Toddler Screaming Phase
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, Zero to Three guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed toddler screaming phase, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Screaming is a completely normal phase for toddlers, typically peaking between 18 months and 2.5 years. Toddlers scream because they have discovered the incredible power of their voice but do not yet have the vocabulary to express their big feelings. They may scream from excitement, frustration, boredom, or simply to experiment with volume. This phase passes as language skills develop and children learn more effective ways to communicate.
Key takeaways
- Screaming is a completely normal phase for toddlers, typically peaking between 18 months and 2.5 years. Toddlers scream because they have discovered the incredible power of their voice but do not yet have the vocabulary to express their big feelings. They may scream from excitement, frustration, boredom, or simply to experiment with volume. This phase passes as language skills develop and children learn more effective ways to communicate.
- Usually normal when: Your toddler screams when excited, frustrated, or overwhelmed but calms down within a reasonable time with support
- Call your doctor if: Your child suddenly begins screaming inconsolably and seems to be in pain, especially if they are pulling at their ears, holding their head, or have a fever
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC, Zero to Three guidelines, screaming is a completely normal phase for toddlers, typically peaking between 18 months and 2.5 years. Toddlers scream because they have discovered the incredible power of their voice but do not yet have the vocabulary to express their big feelings. They may scream from excitement, frustration, boredom, or simply to experiment with volume. This phase passes as language skills develop and children learn more effective ways to communicate. At 6-12 months, babies often go through a screaming or shrieking phase around 6-9 months as they discover the full range of their voice. This is vocal experimentation and is an important step in speech development. Your baby is learning about volume, pitch, and cause and effect (they scream, everyone looks). Responding with a calm, gentle voice models appropriate volume. It is generally considered normal when your toddler screams when excited, frustrated, or overwhelmed but calms down within a reasonable time with support. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child suddenly begins screaming inconsolably and seems to be in pain, especially if they are pulling at their ears, holding their head, or have a fever.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
Babies often go through a screaming or shrieking phase around 6-9 months as they discover the full range of their voice. This is vocal experimentation and is an important step in speech development. Your baby is learning about volume, pitch, and cause and effect (they scream, everyone looks). Responding with a calm, gentle voice models appropriate volume.
12-18 months
Screaming at this age is often a communication tool. Your child wants something, is frustrated, or is excited but does not have enough words to express it. Acknowledging their feeling ("You want that toy! You are excited!") and offering the words they need helps bridge the gap between emotion and language.
18 months - 2.5 years
This is the peak screaming age for most toddlers. They understand so much more than they can say, which creates intense frustration. Screaming can also be a power move - they know it gets a big reaction. Stay calm, avoid matching their volume, and use a quiet voice. Teaching sign language or simple phrases for common needs can significantly reduce frustration-based screaming.
2.5-3.5 years
As vocabulary expands rapidly, screaming should decrease significantly. If your child is still screaming frequently and intensely at this age, consider whether there might be environmental stressors, sensory sensitivities, or communication delays that are making verbal expression more difficult. Praise and attention for using words ("I love how you used your words to tell me!") reinforces the behavior you want to see.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed toddler screaming phase and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if screaming is constant throughout the day and does not seem connected to any emotion or need, lasting well beyond age 3.
- Mention if your child seems unable to communicate in any other way and screaming is their primary form of expression.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your toddler screams when excited, frustrated, or overwhelmed but calms down within a reasonable time with support
- Screaming is worst in stimulating environments like stores, restaurants, or crowded places
- Your child is between 12 months and 3 years and the screaming is gradually decreasing as vocabulary grows
- Your toddler can sometimes use words or gestures instead of screaming when reminded and supported
- Screaming increases when your child is tired, hungry, or going through a developmental leap
- Screaming is constant throughout the day and does not seem connected to any emotion or need, lasting well beyond age 3
- Your child seems unable to communicate in any other way and screaming is their primary form of expression
- Screaming is accompanied by other communication delays, such as very few words for their age
- Your child suddenly begins screaming inconsolably and seems to be in pain, especially if they are pulling at their ears, holding their head, or have a fever
- Screaming is accompanied by regression in speech or other developmental skills and sudden personality changes
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice toddler screaming phase — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your toddler screams when excited, frustrated, or overwhelmed but calms down within a reasonable time with support — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Respond consistently and calmly to your baby's behavior. Maintain predictable daily routines.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child suddenly begins screaming inconsolably and seems to be in pain, especially if they are pulling at their ears, holding their head, or have a fever.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is toddler screaming phase normal?
When should I call the doctor about toddler screaming phase?
When is toddler screaming phase normal?
What causes toddler screaming phase?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler screaming phase?
Is toddler screaming phase normal at 6-12 months?
Is toddler screaming phase normal at 12-18 months?
Should I go to the ER for toddler screaming phase?
Does toddler screaming phase go away on its own?
References
- [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Language Development: 1 Year Olds. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [2]Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Important Milestones: Your Child By Two Years. CDC
- [3]Zero to Three. Toddlers and Self-Control: A Survival Guide for Parents. Zero to Three
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Screaming Phase.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed toddler screaming phase and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if screaming is constant throughout the day and does not seem connected to any emotion or need, lasting well beyond age 3.
- Mention if your child seems unable to communicate in any other way and screaming is their primary form of expression.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Screaming is constant throughout the day and does not seem connected to any emotion or need, lasting well beyond age 3
- Your child seems unable to communicate in any other way and screaming is their primary form of expression
- Screaming is accompanied by other communication delays, such as very few words for their age
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child suddenly begins screaming inconsolably and seems to be in pain, especially if they are pulling at their ears, holding their head, or have a fever
- Screaming is accompanied by regression in speech or other developmental skills and sudden personality changes
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of toddler screaming phase are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child suddenly begins screaming inconsolably and seems to be in pain, especially if they are pulling at their ears, holding their head, or have a fever.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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