7 Mo. Screams If I Leave Room!

At 6 months my son would cry like his little heart was breaking if I even put him down for a few minutes. I just couldn't stand hearing that plaintive cry. So I learned how to use the bathroom while I held him. Eventually he was ok if I let him sit outside the door for a few min if he could still see me. I couldn't hold him while cooking, but if I put one foot way out behind me away from the stove, he was happy sitting on my foot. Ridiculous, I know, but it made him happy.

Babies don't manipulate at 7mo, he's learning Object Permanence, it's a developmental stage all babies go through around this time. Assuring him you are still there, allowing him to move about the house with you, both of these things teach him that he can depend on you not to leave him, which will, in effect, teach him that being independent of you (later) won't cause you to "go away" permanently. Of course, mama does have to go to the bathroom once in a while, but I didn't have any problem bringing my kids in there either, if you do, just talk to him through the door, or let him see a little of you through a cracked door while he sits in a bouncy seat or something.
This is also the stage when babies learn to love peek-a-boo, and learn that when something falls off the highchair it actually "goes somewhere" instead of just disappearing.

This is called "separation anxiety" AND "object permanence."
It occurs at this age.

It is ALL developmental based... and NORMAL.

Look it up online...

He is NOT manipulating you... he is only a baby. It is normal development.

Also get the book "What To Expect The First Year" and "What To Expect The Toddler Years."

all the best,
Susan

Be patient! It will pass. Many if not all babies go through this stage - now frequently called "the velcro stage," because they are attached to Mama that tightly! They can't handle being put down, much less left alone!

Of course, you can't be attached to your son all the time, so he will do some fussing. He's not trying manipulation, though - seven months old is not old enough for him to work that out in his brain. All he knows is, "I NEED MAMA!"

My youngest granddaughter has been going through that stage, but after a few weeks she has decided that daddy is acceptable, too. I hope she'll find her Gran acceptable when I go to visit her soon!

let him scream and shout, you coming back it teaching him that he has to scream to get your attention. will get worse if you keep that up

OMG!! I was going to post the same question... My son is 7 months and he is doing the same thing... I can't do anything while he is awake... Please any advise??? Good Luck M.!
Thanks N.

This is the age of separation anxiety. It should pass in a month or two. Play games like peekaboo so he knows just because he can't see you, you are still there. Teach him as well to self regulate on his own. That means he doesn't need to have you there every second to manage his life and emotions. He can do some things on his own like fall asleep, take a little bump or fall without you hovering, play on his own, and things like that. Boys sometimes take this harder then girls because they are more emotional.

It IS NOT manipulation. As the PP said, he's learning object permanence. That means that when he cannot see you, he literally does not know if you still exist or not. The best way to work through this is to teach him you're still there even if he can't see you.

There's a breakfast bar between our kitchen and family room, so I would just take two steps away from my babies and do something at the counter, just out of sight. When they noticed, I'd talk to them. If that didn't reassure them, I'd peek around the breakfast bar.

Peekaboo is a great teaching tool. Cover your face, say Where's Mommy?, uncover it and say, "Here I am!" My son loved covering his own face with a towel on the changing table after bath. Also, play with toys. Put a block under a cup and then show him where it is. I bet after you do it a couple of times, he jumps right on board.

It will pass! Just remember they can't manipulate at this age--they just need things.

First off, remember that babies don't have the skills or knowledge to "manipulate" adults. The only thing they can express are their needs and what they have learned with daily habits. Your son sees you as his most precious play pal, the best company and toy anyone can have. He enjoys your company and attention most of all. He needs to trust that you will return for him. Sing songs to him and leave the room for a few minutes at a time while still singing the song. He will hear you and know you are still near by and he doesn't have to worry about your really being gone. Also, practice object permanence games such as peek-a-boo with cloth or hiding behind furniture or even by the doorway. He'll learn that you are still around even though he may not see you. I do suggest not leaving him to cry too long if you are apart......that can make him more insecure and matters worsen.
Patience and love, my dear!

I agree you may have to let him fuss. Babies are smart and know that if he screams he will get you to come back. I had to let my boys fuss from time to time. Hope this helps!

they start early to try to get their way.. don't give in... leave for a minute.. he screams... come back in the room... smile at him.... stay a few minutes.. get him interested in something .... maybe put him so he is looking the other way.. then leave again.. good luck