices, that I thought something really hurt her. (Now four years old, she has a lovely singing voice, which isn't bad.) <a href=http://www.easybabylife.com/9-month-old.html">9 months old</a> really is at the peak of both separation anxiety and stranger anxiety for many children. They need very badly to be reassured that mom continues to be around, despite her actually having her own body, separate from theirs. It may sound like a joke, but for the children, this really is a trauma. Being put down, put in a crib or just left alone for a couple of minutes can be more than they can take. Studies have shown that babies that are allowed to really be held and carried and have their needs for comfort met at this time actually grow out of their anxiety faster. So even if it is tough - and it is! - don't be hard on your son. Don't use any cry it out methods and don't worry that he isn't normal. He can probably sense that from you too, which doesn't help. Instead, carry your little screamer around, hug him, kiss him and tell him that you love him over and over again. And when he does show small signs of independence encourage him with a big smile. He is simply growing up. And that can tough, as we all know :-) Take care, and don't worry, Paula

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Jul 28, 2010

Screaming 9 Month Old
by: Anonymous

I am having the exact same problem. My son screams for no particular reason. I think that he is too young to understand "No" or "Shhh". It helps when I feed him, but he will still randomly scream. You are no alone, but I would also welcome any suggestions.

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