Baby Won't Stop Crying If He Doesn't Get What He Wants.

I am a work at home mom and what I found that was really helpful was baby wearing. I had a nice sling that I could put him in and then I could work and do some chores with him and we were both happy. My kiddo was not a good napper for a very long time and the sling really helped us.

Google 'high needs baby'... this is my 9 month old exactly. Some of the moms on here actually told me about it... He will neverrr be happy! Always mad! It's EXHAUSTING! I'm just saying, i know how you feel. I still struggle with it daily but I'm learning when to laugh, when to ignore it completely, and when my son really needs my attention. My first 2 kids were angels... my son is my little hellion!! It's getting a little easier, but it's still tough. Hang in there honey, you're not in this alone :)

im going to be very honest with you, but hope it doesnt come across too harsh. i believe your upbringing, and possibly advice from these same relatives to you as a new mother, has clouded your judgment.

first off, its not normal to leave a baby in a playpen alone (other than at nap or bedtime) and expect them to play for long periods. its not normal for a baby to stay in a bouncer for long periods by themselves. its not normal to expect a BABY to "understand" adults need alone time. its not normal to think an 8 month old baby to understand the word no. although, saying no to things like hitting or biting would be appropriate, at this age a baby doesnt understand your "no" is referring to him doing the only thing he knows to COMMUNICATE. your fit is him just trying to tell you what he needs. thats what the yelling is, its him trying to talk to you to tell you he needs something.

a young baby sleeps alot and just sits there, at 8 months, your son is fully aware of himself and you, and at this age, babies dont like being alone. 9 months is often when babies become clingy and have separation issues. at his age, your son is not just going to sit there, and at the same time, is not old enough to PLAY by himself. he wants to be entertained and have your attention.

all parents want to think their baby is "intelligent and observant" but the truth is this behaviour you described as a negative is completely normal for his age. he isnt willful or serious, he is a little baby wanting his mommy. your baby sounds like both my kids, my sisters 2 kids, my SILs 3 kids, and every friend/relatives' child i know at that age. your reaction is not. your baby CANNOT tell time, so he doesnt understand that you decided playtime lasts X minutes. i think your expectations of your son and motherhood are a little skewed. this is what is about, giving up yourself for a baby and putting the baby and his needs above all else. i think it is unreasonable to "teach" your son at 8 months he only gets X amount of playtime, and that he can play by himself for any period longer than 10 minutes.

your son needs to be held more and have your attention. you sitting on your computer in the same room is not giving him attention, and although some chores need to be done, they should be done at naptime and bedtime when able. he wants YOU, how wonderful is that. this little person who you made wants nothing else than to be with you. your son is completely too young for you to be putting these types of expectations on him. i really think you need to stop your plan and realize the expectations you have described are what parents want of a 2 year old, but only actually get from a 4 year old.

i dont mean to sound harsh, it is clear that you want to do whats right by your child and its clear that you dont realize your expectations are abnormal. you would have never wrote this if you thought there was anything wrong with it. i just want to warn you, your description of your life as a baby is actually more similar to what you are doing to your son, than i think you realize. i think your family has maybe had a greater impact on you as a mother than you probaly intended. good luck

You haven't "gone wrong" with the early attention you gave your child. You can't spoil a tiny baby. However, it sounds a bit like you went from what was probably a very healthy amount of interaction up to 6 months, to a rather abrupt cut-off of your attention, holding, playing, snuggling, coaching and care, from your son's point of view. I'm basing this on your phrasing, so forgive me if that's not accurate.

But your expectations of your son's ability to realize the needs of others isn't reality-based, it's theoretical. He's nowhere near an independent being yet; he still depends on you for meeting nearly every need he has, including physical and mental play and exercise. To whatever degree he recognizes that he's a separate person from you, he could actually feel unsettled and anxious. If he screams loudly for your attention and holding, and you go on doing what you're doing, that will only increase his anxiety.

Kids only very gradually gain empathy, and that doesn't even begin to become apparent until most of them are around 18 months. And they only very gradually become interested in toys and independent play. If they comply with being left to their own devices before then, it's either because they are uncommonly fascinated with simple toys (which could be a sign of a neurological disorder) or they have given up asking to have their needs met (because the way babies do that is to cry or scream).

I'm really sorry to hear that you were left to deal with your own needs by your parents. I hope you won't do that to your son. It sounds like that early dynamic could be reappearing in your own parenting. Are there any parenting classes you might have access to? Your view of what is "good" parenting could well be skewed by your own experiences and your relationship with your family. This would be a wonderful time to get a reality check, for your own reassurance and your son's legitimate needs.

ADDED:

I've read your "what happened" addendum, and would like to suggest that you read about Emotion Coaching, a term you can google for lots of information. This approach has been wonderful for every parent and child I know who has incorporated it into their family lives. It brings out the best in kids and parents, creates strong family bonds, great cooperation, and emotionally healthy and resilient kids.

He is still just a baby and you have done nothing wrong up to this point, but from reading your post I get the feeling that you need to adjust your expectations as to what your baby "should" be like at this point.

Some babies just want more interaction and attention and you don't need to suddenly start setting limits at 6 months. There is nothing magical about 6 months that says all of a sudden you should not pick him up when he needs it or not try to comfort him when he is crying. He cannot understand why you are ignoring him and suddenly are expecting him to entertain himself. I'm sorry, but I cannot see how an 8 month old infant can be "willful and serious" and be expected to "express himself positively". He cannot begin to even comprehend the concept that you guys want some alone time. My daughter is 3 years old and still isn't there yet. The toddler years is all about setting limits. You still have a ways to go.

He's just a baby. He needs you, his whole world revolves around you, don't ignore him and don't tell him NO and STOP. You stated that you don't feel close to your parents because they did not interact with you very much, and you wanted to give your baby all the love he needed, and yet you seem to be repeating the same pattern. Just hold him, love him, and cuddle him - it's what he needs now, and it will not last forever. If you are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated at times, then by all means give yourself a "time-out" to regroup, but don't keep ignoring your baby thinking that's what you should be doing right now at this age.

Parenting classes and some of the other resources already listed should be very helpful too.

Babies don't HAVE wants. A want is an optional thing. They have needs.

I agree with the others, you're placing expectations on your baby that are years ahead of where he is. Like he's 2 instead of 8mo. ALTHOUGH that means you're still doing better than my H. His expectations were typically 5-10 years ahead of where reasonable ones would be.

My husband came from a VERY abusive upbringing. He tried/tries his best.. but it REALLY colors his judgement. For example:

- That out 11 DAY old, should understand that crying annoys adults and not to do it in public or when he was trying to "concentrate", and therefor crying should be punished. OMG... almost divorced on the spot over that one.

- That a 1 year old should be able to take a bath by themselves (came home and found my husband working out and our son out of sight and hearing in a bath up to his shoulders).

- That a 2 year old should be able to walk to the park across a busy street and stay there on his own.

The list goes on. It makes sense to HIM, because that's how he was raised. His sister was born 10 months after him, and HE raised her. Gave her her baths from the time she was 6 months old (he was only a wobbler himself, just over a year and a half), fed her, changed her, took her to the park ALL DAY, the list just goes on and on.

So when he became a father he split in two ways: 1) he started reacting to our son the way he reacted to his sister, aka, like a toddler and 2) placed the same unreasonable expectations on our baby his drug using parents had put on him. He didn't WANT to be like his parents, but since he wasn't beating HIS baby, or locking him in the basement for weeks with a giant container of ramen as his only food source, etc... he didn't see how an adult raising a baby the way a toddler would was still completely and totally abusive/neglectful.

It took my husband a LONG time to realize his expectations were just plain wrong. An ELEVEN YEAR old can realize that throwing a fit is distracting (honestly, so can a 5yo, but an 11 year old has the maturity/ impulse control to be able to step back and look at how their actions effect others, a 5 year old just tries to be "good", but still loses it when they're tired/hungry/scared/upset), but not an 11 month old, much less and 11 day old.

I would strongly suggest auditing a developmental psychology course at your local CC (to find out what is age appropraite), or to look into parenting classes through your local hospital. NOT because you're a bad parent, you're not. Not at ALL, it's very obvious you love your wee one with all your heart and want the best for them... but to learn, again, what is age appropriate, and how to cope/deal with what is age appropriate. :)

Willful in a 3 yr old? - Oh Yeah. Willful in an 8 month old? Impossible.
At about 6 months old separation anxiety can start up. They recognize Mom and Dad's faces (and scents) and they have figured out where their bread is buttered. Mom's the great fixer of things (hunger, changes diapers, comforter). Peek-a-boo is a game they love now. And in a baby that age, they seem to think if they can't see you - you are gone! It throws them into a panic. They cry like their heart is breaking, and it is - they feel abandoned.
For a LONG time, I was my son's clear favorite. In a room of strangers, if I wasn't there, Dad would do. But the minute I came within 5 feet, my son would lean/launch himself at me from Dad's arms.
Separation anxiety is tough, and it can last for years. YOU know you just left the room so you can use the bathroom for a few minutes, but baby just falls apart. I actually learned how to use the bathroom while still holding him, and when he was a little older, he was ok with sitting by the bathroom door where he could see me. In the kitchen it was too dangerous to hold him while cooking, but if I left one foot way back from the stove, he was happy sitting on my foot while I cooked. Silly, I know. But he just needed me so much and I couldn't bear to hear that mournful little cry.
Babies absolutely NEED to know they are loved, and at this point you are building trust which will last a lifetime. At 8 months old, the language skills just are not there to be able to tell you in words what they are feeling.
Trust comes first. Independence comes later (3 - 5 years old and it varies a lot from child to child (and it even varies with time of day - a toddler may boldly run across a playground by day, but at night need some cuddling to get over a nightmare)).

Oh, I understand! I have twins, and they were BOTH like this as babies, so you can imagine how tired I was of holding babies. They "flunked out" of daycare, where I was leaving them a mere 3 hours a day, because they just cried if they weren't held all the time. They cried with their super-loving dad. They absolutely refused bottles, so I had to nurse them a LOT. They went ballistic if I walked into the other room for 30 seconds. As others have said, it really seemed like they NEEDED to be with me all the time, with huge separation anxiety. I would end up cooking dinner with one in a front pack and one in a backpack (I got strong!) The good news? After about age 1.5, it started to gradually get better. By their third birthday, they were able to start preschool without tears. Now, at age 4, they are still somewhat shy and slow to warm up to new situations, but they are generally happy, helpful, loving kids. They don't seem selfish or spoiled at all, and they play nicely and know how to share and so forth. On the bright side, their caution makes them much less likely to wander off in a crowded airport or mall or busy road or whatever. The bottom line? I know it's tough, but there's nothing "wrong" with your baby, and IT DOES GET BETTER! Get a good baby-wearing system, and hang in there, Mom!

At eight months, i bet your baby is mobile in some way - able to crawl or roll or something. At this age he really doesn't need to be confined to a play pen or a bouncer or jumper. He'd rather be out around the house exploring and exercising. The jumper may be getting too limited and confining for him.

As much as possible let him be near you. When you are cooking he can sit on the floor next to you, and you can give him some spoons or bowls to play with. When you fold laundry, let him play with a toy on the floor next to you. Same thing for the computer. As he gets older you can involve him in more and more tasks while you are working - this is a great way to build a relationship with your child. My three year old delights in helping me cook and clean, and we can spend time together while we do that. My nine month old is happy to be in the same room with us, playing with some of the tools of whatever trade we are engaged in.

You can also try taking him outside for a while every day - spend some time with him on a playground or just a walk, making sure you let him exercise.

When he does cry for you you can pick him up, hug him, calm him, tell him 'Mommy is working, and when i'm done we'll play', and then put him down. Do this as often as necessary through out the day, but challenge him to be patient between each time. (When he starts fussing, say 'just a moment, and i'll give you a hug', and then finish your task, and then pick him up.)

You can also put your toys in rotation - keep them put away and give him one at a time - when he gets fussy you can give him his hug and then put him down with a novel toy.

Hopefully, between that process and getting more exercise and fresh air, he'll both learn more self-sufficiency, and be more tired so that he can settle down to nap and sleep more easily.

(My son is similar to yours. Some days i end up carrying him a lot, and i even will put him in a backpack to vacuum or cook on those days. But, he will also play on his own a fair amount, and is developing his independence.)

At 6 months, even 8 months of age babies don't have the languge skills to communicate what's good or bad, all they have is their tears and screams to get your attention. They get frustrated trying to tell us what they're feeling, wanting or needing. I raised three kids and when they cried or were frustrated, we picked them up and held them, changed their diapers, fed them (I breast fed, my husband gave them bottles of expressed milk), played with them, talked with them and didn't tell them "No" when they were trying to communicate with us. Pick him up and talk with him, comfort him, play with him. He's learning that he can depend upon you to be there when he needs you. If you don't spend the time with him, talking and playing with him how will he learn? What is so important that you can't make the time to hold him, to interact with him on a pleasant level? I didn't believe in the cry it out method and I've got 3 kids that were welcomed in every relatives house for a vacation from infancy on. They didn't disrupt the house, they were happy, pleasant babies, toddlers, kids who were respectful and obedient, goofy and engaging. Babies are sponges, they are observant and they soak up everything around them. They learn what they live and making him cry and you not coming to comfort him is teaching him that he can't depend upon you, that he can't talk with you, that you won't listen. Take the time, make the time to give him the love and attention that he is needing now. There are no do-overs, no second chances. You're setting the foundation for your future with this boy.

Have you considered baby wearing? That helped my daughter a ton!!! I was able to get choresdone and she rode around on my back (we have an ergo carrier-and I have had chronic back issues since age 12 and used the ergo with no pain). My doctor told me that babies need to feel secure that they can get their needs met (including need for attention) before they start playing on their own. My now 18 month old is nonstop playing, wanting to read books together and is very secure. I do not wear her any more and she is happy to have indepent time, and sleeps by herself as well. I think you are on the right track, but 8 months might just be a little early for your son to feel secure on his own.

Good luck mama!! This is all so hard when they can't speak yet :)

> What we want to prevent is the possibility of him growing up ill-tempered
> and undisciplined, disrespecting us and quarreling with other kids. If other
> parents who've been there tell me this is not the case, I would be relieved. I
> don't know so I am asking.

Soothing him and holding him will NOT contribute to him growing up undisciplined and disrespectful. If he needs mom, the best thing you can do is give him mom. If he was thirsty, you'd give him as much water as he wanted. Do the same for affection and attention. Fill his cup.

That is not to say to give up everything you need to do, but rather to be creative and find a compromise so that he is mostly happy and you are mostly happy. If you are open to a solution, you'll be surprised at how good you get at it.

I think that being harsh will do the opposite of what you want. You are teaching him to address his problems with harshness. Instead, (and this is more down the road as he grows), TEACH him how he can meet his needs, ask for help, and problem solve. Now you are giving him skills he will use forever after.

Hope that helps! Follow your heart. It knows what it's doing.

Relax and take a deep breath. You are not doing anything wrong, and there is nothing wrong with your baby. What you are describing is separation anxiety, and developmentally, it is a very good sign. It means that your baby's little brain has grown to the point where he can recognize your face/smell/voice as different and separate from Dad's, Grandma's, or a stranger's. Remember when he used to go to just about anyone? He couldn't tell the difference between people then, and now he can. This also means that he understands that he is helpless, and that you are the one who takes care of his every need. It's not that he doesn't love his Dad, it's just that you are usually the one there to feed him, change his diaper, and hold him during the day. These are all good things.

An 8 month old has the attention span of a knat - like a minute or two, tops. And he hasn't developed object permanance yet, so if he can't see something, it doesn't exist. That's why peek-a-boo is so fun for them at this age.

So whenever possible, try to get your chores that require two hands done while he is napping. Or keep him close by you, within reaching distance, so you can at least touch him to calm him down. In order for him to grow into an independent little guy, he needs to know that his every need will be met. If he needs to be held, then hold him. He will soon be off to school all day and will be embarrased if you kiss him good bye in front of his friends. And then you will wish that you could hold him forever.

At this age, he is not mentally capable of manipulation. He is just a baby that loves and needs his mama. Let him be a baby while he is a baby. He will grow up all too fast.

It sounds like he needs to be held more, and spend less time in the bouncer/jumper/playpen. Hold him when you are on the computer. Dance with him and read him books. Take him outdoors. He is old enough to self soothe and cry it out to sleep at night, but not old enough to learn that other family members need time alone and not old enough to entertain himself for extended periods of time. He doesn't understand how to play by himself yet, maybe for a 5 minute timeframe, but that's it. He needs you to met all of his needs, even if it means cuddling him. When you are cleaning/cooking/showering, let him do his own thing, but always be sure you go straight back, so don't do dishes then get on the computer for example. Try wearing him in a sling as you work (if he isn't too big for it yet).

Change your expectations of him, Docile and quite babies left to play by themselves at this age can be a warning sign of a child that has given up trying to get attention. Don't let him get to that point, it can affect their whole lives and teach them to not ever express their needs/fears/joys, and create a slew of attachment issues....

Dr. Sears has lots of valuable advice that is worth reading. He uses the attachment parenting method and it really will help all of you.

http://www.askdrsears.com/

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/T051200.asp (helping fussy babies.. lots of advice here)

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t130100.asp (attachment parenting)

his book has lots of great information as well, and is easy to read:
http://www.amazon.com/Discipline-Book-Better-Behaved-Chil...

I'm not sure where you son is with motor skills. My son loved his jumper until he learned to crawl, then he wanted to crawl around and explore. Can you gate off one room and child proof it very well? Whatever your baby is learning (sitting, crawling, pulling up , standing, etc) they want to practice that skill all the time until they master it. My kids were never happy in a playpen, high chair or whatever for that long. 15 or 20 minutes was a good stretch. Also he is too young to understand "No" quite yet. But distraction works well at this age. If he is doing something you don't want him to, give him another toy or activity to do. He's not a toddler yet and that age has a lot of tantrums. If he is frustrated or overwhelmed then soothe him, hold him and help him calm down. When he is older you will be able to start to distinguish between frustrated tantrums and crying to get his way. Yes, there will be times when you need to set limits and stay firm even when he cries but he seems a little young yet for that. Also, at bedtime do the same routine every night ending with a cuddle and a story or song so he understands it is time to sleep. There are many questions on this site about sleep training and what approach to use so you can get more details there.

Congratulations. I love how you're working so hard
to do the right thing . . . especially in your awareness
that your parents' behaviors and attitudes
didn't produce warm and loving relationships.

I'm sure there are options that are preferable to CIO.
And I'm sure some of the moms here will have lots of suggestions.

Baby not being happy with his daddy concerns me.
Does daddy snuggle/cuddle baby?
Does he take him for walks?
Point out birdies, trees, other people?
Sing to him? Talk to him?

I don't think that you can realistically impose
any kind of schedule/structure
until you get past the anger/frustration.

I hope you get some excellent advice to help you get past the anger/frustration, and that, AT LEAST, dad -- or auntie?
cousin? -- can love/cuddle/snuggle/entertain baby every so often.

There is now a lot of evidence and studies that show that 'crying it out" is bad for emotional development in babies, so you are right to not want to do it, and I'm afraid your doctor is out of date in his/her opinion. This research is just the last 5-7 years so a lot of people still believe in the anecdotal stories that crying doesn't hurt babies, but that is just because babies can't explain what's going on.

Anyway at this age babies are often still very needy of physical comfort and attention, it is a true need just like food and sleep. You are a good mom and doing a good job of taking care of those things, and it will be a more gradual process to get him to really be able to play on his own without checking in every few minutes, and having you nearby. He's telling you he's still too young, and at this age we need to respect that babies are telling us their true needs for their well being, they are not being manipulative or anything like that. Studies show that babies that are comforted immediately and whose cries are answered are more confident and cry less, and do better on their own sooner than children who aren't. Some babies need it more than others.

My 8 mo old was getting mildly progessively fussier from being so mellow and relaxed to not wanting to be put down. I took her to a Chinese Tuina doctor, who does similar but more complex work as chiropractors. He felt some misalignments in her back and neck. He did a short bodywork session on her, and she was immediately more relaxed. It's kind of like us walking around with a painful knot or something that a massage therapist takes care of and then we feel relieved and better. Anyway she was just so much better after that. Some acupuncturists do it also, as acupressure. You just have to ask if they do pediatrics.

Best wishes to you, hang in there and stay supportive and nurturing! You're doing the right things.

Right now, he's so young that he's relying on you and your husband for everything. There's nothing wrong with giving him what he wants and it won't spoil him. It will actually help him to be more independent later in life. There's research that supports this and it's not just my crazy opinion. So I'm telling you that meeting his needs now will not result in an "ill-tempered, disrespectful" etc. child. My oldest is 3, but I'm on the other side of babyhood with her and we met her every need and most of her wants. She's not a problematic child and is very respectful (most of the time-she's 3!). She's also incredibly happy and affectionate.

While you're trying to get things done around the house, try wearing him in a carrier.

In reading your additional info, you're parenting in some of the ways that you were parented. An 8 month old doesn't need to learn to play (or sleep) independently. They need their parents to keep them fed, clean, entertained and healthy. It definately seems like you've got 3 of the 4 but that he might need more interaction from his parents and environment. Are you a part of any playgroups or anything like that? They can be great for both of you even though they might not do much for getting things done around the house. :)

Get a backpack for you babe and have him hang out with you while you do your daily stuff.

A baby only knows when he feels safe, loved and comfortable or when he doesn't. That's it. He doesn't realize cause and effect - "If I cry, I'll get this" or "if I do this, I'll get a time out". They aren't that sophisticated & won't be for YEARS yet. He only knows that he's lonely, or cold, or hungry and doesn't like it - so he cries.

Keeping your current understanding of your son's behavior will mean that the months and years ahead are going to be TOUGH. You will be upset and so will he. Your family won't be close because of all the hard feelings.

What you can do is take some time to become more educated about age level expectations. Have your DH read aloud and both of you learn at the same time. There are lots of books - for infancy then for toddlers and preschoolers. These stages are TOUGH because little ones aren't yet able to understand so much of what we do without even thinking about it.

A good book is Dr. Sears Baby Book. Or "What to Expect the First Year". There are several books out there that will give you a better understanding of what babies are capable of. Otherwise you will just be frustrated for a looooong time. You're not teaching him to eat with a spoon right now, and just the same way, expecting him to understand that you have things that need to be done is beyond what he is able.

Good luck! You have a choice with parenting - you can choose a path to help your family grow closer together and to help your son learn skills that will help him his whole life. You can choose a style of parenting that shows and teaches love, cooperation, closeness with responsibility. However, if you haven't grown up that way, it takes education, a little faith, and re-learning from what you've grown up with.

I haven't read any of the other answers, so I have no idea if I am duplicating advice, but my response for you is this:

Hang in there! Around eight months is one of those phases in infancy that kind of makes most mothers a little crazy, there is a LOT changing in their world. He needs you to be with him now (and it is a need), but before you know it he will be waving goodbye to you on his way into preschool and you will look back and think, "Oh my, where did my baby go?" This time that you have with him is not retrievable, and I know it is hard to see now, but you will find yourself looking back in what seems like the blink of an eye wondering how you got a middle schooler.

I am going to say this in caps because it is really important: YOU AREN'T GOING TO SPOIL HIM BY RESPONDING TO HIS NEEDS; IT WILL MAKE HIM MORE SECURE IN THE LONG RUN.

I have three children and have to say that while I know that it was a learning experience, I look back at some of the things I was determined my first baby should learn, and that she wasn't going to boss ME around and that I was going to be the boss, etc., with such regret. Eight years later, I had my last baby and I made a choice to just attend to what she needed and wanted for the first 12 months (I think that kind of turned into about 15 months). What a difference in stress levels all the way around. We have a very close bond, and she does listen to me because she knows when I say something I mean it (not that she doesn't push, that is a kid's job, but she is secure in knowing I will push back).

Anyway, I hope that you can let go of the "supposed to" that all of us mothers carry around, and just parent from a really instinctual place. This is only a phase, and he will soon grow out of it. Just make sure you are putting your own oxygen mask on first. Take some time away from him to recharge your batteries. I am willing to bet that if you are out of the house and leave him with your husband for a break they will work things out just fine.

Start teaching him and yourself sign language. He will pick up signs very fast at this age. This will help him to communicate to you what he wants. Also, he is at an age where he wants to be more mobile. Put some plasticware, or pots/pans in a bottom drawer in the kitchen. He can play in his drawer and not feel confined in a bouncer or playpen. This allows the two of you to be in the same room while your doing some kitchen chores and he plays. If in other rooms, you can get a movable fence and put some toys in with him or make sure the room is child safe and let him play and crawl around with a few toys available. He needs the chance to be able to explore his surroundings.

I found that sign language was huge with my kids, my daughter started signing at 7 months (I started learning and teaching her at 5 months) and my son started signing at 5 months (I started at birth). You have to look for the signs, they won't look quite like yours because they just don't have the dexterity. "More" might be signed with fists bumping or clapping hands. I took a class that taught ASL signs and my kids are still signing at 5yrs and 3yrs.

I understand your son crying all the time. My son was just like that. Up intill about today. He still is like it (11 months old) Some babies just want to be held ALL THE TIME. I'd suggest getting a good carrier an do what you need to around the house. At 8 months you can't really diciplin or train you child to do anythig. Now my son is more mobile and so he is learning his independence and loves it!! I can let him play in our room while I run to the bathroom to grab his binki or something. It's great. What Id also suggest is put him in his playpen tell him you'll be back in 30 sec and walk away for 30 sec then come back. Do that till he gets used to it, and then increase the time. It was the only way i was able to get him do play by himself and not cry all the time. This way I could cook hamburger while he played by himself, but as soon as that was done he went right back into my arms or back into the highchair when doing the heavy lifting or dangeous stuff while cooking.
Another way to think of it is that your son spent 9 months in you and he is almost to the point of matching with living out in the world. Around 9 months is when my son really loved to figure things out on his own and was willing to play in his crib for a bit. So i'd suggest to keep loving the cuddling and love of his mommy. In about another year he wount want to cuddle at all unless he's sick. Enjoy it!

Ok--at 8 months, he is not being willful, he is being a baby.

He is not going to understand 'NO' and "STOP" at this age!

It's a really, really tough age but an 8 m.o. is not going to "play by himself" or "entertain himself" for more than a moment--and it's coincidental if he does--a "bonus" so to speak.

As for CIO, he may still be too young for it, but I do know this: when you decide to DO CIO--you've gotta DO it! Completely. Not a night of trying here, there, etc. It will be 3-5 nights of torture for all involved so you've gotta PLAN for it. What you've done by not completing it when you did try it was to teach him that if he yells long and loud enough...you will respond.

Good luck.

as a grandmother, my experience: I held both of my kids as much as they needed (with my son, it was pretty much all the time, with my daughter, a little less). They have grown up to be wonderful people, very caring, empathetic, independent, secure, happy - and are now raising their children the same way (attachment parenting), and the kids are equally wonderful beings! (now 5, 3-1/2, & 2-1/2). I agree with all the other posts - I know it feels like it will last forever and he will always want to be held, but it's not so! what children really need is to be held as much as they want (need), and then as they become more mobile, what they need in addition to being held as much as they want/need, is the ability to go out and explore while mama watches and is there to welcome them when they come back to refuel. You will have plenty of time for other things later as he grows, never fear! And congratulations for following your heart and doing things so differently from how you were raised! (by the way, that sounds like the way I was raised too - and when I was pregnant with my first child, I envisioned that my child would be happy to play by himself for hours - but I decided to follow HIM and his needs, rather than the books and advice I was given - and I am (and he is) eternally glad that I did! and so will you and your child be!)

I don't have any 'do this, don't do that' answers for you. Instead, I want to recommend a book I think can really help. It's called "The Science of Parenting" by Margo Sunderland. This book discusses the developing human brain, from infancy through childhood, and gives a lot of great insights into why our babies, toddlers and children do what they do. I think this book is a great place to start.

I also want to say that when he's crying like this, his lower brain is experiencing his frustration as pain. If you get upset with him in return, because he truly may not cognitively understand "NO" and "STOP", then he's likely to get more frustrated. This isn't to say you are doing anything wrong, per se, but that you and your little guy aren't quite on the same page. 8 months is still really, really little. So, once again, the book can help bridge the gap so you will know what he does understand and be able to understand him better.

I used a modified CIO that worked great, going to calm my boys every 5 minutes, but without picking them up (at bed time). But I did not have the day time trouble you describe, if they could see me they were ok. I would keep working with your doctor on this. Right now he seems to think that if he just screams long enough he can control the situation. He needs to learn that you are in control, but while still feeling loved. It does not hurt a kid to cry a little (as some seem to think these days), but endless crying can not be good.

Sign language & play dates, babies do need to socialize with other babies.