Shrieking

[penstamon]

Does anyone have an LO who discovered shrieking and just loves to do it? DS (6 mo) started this a few weeks ago and it usually signals that he is ready for a nap, but lately it can be anything from "give me back that toy" to "mommy you're not looking at me" to "oh what the hell, let's shriek".

Its ear-piercing and very hard to take, particularly in public or around other people. DH tries to shush him but it does no good. Any advice to quiet a shrieker? We BW, BF on demand, are very attached, etc etc.

I know babies just do this but it would be soooooo nice to help him to learn how to tone it down and communicate better.

[Hannah'sMommy]

Our DD, who is now 5 months, discovered shrieking right around Christmas time. She just loved it! I think she just loved hearing herself and how it got our attention. It was ear-piercing as well! She's slowed down on it (thank goodness!), but she still does it occasionally. I don't have any suggestions to help you, but just wanted to let you know that we have a LO who does the same thing and that you're not alone!

[kdtmom2be]

We're full on into the "oh what the hell let's shriek" phase. DS certainly does it to get attention, especially when he's dropped something or wants to be fed (solids, not nurse) but other times he just sits and SHRIEKS for NO discernable reason. I remember DD doing it and I know they just outgrow it. I just wish it would be soon!

[GoestoShow]

The Screeching Game ™

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Edited by GoestoShow - 1/4/11 at 9:13am

[sky_and_lavender]

My baby is almost 5 months and started shrieking around 3.5 months, right before we took a plane trip overseas. (Such wonderful timing, let me tell you!) Definitely most prominent when tired or overstimulated, but any time is a fine time to shriek!

[birthangeldoula]

Yeah -- that was not my favorite phase. Luckily my little duckie didn't shriek for much longer than a week or two.

[texmati]

Originally Posted by birthangeldoula

Yeah -- that was not my favorite phase. Luckily my little duckie didn't shriek for much longer than a week or two.

Here's hoping that the phase doesn't last too long!

[flower01]

Aw, I think it's hilarious. My 4 month old does it - i haven't noticed it being associated with tiredness. He seems very playful when he's doing it. I guess i'm not in public enough for it to bother me.

[Sk8ermaiden]

Ha, ha! Mine too, same age.

The other day we had her on the rug and DH, my mom, my sister, and I were all sitting on the couches eating. She looked at each one of us in turn and shrieked. She wanted someone down there to play with! It was soooo funny.

But unless it's an incident like that where she's being ornery, I do find she does it when she's getting very close to nap time.

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

DS did this quite a bit around that age, especially sitting at his chair at the table.

Unfortunately, DH has tinnitus, so this was not a good thing... thank goodness it didn't go on for long! He doesn't do it at all any more.

[Knitting Mama]

Yep, mine did that, but thankfully, it went away as she learned to babble more. She rarely shrieks now at 9 months old.

[P.J.]

DS also had a shrieking phase around 5-6 months. Luckily it passed.

Annoying and embarrassing as it may be, IMO babies and children should be allowed to express their life energy as much as possible. Of course, I also respect other people's right to peace and appropriate social norms, etc. But a baby that age is just too young to teach something like "indoor voice / outdoor voice". So, for better or worse, people (and you) may just have to accept it for now. It will pass, don't worry.

[newsolarmomma2]

I was JUST thinking about this! my DS started shrieking at 3.5 months, and it increased until almost 5 months, which is now. He thinks its hilarious, and daddy, not thinking it through, had encouraged it, making it worse. When he is playing he does it most, but also when upset. My parents were horrified and thought I should stop it, but I figured he would grow out of it once he can commuicate better. if not, I will worry about it then, I mean, how do you stop a baby from shrieking without being harmful to their developing communication skills?

Too funny, I thought I was the only one!!!!

[McGucks]

My DS is 9 months and YES!  I always called it screeching...but I am sure it is the same thing as what you describe.  Ear splitting, for sure.  He started around 6 months (what is it about that 6 month time period?)  and did it so much I had to bail at an out to eat lunch the other day.  He was not tired, hungry, under/overstimulated, under/over attentioned, etc.  I have noticed no pattern or way to help him with this other than a change of environment.  My DH used to use ear plugs.  It has gotten some better, but when he hits it, he hits it.  Sounds like from what PPs are saying that it's a phase...just a kinda long one with my baby, I guess.  I tried using sign to tell him "stop" since that was suggested to me, but it sure didn't make a difference.    If my nerves are already frazzled and if I'm tired (both of which are pretty common), this is one behavior I find really hard to be understanding about.  I know he can't help it and doesn't mean any harm by it...I know it's his voice and I need to listen...all that...but I still really don't like it. So, no advice, just good luck!