Babies: behaviour

As babies become more aware of the world, baby behaviour changes. Babies also get better at communicating, so it gets easier to understand baby behaviour. Temperament: what it is and why it matters Temperament is the individual way your child responds to the world. Understanding your child’s temperament helps you choose effective parenting strategies. Self-esteem in children: 1-8 years Self-esteem is liking yourself. It helps children try new things and face challenges. Loving relationships, feedback and encouragement boost self-esteem. A positive approach to discipline: babies and children A positive approach to discipline is about setting limits for behaviour. Praise, positive attention and a loving relationship with your child are essential. Changing the environment: positive behaviour strategy Your child’s environment influences their behaviour. If you change key things in your child’s environment, it can make positive behaviour more likely. Corporal punishment including smacking: what you need to know Corporal punishment harms children and doesn’t help with behaviour. Behaviour strategies based on quality time and positive attention are better for children. Fear of strangers: babies and young children When does stranger anxiety start? And how long does it last? It can start at 5-6 months and pass by 2 years. You can help your child overcome fear of strangers. Separation anxiety in babies and children Separation anxiety in children is when children fear being parted from parents. It can start at 6 months and peak at 14-18 months. You can help your child cope. Can you spoil a baby? No. Responding calmly and consistently helps your baby learn that the world is safe, which helps bonding – good for baby, good for you. Watching your child have a breath-holding spell can be scary. Stay calm and wait, because your child will start breathing again, usually in under a minute. Biting, pinching and hair-pulling Baby and toddler biting, pinching and hair-pulling are part of development. To stop a child from biting and other behaviour, start by saying no and staying calm. Fear of the bath: babies and toddlers Some babies and toddlers have a fear of baths. If your child is afraid of baths, introduce baths slowly, help your child feel safe, and make bath time fun. Overstimulation: babies and children Children can get overstimulated when there’s too much going on. You can help with overstimulation by reducing noise and activity or offering a quiet activity. All babies cry. If your baby is crying, check that baby isn’t sick, hurt or uncomfortable. Singing, rocking, wrapping, patting, massage or baths might help. Soothing a crying baby: in pictures To soothe your crying baby, check if they’re hungry, tired, uncomfortable or sick. This helps you know what to do to comfort your baby and stop the crying. Your baby’s cues tell you what your baby wants and needs. Our guide has videos so you can see examples of baby hunger cues, tired cues, play cues and more. Colic: what it is and what to do Colic is when babies cry and fuss a lot for no obvious medical reason. It’s best to see a GP or nurse about colic. Looking after yourself is important too.