Screaming Baby - Troy,MI

A.,

I remember those days! I have 5 boys and son #2 was just like what you describe. You won't be sorry for giving her what she needs when she needs it, it may be kind of a hassle now but think of it as an investment in her emotional well being, and it will pay off as she gets older. Some kids are just more needy than other kids.

Once she is walking it will ease up, so not much longer. Some of the things I would do when my son wanted me close and I had things to get done were to pull his high chair right up to where I was. If I was cooking I would put it relatively close to the stove countertop area (out of reach of anything dangerous of course) that always seemed to buy me a bit of time to get some things done.
When starting a load of laundry set her on the edge of the washer and support her with one arm and put the clothes in, pour soap, and push buttons with the other hand. Also I would take my clothes right out of the dryer to the living room and fold them while sitting on the floor with him. It does take a bit to figure out how to do things one handed but the fact that they are content for a little bit is worth it.

I know its hard but good for you for putting her needs first! The laundry and the dishes and the clutter will always be there, just remember "This too shall pass" it wont be this way forever, once she starts walking most likely it will ease off a bit. Someday the payoff will be the emotional security she feels all the time because you were sensitive to her needs now. God Bless you both!

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Good for you for meeting her needs... perhaps she's what Dr. Sears calls a 'high needs' baby? He has a book about High Needs babies and may have some ideas on what to do.

I wouldn't recommend the cry it out approach for the same reason the other person recommended.

I'd get a really good sling.. help her get used to it, wear her all day and do your housework while you carry her around. I would recommend the ERGO carrier, you can order it online and it's easy to use. YOu can put your little one in a back carry and do all your 'chores'.

My son wanted to be held all the time till he was 12 months old, now he still likes to cuddle, but plays on his own, wants to walk, climb etc... (he's 19 months).

He would sleep in the sling, I would vacuum and he would fall asleep, I would go for walks with him in the sling, do laundry, dishes, make dinner... I even taught some piano lessons with him in it. He was happy and that made me happy!

He's a loving little boy now and I can still use the sling on occasion... like a mom2mom sale or the bank when I don't want to deal with a stroller and it's wonderful!

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Your little one has learned immediate gratification, and that you will give it to her. At this point, it's a habit you have to either break or indulge...your decision. But once you make that decision, you have to be consistent. Your daughter will scream longer than you can stand it...and she knows it. You will have to teach her that you WILL meet her needs, but in your time. You are the parent and she CAN learn that. There are a bunch of ways to let her cry it out...some good some bad. There is nothing wrong with comforting her but NOT picking her up. It will be terrible for a few days, maybe a week or so, but she'll learn, and she'll be happier!

~L.

**I just have to say this...emotional security does not come from indulging your baby's every whim. Meet their needs, absolutely, but security comes from teaching your children that you are there no matter what...but it is healthy to venture out and away from mom's arms. The more you repeat the act of responding 'appropriately' to your child, the more you will teach them that it's okay to go back to sleep, be in another room, go to school, work, college, etc, because mom will always be there when it's over! Self soothing is not a term just for babies...it turns into confidence, security, and happiness later in life!

Is she getting enough sleep? I know all my LO's become terrors when they don't have enough sleep. Also, she is old enough to cry it out. I know it's hard to let them do that, but they need to learn to self soothe. I don't think I'd let her CIO more than 1/2 hour or so before going in there to calm her back down and try again. You could also try putting one of those teddy bears in her crib that have the heart beat in them to mimic mom. Or you can try the things that you place under the crib mattress that vibrate when baby makes noise and also will play music when baby makes noise. I HTH--having a LO who is a screamer is hard. My oldest was a screamer for anyone other than me. Made finding a babysitter VERY hard! GL

A.,
There are a couple of things that could be going on here.
She could be teething...
It could be seperation anxiety(sp?)...
She may be over tired....
Ear infection...
Dairy allergy/food sensitivty...
I know that it is very hard when you baby cries all the time. I just took my 9 month old to the dr hoping that she would find something wrong with her because I wanted there to be a reason for her fussyness.
I will never suggest crying it out. I believe that babies cry for a reason even if that reason is "I need my mommy".
Did this come on suddenly?
I would treat it as if she was teething...Tylenol, origel/teething tablet, cold things to chew on.
Many Blessings, K.

yes its possible she is just a fabulous screamer! My first daughter was a little more needy but ALL mine are pretty much that way! for me a sling has worked wonders.... also I let a bit of the housework go and dont cook as elaborate when they are in this needy stage! They will be so well adjusted and smart because you take the time now with them :) My older two are in high school now and my little new needy one is 1! none were real nappers :) try to rest with her and not worry about what needs to get done. engage her in helping... give her a pot and a spoon or a broom or we give the vacuum or dust cloth too to the one year old!