How to stop my toddler from screaming when his baby sister cries?

Question

My son is almost 2 and-a-half, and is having great difficulty adjusting to the arrival of my daughter, who is now 3 weeks old. Any time my daughter cries or makes the slightest "unhappy" noise, my son emits a piercing scream and breaks into tears. I believe that he is genuinely afraid of my daughter, and not just doing this for attention. We have tried ignoring the behavior, and have recently tried to comfort him, but the situation has not improved over the course of weeks. In the past, my son has also reacted to the sounds of other young children in a similar manner, and so we don't think the cause stems solely from the sibling relationship. For whatever it's worth, the sounds made by older children do not seem to bother him, no matter how loud or shrill these may be. This screaming/crying pattern is putting great strain on our family, and so I am eager to find either suggestions for stopping my son's outbursts or recommendations about seeking professional help. Thank you.

Answer 1

Get him a doll to play with. When I found out I was pregnant I bought my then 18 month-old son a little baby doll to play with. It came with an attached pacifier and he would hold it and give it the pacifier and we used one of his old bottles so he could "Feed" the baby. Get him involved in helping you care for the baby. Have him bring you diapers or wipes. Is it possible that he is not getting enough sleep because of the baby waking at night? How about putting a CD player in his room and play soothing music so it covers up the baby's crying. If that doesn't help talk to his doctor.

Answer 2

I wish I could offer you some advice, but I can't! My four year old acts the same way every time my one month old cries!! So I know how you feel. My doctor said that she could just be reverting back to her childish ways because of her new sister. She also has started sucking her thumb and wetting her pants, and she has never done either... Sometimes it's just hard for the older child to adjust to the new baby I guess. Good luck!

Answer 3

often times little ones can get over drained, and they could have a quite good rage. in a lot of situations at this aspect you'll have some problem getting the toddler to sleep. i wager the suitable suggestion is to save them on a daily recurring, like bath accepted or evening at a particular time and meal situations jointly and mattress time jointly too. A pacifier facilitates too in case you want to furnish your toddler one. The sucking action will loosen up them. A swaddle works good too (my daughter did not like this because she loved to flail her fingers about) you may also attempt absolutely one of those little fish aquarium toys that connect to the crib some make bubble sounds or you are able to get the rain wooded area form. My daughter would seem to kick back down observing it and listening to the noises.

Answer 4

First off I would talk to his pediatrician. You'd be surprised at the advice they can give on those types of situations! Maybe there's more to it than just the noise he's hearing. It could be that it's a stress factor for him and it sets him off. I know you can't always do this but try seperating him from the baby for a while and see how he does. Maybe he needs a break?

Answer 5

My daughter when she was a baby would cry for other kids I had her at the health department when she was just a month old and there was another kid there and his mommy gave him a spanking he didn't cry but my daughter did. My brother still laughs about it. He is probably sensitive to her because he loves and cares about her and thinks she is in pain. he's a great big brother.

Answer 6

DO AS HE DOES! one thing i have learned about children is that if they see themselves within you it humors them! so the next time he starts screaming make some kind of loud noise along with him, this will distract him and hopefully make him laugh! eventually he'll notice that he doesn't have to be afraid.

Answer 7

well put yourself into his position he was the only one and yes that screeching can drive u silly well sweety i raised 3 and he will get used to it now u have to do ur part and either ignore him as u have or i would send him to his room

Answer 8

Tell him to stop. Then use the ancient and forgotten form called discipline. It really works.

Answer 9

wow, ask dr. phil, i would say it might be an attention getter, maybe he thinks since she's so little he's afraid she might be in pain,and he's worried idk wut to else could be wrong. good luck i'm sure he'll be okay, maybe when she cries u should show him u're comforting her and that she'll be okay.