My remarkably bright, energetic, happy 7-month-old son has recently begun screeching at the top of his lungs, in the most high-pitched, ear-piercing squeals he can muster. Sometimes he does it out of excitement, such as when we're tickling him or playing "chase" - which in that context, is totally cute and fine with us. 
But most of the time he seems to do it just to hear himself screech. I don't think he feels the need for extra attention, considering he's breastfed every hour, co-sleeps even for some naps, and is lucky enough to have both mom & dad home all day - he never goes more than a minute without being held and/or played with. (Incidentally, he’s doing great with infant potty training, and is unvaccinated & intact.)
We've tried everything from ignoring it to disapproving looks and stern-voiced warnings, but he seems to get a special thrill out of doing things he knows we don't want him to.
I feel that leaving him alone in his crib "until he's done screaming" is just an extension of the "cry it out" approach, a practice my husband and I find appalling. We realize it's probably just a "phase" he'll grow out of, but in the meantime our patience - and eardrums - are wearing thin! 
What is the best way to gently discourage the inappropriate shrieking?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
:
But most of the time he seems to do it just to hear himself screech. I don't think he feels the need for extra attention, considering he's breastfed every hour, co-sleeps even for some naps, and is lucky enough to have both mom & dad home all day - he never goes more than a minute without being held and/or played with. (Incidentally, he’s doing great with infant potty training, and is unvaccinated & intact.)We've tried everything from ignoring it to disapproving looks and stern-voiced warnings, but he seems to get a special thrill out of doing things he knows we don't want him to.
I feel that leaving him alone in his crib "until he's done screaming" is just an extension of the "cry it out" approach, a practice my husband and I find appalling. We realize it's probably just a "phase" he'll grow out of, but in the meantime our patience - and eardrums - are wearing thin! What is the best way to gently discourage the inappropriate shrieking?Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
:
) It's just a phase, though, and will pass. Probably even more quickly if you don't show much of a reaction. I used to quietly and calmly tell DS that yes, we hear you, and yes, isn't it amazing what you can do with your voice. Beyond that, we just let him screech.
- that's another post!). With DH doing triple-time laundry duty (DS is cloth diapered as well), me and DS on a restricted diet & taking meds 4x day, all 3 of us in the house all day every day, and the closest family an 8hr drive away...we've been feeling a little overwhelmed. 
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