When they cry or fuss, it's usually because they need something - to be fed, changed, comforted or rocked to sleep. What they require most from parents at this stage of development is consistent and loving attention and care. Accordingly, there should be no punishment for a child younger than 15 to 18 months old, regardless of circumstance.
It is especially important to resist the temptation to resort to physical punishment. Hitting or shaking an infant can cause serious neurological damage, which can occur as the brain is slammed against the skull. Do not risk any kind of injury with a baby!
Once a child becomes capable of interacting with his environment, whether by crawling (usually somewhere between seven and ten months of age) or simply by touching and manipulating objects within his reach, the need to control and redirect his behaviour is more pressing.
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
