when will my baby understand the meaning of "no"?

Well, my son knew what it meant then, but he didn't care. He cared only when he knew he would get his hand smacked, or what he was playing with would be taken away. The word "no" has to carry some weight for them to care. And even now at 19 months, sometimes he feels that what he is doing is worth the punishment and doesn't care about the word no =)

I think that all depends on the "risk" involved. If an expectant mother decides to change the litter box her whole pregnancy, although she doesn't know if she is immune to toxoplasmosis or not, and her child turns out fine.....her child is fine. If she decides to eat those runny eggs (as I do...LOL) or eat that piece of sushi, and her child turns out fine....her child is fine. However, if she decided to continue doing illegal drugs and her child was born normal....well, who knows yet. The child might have developmental problems, etc. That's just a wait-and-see kind of thing. I don't think "my baby turned out fine" applies to that, although I'm sure those types of mothers use that excuse. But, when you get on here, and a young pregnant mom is freaking out because she ate a piece of unwashed fruit, or a rarer steak and wants to know if she has hurt her child, I have no problem telling her what I have consumed during my two pregnancies that resulted in a "perfectly normal and healthy" child. :)

I think they start understanding "no" around 10 months, but it certainly doesn't mean they're going to obey it. My son is 11 months and he knows what "no" means, but doesn't listen- he's a baby who's just learning. It will take awhile!

They understand the tone of your voice for sure, I still have to remove cords and stuff and my son is 1 it goes on for ever Im sure. I have always got down to eye level and explained to them why not, as stupid as that may sound he seems to understand that it will cause 'owies'!

I have a 10 year old and she still doesn't understand that word.lol

I think what you should try is that every time you say NO move him from what he is touching....it may suck but it really doesn't get easier with time, just different.

Good luck

never my son is 5 years old and still doesn't understand Lil

my second son is 8 months old and into everything and when i say no sternly he just laughs at me and then i just have to give in

Drop the name.

Just say "no" sharply. If he does not mind remove him. Do so 100 times if you must. Don't get angry, but your voice needs to be firm enough to let him know you mean it. If you say no once and don't another time he will not believe you are serious.

Olivia knew at about that age. and would pout out her bottom lip, then try again. its not that he doesnt necessarily understand, its that he doesnt care.

my daughter is almsot 14 months and I say no about 2000 times a day!!

When they have children of their own :P. He is only 9 mos old. Just keep using positive reinforcement for the word "yes" and remove him from the situation that "no " applies to.

You just have to keep after him. He'll begin to understand. Be consistent and persistent. Its hard to keep them safe sometimes, but I'm sure you're doing great!