Infant - Discipline

As your baby becomes more mobile and curious, your baby will also become more assertive. However, you must take charge if you see a dangerous situation. One cannot be ambivalent about safety, and one's response must be immediate and forthright. We do not advocate spanking or hitting as a form of discipline at any age. You can start to reward good behavior and "catch them being good" at 9 months of age. A 9-month-old can also understand "no" and respond to redirection. It is also helpful to use specific phrases about the desired behavior (e.g. "Don't eat the leaves!" rather than "Don't eat that!"). The infant period is a good time to establish your authority since it is easier to modify behavior at this young age.

Consistency is also a key player in successful discipline. It is helpful to have discussions with all caregivers to come up with a plan about expectations and behaviors. Children need limits and boundaries to lay the groundwork for good behavior at a young age. If you baby learns that you have the final word now, it will help make like more comfortable for you and your baby as your baby gets older!

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