How Many Tantrums Are Normal Per Day?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, PhD, CCC-SLP · Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Content reviewed against published NIH, AAP, Zero to Three guidelines
Last reviewed:
Behavioral development varies greatly from child to child. If you have noticed how many tantrums are normal per day, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
On average, toddlers ages 1-3 have about 1 tantrum per day, with the range being 0-4 per day depending on age, temperament, and circumstances. Research suggests that having up to 5 tantrums per day occasionally is within normal range, but consistently having 5+ tantrums daily warrants a conversation with your pediatrician.
Key takeaways
- On average, toddlers ages 1-3 have about 1 tantrum per day, with the range being 0-4 per day depending on age, temperament, and circumstances. Research suggests that having up to 5 tantrums per day occasionally is within normal range, but consistently having 5+ tantrums daily warrants a conversation with your pediatrician.
- Usually normal when: 1-3 tantrums per day during ages 18 months to 3 years
- Call your doctor if: Your child is in danger during tantrums
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to NIH, AAP, Zero to Three guidelines, on average, toddlers ages 1-3 have about 1 tantrum per day, with the range being 0-4 per day depending on age, temperament, and circumstances. Research suggests that having up to 5 tantrums per day occasionally is within normal range, but consistently having 5+ tantrums daily warrants a conversation with your pediatrician. At 12-18 months, tantrums are just beginning. Average frequency is 0-2 per day, often brief and triggered by frustration from limited communication and mobility skills. It is generally considered normal when 1-3 tantrums per day during ages 18 months to 3 years. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child is in danger during tantrums.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
12-18 months
Tantrums are just beginning. Average frequency is 0-2 per day, often brief and triggered by frustration from limited communication and mobility skills.
18-30 months
Peak tantrum frequency. Average 1-3 per day with some days having more, especially when tired, hungry, or overstimulated. This is the most challenging period but also the most developmentally expected.
2.5-3.5 years
Tantrums begin decreasing in frequency as language and emotional regulation develop. Average drops to 0-2 per day. If frequency is not decreasing, consider environmental factors and whether your child needs help developing coping skills.
3.5-5 years
By age 4, most children have significantly fewer tantrums (0-1 per day). If your child continues to have frequent daily tantrums with intense aggression, discuss with your pediatrician.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed how many tantrums are normal per day and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if consistently 5+ tantrums per day.
- Mention if frequency is not decreasing with age.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- 1-3 tantrums per day during ages 18 months to 3 years
- Tantrum frequency decreases as child gets older
- More tantrums on tired, hungry, or stressful days
- Your child is cooperative and happy between tantrums
- Consistently 5+ tantrums per day
- Frequency is not decreasing with age
- Tantrums are severe with significant aggression or self-harm
- Your child seems unhappy most of the time, not just during tantrums
- Your child is in danger during tantrums
- You are struggling to cope and worried about your own reactions
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice how many tantrums are normal per day — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that 1-3 tantrums per day during ages 18 months to 3 years — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 12-18 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 is in danger during tantrums.
Related Conditions
Toddler Tantrums and Meltdowns
Tantrums are a completely normal and expected part of development, peaking between ages 1.5 and 3. They happen because the emotional centers of your toddler's brain are developing faster than the parts that control reasoning and impulse regulation. On average, toddlers have one tantrum per day, and each typically lasts 2-15 minutes.
How Long Should a Toddler Tantrum Last?
Most toddler tantrums last 2-15 minutes, with the average being about 5-10 minutes. Tantrums that regularly last 20+ minutes or that include aggressive self-harm may warrant discussion with your pediatrician. The key is not the duration of a single tantrum but the overall pattern and your child's ability to recover afterward.
Toddler Having Constant Meltdowns
Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development - most 2-3 year olds have at least one tantrum per day. Meltdowns happen because toddlers feel big emotions (frustration, disappointment, overwhelm) but their prefrontal cortex is far too immature to regulate those emotions. However, when tantrums happen many times per day, last more than 25 minutes, are violent (self-injury, destruction), or persist beyond age 4 without decreasing, it may indicate that your child needs additional support for emotional regulation.
Toddler Has Extreme Emotional Reactions
Big, intense emotions are a hallmark of the toddler years. Toddlers experience feelings as intensely as adults but lack the brain development needed to regulate those emotions. The prefrontal cortex (the brain's emotional regulation center) does not fully mature until the mid-20s, and in toddlers it is just beginning to develop. Meltdowns over seemingly small things (the wrong color cup, a broken cracker) are normal because toddlers cannot yet put their feelings into perspective. Your role is to stay calm, validate their feelings, and help them co-regulate, not to stop the emotions.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
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Is how many tantrums are normal per day normal at 18-30 months?
Should I go to the ER for how many tantrums are normal per day?
Does how many tantrums are normal per day go away on its own?
References
- [1]Wakschlag LS et al. Defining the developmental parameters of temper loss in early childhood. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2012;53(11):1099-1108. NIH
- [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Temper Tantrums. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
- [3]Zero to Three. Toddler Tantrums. Zero to Three
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss How Many Tantrums Are Normal Per Day?.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed how many tantrums are normal per day and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if consistently 5+ tantrums per day.
- Mention if frequency is not decreasing with age.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Consistently 5+ tantrums per day
- Frequency is not decreasing with age
- Tantrums are severe with significant aggression or self-harm
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your child is in danger during tantrums
- You are struggling to cope and worried about your own reactions
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 how many tantrums are normal per day are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is in danger during tantrums.
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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Related Behavior Concerns
Toddler Tantrums and Meltdowns
Tantrums are a completely normal and expected part of development, peaking between ages 1.5 and 3. They happen because the emotional centers of your toddler's brain are developing faster than the parts that control reasoning and impulse regulation. On average, toddlers have one tantrum per day, and each typically lasts 2-15 minutes.
How Long Should a Toddler Tantrum Last?
Most toddler tantrums last 2-15 minutes, with the average being about 5-10 minutes. Tantrums that regularly last 20+ minutes or that include aggressive self-harm may warrant discussion with your pediatrician. The key is not the duration of a single tantrum but the overall pattern and your child's ability to recover afterward.
Toddler Having Constant Meltdowns
Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development - most 2-3 year olds have at least one tantrum per day. Meltdowns happen because toddlers feel big emotions (frustration, disappointment, overwhelm) but their prefrontal cortex is far too immature to regulate those emotions. However, when tantrums happen many times per day, last more than 25 minutes, are violent (self-injury, destruction), or persist beyond age 4 without decreasing, it may indicate that your child needs additional support for emotional regulation.
Toddler Has Extreme Emotional Reactions
Big, intense emotions are a hallmark of the toddler years. Toddlers experience feelings as intensely as adults but lack the brain development needed to regulate those emotions. The prefrontal cortex (the brain's emotional regulation center) does not fully mature until the mid-20s, and in toddlers it is just beginning to develop. Meltdowns over seemingly small things (the wrong color cup, a broken cracker) are normal because toddlers cannot yet put their feelings into perspective. Your role is to stay calm, validate their feelings, and help them co-regulate, not to stop the emotions.
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