5 Month Old..

I'm sure it's hard for you to watch. I have two children and my 6 month old just started communicating when he is upset (like when he is tired of being in the carseat or when his sister takes away a toy from him). Although it sounds like your little guy is much more passionate about expressing himself. I wouldn't ignore the behavior in my opinion because he is too young. But in the car you could try music, singing songs, talking to him, toys, pacifiers. I have tried it all because my first child hated the car and it was miserable to even leave the house. If he is screaming at home, he might just be overtired, have gas or be teething. It is so hard to tell with babies. Just give him lots of love and know that this soon will pass. These things are always phases and it's rough while you are in the middle of it, but soon it will all be in the past. Good luck!

My son did the same thing. I think it was due to the fact he hated being strapped down facing backwards w/ out anyone to babble to. So, we put in a car TV/DVD player for him lol. It actually works wonders, even to this day (he's one). Started w/ Baby Einstein and now leap frog...it's a savior I tell ya. When he strikes up a fit, I just start the DVD before I put him in and he can't wait to be stuck back there watching his shows.

Maybe he has an ear infection? That could explain the sudden change in behavior....my kids are pretty prone to them and it is usually a behavior change that tips me off, not rubbing their ears like other kids.

My little guy is 5 1/2 months and also has learned to let me know when he doesn't like something or is bored. At this age they are much more social and not as passive as they were in early infancy. Sounds like your baby is trying to tell you what he wants, which is mama's attention :) If you divert him by playing, reading, or singing he'll most likely enjoy it and might be less quick to scream. My son is now trying to figure out crawling, so he tends to get frustrated when he can't get to where he wants to go or can't retrieve a toy that is too far for him to reach. When he gets angry I pick him and hold him, and he is all smiles again. I really think that the more you hold your baby, like Amylee said, the happier your baby will be. They need lots of touching and physical contact at this age.

1. Your babe is so young, if he needs your attention you should give it. That's your job right now. Show him you are to be trusted by meeting his needs. And right now, his wants and needs are the same. He's made it very clear by smiling and stopping the crying when you give him attention that that's all he needs. Most parents would love to be so lucky as to have such clear signs!
2. Your reaction to his crying is already teaching him about emotions and how to handle them. Don't get upset. Go to him, hold him, continue with life. But do hold him. Sometimes babies need to cry. And toddlers definitely need to. You can't always "fix" it. But instead of teaching that it's a horrible thing, just hold him and let him cry. Don't get yourself worked up about it.
3. Make sure you are holding him plenty throughout the day. Get a sling and use it. It will make everyone's life easier! Don't leave him in the carseat or swing for too long.
4. Teach him to use signs to communicate. In the next few months, that will be very helpful when there IS frustration.
5. Trust your child. If he's screaming, there's something wrong. There's a need not being met.
Babies and children get more demanding in different ways as they grow. They will always seek to meet their needs. Right now there is no such thing as disciplining him. Only loving him.

My daughter does this. She is now almost 9 months old, and she definitely is doing it for attention. Since I know it is for attention I mimic her sounds without turning around. She usually laughs maybe does it one more time and then moves on to whatever she has in front of her to play with. Your son seems a little more intense with his reactions (although when my daughter is truly upset she does the arched back and launches herself out of my arms), maybe at home you can try this and make funny faces when you do it. Also, maybe when you're at home turn your back to him and any time he makes any little noise turn around and smile at him. This will help him to learn that you will give him attention even when he just coos for you instead of feeling the need to scream.

Good luck!

Omg I cant believe he is doing that at such a young age.. my little guy is 6 months old and he also didnt like being backwards in his car seat I know the law is 1 year and 20lbs for a child to sit forward but my husband went and bought this brand new car seat it can sit backward or forward and it can be used all the way from newborn to toddler...we have a dvd player is our SUV and I put on a movie for him sitting forward and he loves it usually puts him to sleep quickly...mind you my baby is 17 lbs just started crawling and he can pull him self to his feel therefore hes a little advanced for his age...It might be worth a try though unless you are not comfortable with him doing that yet...Good Luck sorry I cant be more help

If he's smiling when you turn to him, he's okay and is probably bidding for your attention, and has found a way to get it. And he REALLY doesn't like being in the back seat, strapped down, with your attention directed elsewhere!

I'm guessing that you will gradually see less of this behavior if you take him in the car ONLY when you absolutely must, keep your trips as short as possible, and tough it out when he turns on the "charm." Brooke's ideas for distracting him are good. Be sure he gets plenty of one-on-one attention – but it doesn't sound like that's probably an issue. This stage will pass.

All behavior is an attempt to meet a need, so I'm glad you're open to that possibility. But you don't want to reinforce such alarming and distracting behavior, when it seems that he's just fine.

Good luck! My grandson did this for awhile, and as I recall it was at about that age.