Tantrums, tantrums, tantrums oh my!

My son has finally figured out that if he screams, bangs his head, throws himself on the floor, holds his breath and gives me the sad pouty face he can get momma to do anything! My son is only 16 months but it seems like the terrible twos have arrived early. He's a smart little guy, he's speaking in sentences already but with that comes a slew of holy terror tantrums. I never realized how frustrated a baby can get. If he's in is high chair and wants out before he's done eating, he will bang his head against the back of the chair until I take him out. He throws his bottle or basically anything he has in his possession on the floor over and over just to watch mommy pick it up. I have become a hostage of this behavior to say the least. I have called my doctor in a panic only to have him say with a mumbling laugh "Mrs. Manticoff this is normal toddler behavior". I have been online for hours researching tantrums and what to do about them to no avail. The basic undertone of most articles is to ignore the child and eventually he will stop. When your child is banging his head against a hard surface over and over, it's kind of hard to ignore. I feel guilty, holding myself responsible for his behavior. I am a stay at home mom who has given my son my undivided attention. I read to him, cuddle with him, talk to him constantly, take him to the park, so what did I do wrong I would ask myself. If I tried to talk to him in a firm voice and say no don't do that he would laugh at me. Well, I could tell you know I have realized you do have to ignore there behavior, unless of course like my son they are banging there heads over and over. Tantrums are a manipulation technique only if you allow them to be. Ignore and tantrums no more, is my new motto. This is a phase that they will grow out of eventually, god willing, so you have to be patient and trust in yourself. What are your tips for handling tantrums?