Why is my 13 month old so fussy?

[femalephish]

My once-happy-13 month old has become SO fussy/irritable and whiny! It's like she spends all day frustrated because she wants something that she can't have, or can't communicate that she wants. Or she's trying to do things (like put her shoes on or something) and is SO frustrated that she can't do it. and she doesn't want me to help. I hate that she's so frustrated but I don't know what to do about it.

I really feel like she's spent all day whining. Then if whining doesn't work sometimes she dissolves into full on crying/screaming sometimes she hurts herself or bites/hits me. It's awful to watch. I feel really bad. I don't want her to be so misserable, but also I am misserable!

Can anyone help? Is this a normal stage? Will it pass? (Soon?!?) She doesn't have any words, really, although she does know two signs; nurse and more. But she uses 'more' anytime she wants something really and it's not always clear, you know? HELP.

[Madalyn]

I say it's normal....at least I hope it is because that basically sums up how my 14 month old acts most of the time lol. I think it's just the age.

[jammomma]

How many hours sleep is she getting each day?

My 13 month old gets very whiny and wired when he hasn't had enough sleep or is over stimulated.