How to Handle a Tantrum from Your Baby

It will amaze you how fast your little baby is growing, it will feel like they should not be as old as they are, and it will really hit you when your baby throws a tantrum for the first time. You may notice that from 6-12 months old that your baby begins to throw somewhat of a fit over something.

Tantrums with babies can be difficult because you can't just explain to a baby that they can't have something because it could hurt them like you could to a 5 year old. Plus the frustration that the baby has is far more severe than that of a 5 year old. When your baby is getting into something that could hurt them and you take it away and they begin to throw a tantrum here are some things that you can do to help your baby get over the situation.

Distract

Show your baby an alternative toy that they can play with. By attempting to play with them you will increase the chance of them stopping their tantrum because they will be eager to play with mom or dad. You can starting playing a game of peek-a-boo or sing to them to get their attention.

Change the Location

If your baby refuses to forget about the thing that made them mad then pick them up, if you aren't already holding them, and take them into another room. The change in scenery may get their attention and they will be more likely to calm down.

Look Outside

Go over to the a window a look outside, the shining sun may get your baby's attention if going into a different room didn't distract the them enough. This usually will get their attention and help them forget that they had something taken away from them. If it is night time you can open the fridge to get their attention for a second, as long as they don't mind that they can't reach for what is in there.

Wait it Out

The over all best thing that you can do during a long tantrum is to keep your own cool and comfort your baby and wait it out as best as possible. This can be frustrating as parents but remember your baby's frustration is a lot more.

Explain Yourself

Even though you can't just tell a baby "sorry, but you can't play with that because you could get hurt," take the item that the baby had and the baby grasp why you did that, you should explain your actions once they are calmed down from the tantrum. As your baby gets older they will become more and more aware of what "hurt" "no thank you" and "sorry" mean, so it is important to explain to them why they can't have something.

The main reason that you want to encourage your children not to throw tantrums is because they can hurt themselves. There will be different degrees of tantrums and some will be over almost instantly while others may go on for quite a while. Just remember that they will end.