CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

When Will Baby Understand "No"?

Baby keeps doing things and getting into stuff he shouldn’t, and saying no isn’t working yet. When should I expect it to? 
save article
profile picture of Preeti Parikh, MD
By Preeti Parikh, MD, Pediatrician
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

The very earliest baby can recognize or understand the meaning of “no” is at nine months. And even after that, it can take a lot of reminding. Here’s how to handle baby when he’s doing something he shouldn’t.

Distract. Baby pulling your hair or messing with the dog’s tail? Put him down, or take him to another room away from the dog. Show him a toy he’s allowed to play with, and he’ll probably forget all about the trouble he was causing.

Talk positively. Say baby’s hitting. Instead of just saying, “no hitting,” follow it up with what he should be doing: In a calm voice, say “gentle” while showing him how to touch, gently using your own hand.

Prevent. For infants and toddlers, negative behaviors can stem from frustration, being over-tired or a change in schedule. If something’s off today, know it’s prime time for trouble. Try to prevent it by putting baby down for a nap or keeping the dog behind the baby gate (and maybe put your hair in a ponytail).

Be consistent. Don’t laugh at the behavior even though it may be cute initially, because it sends mixed signals. Baby might want to do it more if it elicits a laugh. Some parents wonder if they should bite baby back or pull his hair to teach him that it hurts, but seriously don’t — it would just send the wrong message!

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

two toddlers in the bath together sharing toys
How to Teach Toddlers to Share
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
2 toddlers playing in sand at playground
What Is Parallel Play—and Why Is It Important for Kids?
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
Mom teaching her baby object permanence with two toys.
How and When Do Babies Develop Object Permanence?
Medically Reviewed by Lauren Crosby, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
asian father reading book with daughter on couch at home
25 Kids Books Under $20 That Celebrate AAPI Culture
By Wyndi Kappes
sleeping newborn baby
Routine Hearing Test Could Detect Autism in Newborns, Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
toys that have been inducted into the toy hall of fame
These Three Toys Were Just Inducted Into the National Toy Hall of Fame
By Stephanie Grassullo
sesame place entrance sign
Why the Incidents at Sesame Place Are So Problematic
By Jen Hayes Lee
ADVERTISEMENT
mother and baby sitting at desk working at home during covid pandemic
Baby's Social Development Hasn't Been Affected by COVID, New Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
happy mom lifting up baby and singing to her
6 Smart Ways to Stimulate Baby's Mind
By Paula Kashtan
juneteenth children's books 2022
10 Children’s Books That Celebrate Juneteenth
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
colin kaepernick interacting with fans during spring football game in michigan
Colin Kaepernick’s New Kids’ Book Teaches It’s Normal to Be Different
By Nehal Aggarwal
mother kissing autistic son on forehead while teaching school at home
We Don’t Need Autism Awareness—We Need Autism Acceptance, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
amy schumer on set of life & beth in new york city
Amy Schumer Opens Up About Son’s Possible Future Autism Spectrum Diagnosis
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
father holding baby at home
Babies Can Understand Visual Observations at 4 Months Old, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
toddler kissing mother while reading books in bed at home
This One Thing Helps Babies Identify Close Family Relationships, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
Introducing Ji-Young, Sesame Street's First Asian-American Muppet
Introducing Ji-Young, Sesame Street's First Asian-American Muppet
By Nehal Aggarwal
5 Things This Mom Wants You to Know About Having a Child With Dwarfism
5 Things This Mom Wants You to Know About Having a Child With Dwarfism
By Melissa Horvath
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of Disney Princess from underrepresented countries.
Check Out These Reimagined Disney Princesses From Underrepresented Countries
By Nehal Aggarwal
Scene from Disney Land with colorful balloons.
Check Out Disney’s New Rainbow Collection in Honor of Pride Month
By Nehal Aggarwal
Grandfather sitting with his two grand daughters and reading a book.
16 Books That Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Culture
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List