My son is almost five months old and he babbles like a champ. He makes all sorts of different noises, but his latest one is a very high pitched screech, usually used when he wants attention or to change position or pretty much whenever he wants something. My problem is, he continues with the screeching until he gets what he wants, and sometimes seems to do it just because it's fun. Is there any way I can curtail this habit without affecting his developing language skills?

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Tigriz
Mom to Alex - 1/21/06

Screeching is definately not a language skill you want to develop! lol! A stern look and "No" with a gentle finger over the mouth may work. My youngest used to bellow and I did this until he got the idea. Also... if he does it until he gets what he want, don't give him what he wants until he quiets down.

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Umbilical Cord Blood Storage | Breastfeeding Advice and Information

I just ignored my eldest when she went through that phase. Schreeching didn't work for her, so she stopped.

I would also not give them what they want while they are screeching as you are just reinforcing the behavior, wait until they have stopped and then give it to them. Then it is reinforcing the behavior of not screeching.

I would simply talk to your baby in a calm voice and tell him that screeching is not a good thing to be doing. I wouldn't give in to whatever he wants when he's screeching either. He will understand. Babies are clever and they know how to push parent's buttons. Teaching them early on what is acceptable and what is not certainly helps later when they hit the toddler stage.

At five months old, this is definately a behavior that you want to nip in the bud. It's amazing isn't it that at such a young age our kids can figure out ways to control us in ways we wouldnever have imagined? This screeching is definately a controlling issue, even though it seems silly to say that at this young age.