It’s always exciting to see our children grow and reach new milestones. While we usually follow general developmental patterns for guidance, it’s important to recognize that every baby experiences the world differently, and some are more sensitive to stimuli like sound, touch, taste, and smell.
Have you ever wondered why your little one screams at the sound of the vacuum cleaner, while another child barely flinches?
Children born with overly sensitive nervous systems notice tiny changes in their environment. They tend to need more time to adjust to changes than others. As parents, we need to be good detectives and figure out what’s upsetting them, especially the little ones who can’t express their feelings verbally.
The key is to identify what triggers your child’s strong reactions. Is it a scratchy blanket, a loud toy, or a sudden change in routine?
Here are some clues:
- Taste: Does your child refuse to eat certain foods? They may not have the language to explain what it is about the food they don’t like. We can help by asking things like “Does it feel rough in your mouth?” to determine if they are sensitive to texture and if they would try it again if it can be made smoother. If something tastes too strong or sharp, prepare it in a blander form next time and try again.
- Touch: Some babies may prefer firmer pats on the back while being burped, and some may like being held upright rather than cradled. Certain fabrics may irritate some babies’ skin, even though many others find them to be soft.
- Sound: Is the vacuum cleaner a nightmare? Reduce noise levels by dimming lights and turning off other electronics.
The quickest way we as caregivers can help ease these strong reactions is by removing or minimizing whatever seems to be overwhelming them.
When dealing with strong reactions, try some of these calming techniques:
- Reduce Stimuli: Create a quieter, less stimulating environment. (Dim the lights, turn off the TV or radio, or move your child away from other people.)
- Offer Comfort: Hold your child close and speak in a soothing voice. (Whisper things like “It’s okay” or “It’s alright.”)
- Validate Feelings: Let them know their feelings are okay (“It’s alright to feel scared of loud noises”). If they are too upset to speak, encourage them to talk about it when they’re ready.
- Problem-Solve Together: Once calm, explore ways to manage future triggers.
Dealing with intense reactions in children can be frustrating and exhausting, but it’s important to remember that these are not intentional tantrums – your child is simply overwhelmed. Helping your child navigate their sensory world may require patience, but it is worth it to help them develop strategies to handle these strong reactions. Imagine the relief on their face (and yours!) when they finally conquer a situation that used to trigger meltdowns.
