Tantrums?

Yup we’re the same

Yep. There was another post just like this in the December 2023 group. My baby has been throwing tantrums for a few weeks now. She even hits and bites when she gets angry or frustrated! I do not give in to what she wants (if she wants something she cannot have) and I will just hug her until she calms down. It is very important to teach your child how to regulate their nervous system in the first 5 years of life. In the first year, they heavily rely on you to do it for them (which is why touch goes a long way between mother and baby). Later, you can teach them how to breathe or release their energy in a different (more constructive) fashion. :)

Yes this is me and my daughter who is also 8.5 months! She kicks and stomps both her feet on the ground when I’m changing her nappy, she pushes away, arches her back and screams which isn’t fun when she gets covered in poop, then I have to change her clothes which she equally hates! Is this something that will just carry on! My little one rarely sits still or doesn’t cry when having her nappy changed she has been like this since she was born. And doesn’t matter who is changing her. Health visitor always told be its because she is more aware than other babies. I have always questioned if I am doing something wrong!

@Kassia how do you teach them to regulate their emotions at such a young age? At the moment I just use distraction, I use toys, sing, tickle etc etc, all stops the tantrums (most of the time) when this happens during a nappy change and I can’t distract her, she screams and tantrums until I am finished, I just kiss and cuddle afterwards but even then she pushes away from me so I result to again playing with a toy to take her mind of things. I’m not sure whether or not distraction is teaching to regulate emotions though?

@Amy when they are babies, you regulate them with your body. Like holding them close and putting your hand behind their neck. Sometimes, when they are really angry, they try to initially push you away, but, if you continue to hold them, they will calm down. During diaper changes and things, yeah, of course give them a play toy. They are usually angry because you aren’t allowing them to play and there is nothing wrong with letting them play! Trying to distract from an emotion is not teaching them how to regulate or deal with emotions. However, giving them something to play with isn’t always a distraction! It is often times what they’re asking for. At this age, you are already inclined to have a lot of proximity with your baby, so you’re probably already helping her regulate her emotions that way, without even thinking about it. When these babies learn to talk/understand language, then you can show them ways to regulate without you. Like breathing, creative outlets, etc

@Amy also, playing with your baby and singing, etc, are not distractions from the emotions, but also a way to regulate. You are actively showing her how to calm down from her emotions through song, play, etc. Their brains are developing super quickly right now and you keeping your cool and showing her ways to make her feel happy is doing wonders for her!

When our LO is changing she loves to play with the small Sudacrem tub. Not ideal but it makes changing easier. In other situations when she’s been crying, saying ‘calm calm calm mummy’s here’ over and over has worked