My son turned 6 months old March 2nd and ever since then he has been very clingy and whines and cries everytime I try to put him down. He will only do one activity for about 5 min before he starts whining again. I feel like I can't get anything done and the whining is starting to get to me. Are any of you experiencing this with your babies?
He is still being very clingy. I noticed yesterday that he acts like he is about to crawl! Maybe when he starts crawling around he won't want to be held so much. I love holding him but sometimes I have things that have to be done. I can't really use a sling because my boy is a big boy for 6 months, he weighs 21 pounds! Now he is not taking naps! He used to take one 1 hour nap in the morning and then a 2 hour nap in the afternoon. Now he only sleeps for 20 min at a time. Who knows?
That sounds very normal to me. I was worried about it with my first baby, and her doctor said to expect it to last until about age 2. You will just have to experiment to find out what you can do to appease the baby so that you can get things done. A sling might be a good idea at least for some activities.
Very normal. You have to train your child that you are there for him, but he can't be held or entertained by you all of the time. You must be consistent with it or it will be harder to do later on.
I also had this problem with my daughter at about the same age! I will tell you what my sister told me. It is because she finally figured out that there are things that she wants to do but she isn't able to crawl or move to entertain herself. She told me that once she started crawling that it would be different and it really was! Once she starts crawling you will forget about how clingy she was cause she will always be headed in the opposite direction. My daughter is 3 know and I have to bribe her to let me hold her! Cherish the moment know cause you will miss it later!
Rhonda, I know your worry all to well! My daughter is 8 months and she went thru this too and we are just getting almost out of it. I DID NOT buy a sling! I bought her a walker! She loves it ( once she figured out how to make it move) she can follow me around the house and she thinks that she is a BIG girl! Cherish this moment! My boys are 10, 7, and almost 5 and have to chase them down for lovies!
I'm a big believer that babies this young need to be comforted. The sling/carrier is a great idea. I highly recommend trying out various versions before you buy so you know what your child likes. This was the only money I wasted on baby gear - slings and carriers she didn't like. Another one to consider is the Baby Bjorn. Also, shifts for hubby are essential! Mommy needs a break!
Babies have a very basic need to know they are safe and cared for. By carrying baby in a sling or some type of carrier, they become more organized, have better balance and learn that you will provide the comfort they need. My first nursed 45 minutes at a time, took a 30 min break and nursed again. I carried him in a sling and was still able to get most household tasks done. I napped when he napped and when I could I got up and did things that weren't possible while wearing him.
Contrary to popular belief, babies don't need to be trained, they need love, respect and comfort. When you give them those 3, they will grow to be happy, healthy and independent, knowing that mom will be there when the going gets tough.
Wearing your baby promotes INDEPENDENCE, not dependence. My son is incredibly independent and trustworthy at 8.
It is not the last time you will experience something like this. I second the suggestion to use some sort of carrier or sling to leave you free to complete other tasks. My Moby Wrap and Buckle Mei Tai have been life savers. Soon enough your son will want to be let down to explore on his own.
At this age they are still asking for comfort because they need it--that is my opinion and I am sure you will hear plenty that disagree. As my daughter got older, I made it less "fun" for her to be in the carrier...no food or drinks or toys. Now when she asks to be "up", I tell that she has to go in her backpack. She often decides that it just isn't worth it.
Didn't you say above that he is teething? That could have a lot to do with it. It's also very normal for small babies to want Mommy all the time. If you are having difficulty getting things done (who isn't? LOL) try wearing your baby in a sling or wrap. That will give him the security of being held by mommy while you can still get things done. Word of caution: it's not advised to cook with baby on, and if you need to lean over, put a hand on baby. Don't lean over and depend on the sling to hold him when gravity is working against that! I use both the Maya Wrap ring sling, and the Moby Wrap (wrapped around the body). There are also many women who sew mei tais, which tie the baby on to you. If you can sew, you could easily find a pattern to sew one yourself!
Check out the post on this same question Dec 29, 2008
I responded back then, but here is a suggestion for your little boy.
This is a stage. I know everyone will tell you the same thing. Is your son sitting up on his own? Is he crawling? If not I bet he is about to meet a developmental milestone. This is the edge of a huge development, either before or after a development. I am guessing fully crawling it also sounds like he is about to go through a huge growing spurt. He may need more sleep and more brain food. He may be ready to eat some baby food.
But, this can also be a sign she is not feeling well, you will just need to watch and see.
If he is about to meet a development, help him to accomplish this. If it is crawling, help him with lots of tummy time, and shiny toys for him to crawl towards. If he already crawls, he may be ready to start standing, let him hold onto your fingers. Let him reach up and grasp onto a sofa. Make a tunnel under some blankets and let him crawl to you. And then let him crawl up a stack of folded blankets or sofa cushions.
If he is sitting up on his own, help him learn to sit in his high chair and watch you do chores. I used to roll my daughter into the kitchen while I cleaned. I would give her a wash cloth and let her “clean the tray”. Let him sit there and play with toys. This will strengthen his back. Have him “clean some dishes.” Sometimes, I would also put my child on my back in a carrier while I did tasks. She loved being able to look over my shoulder at what I was doing. Vacuuming, making beds, even raking leaves outside
Give him tasks to help you rather than picking him up (distraction). Hand him a toy, point to items that you want him to crawl to. Hand him a handled canvas bag filled with toys, books, cloths and let him rummage through it. Give him a box full of toys. Play hide and seek with his toys under a blanket or towel.
Remember to also get your husband to play with him more. This will make him a playmate as much as you and can give you a break.
I know what you mean, I asked this same question back in December when mine was almost 13 months and she is now 15 months and it has not improved. It does get very stressful at times and I to feel like the only time I can get something done is when she is napping and sometimes I just want to rest during those time b/c I am drained. I try to go to the gym to have a little time away when my husband is busy, but she has such seperation anxiety she is hysterical being left for even 15 min. in the gym daycare. I figure one day it will get better, hang in there. I wish I had some good advice for both of us. Read that past request and responses.
My son is the same way. His father and I are living apart right now and have been since the baby was about 6 months old. He sees him on a regular basis. But the baby has slept with me for most of his life so far. When I am not around he plays very well, by himself or with other kids, but when I pick him up or I am at his dads with him he is very clingy. I am hoping it is just a stage. I know it is very stressful. I really dont know what to tell you other than you are not alone and if you find a trick let me know! I wish you luck
My granddaughters pediatrician in ClearLake told us that babies don't don't have a true perception of individuality until they are atleast 9 months old...so don't worry about spoiling (whining) a 6 month old baby. It is quite natural for them to want to be held. Do you have one of the slings you can wear that holds baby next to you while leaving your hands free.....lots of Mom's love those!
