When to teach the word "no"

[Gage and Sophie's Mom]

Let me preface my question before I ask it to avoid anyone getting the wrong idea. I realize that babies should not be disciplined as they are not ready for that yet, and I would NEVER physically or emotionally punish my infant.

Here is my question: When do you start teaching children "no" and acceptable behavior? My bub sure has a temper sometimes when he doesnt want his diaper or clothes changed and he will kind of "yell" at me. And although I dont take it personally I dont want this to continue into toddlerhood etc. Also, he loves to roll over on the  changing table, and even though he doesnt really understand my words I flip him back and tell him no and that it is not safe. However, if I look at his face and say it he starts laughing and he does it again.  He is just a baby and he thinks it is a game. That tells me not to have too high of expectations and he may not be ready for this.

Please dont think I am eager to punish my baby, I just dont want someone to someday say,"Hey, didnt you know you were supposed to teach this a long time ago." This is my first baby, and I just want is best for him.

[Gigismom]

hi,

of course you want the best for your baby.  we all do.  and some people may disagree with me... we all have different parenting ways, so do what you *feel* is best for you and gage.

when my dd would try to roll off the changing table, i would always say "honey,  it's not safe for you to roll around when you are on this table.  please hold still for just a few minutes more.  then you may get off and play".   she always gave me a strange look, then would hold still for a few mins more til i was done.

it's different for every baby and parent.  just do what you are comfortable with and give it a while to work.  most babies take a while to "get" what you are asking them to do.   

[brightside]

Personally, I think its fine to teach them "no" if they are doing something dangerous. They might not understand you at first and its not like you need to 'shout' at them-just use an assertive tone with an explanation. I think I read in Tracy's book-secrets of the Babywhisperer-that she thinks its important to teach them "no", particularly when they start crawling and you want to teach them about what they can and can't touch. As long as you don't enter into the 'game' on the change table, your little one will soon get the message that its not something that you a 'playing'.

[housh-rayvals]

we have started to use "no" with our six month old for her behaviour such as hair pulling or biting. We do not physically or emotionally discipline her, just use an assertive tone and take the hair out of her grip or stop the biting. We are hoping that this will help her in understanding what is and isn't acceptable in the future, especially when she begins to entertain in dangerous situations, such as rolling off her change table.

[*Natasha*]

My DD knows what the word NO means i also say it when she soes things like hair pulling or being naughty during meal/bottle times. She usually smiles at me when i say it but will usually stop what she is doing 

[mommasboys]

I think it all depends on the child.  Dorian know what  no means.  Sometimes he'll be doing something he's not supposed to do and i'll catch him at he'll wiggle his finger at me and say no no no.  Sometimes it's hard not to laugh.   But at the same time, when i tell him no he listens, stops what he's doing then goes on to something else.

I know there are people who say you shouldn't be negative with lo's but sometimes it seems impossible.  We use the wors and i think it has been helpful in a way because he obeys.  If that makes sense.

HTH

[Colin Macs Mom]

I have read that around 7-8 months they can understand the word "no" but not necessarily obey it. I would say start using it appropriately sooner rather than later.