Cling-y

Hi Neena,

My 11 month old has recently been through the same thing. He was clingy ALL the time and had to be carried everywhere. It was exhausting but it does get better! Now some days he is quite independent but other times he gets really clingy again. I use a sling so I still have my arms free or spend as much time as I can playing on the floor with him. For us, this has coincided with him beginning to walk, which I think is a bit scary for him. That and the teething discomfort seemed to make him think he needs to be with me all the time.

He would also wake up in the night and scream at the top of his lungs - it sounded like a horror movie! He ended up sleeping in my bed (which he had never done before) but once the teeth came through he went back to his own crib with no problems.

He did have a screaming in the bath phase too but that happened when I bought a new anti-slip mat. He was frightened of it. I ended up having to take a bath with him to show him it was ok and, after a couple of days, he was back to his happy self. Maybe you could bathe with your daughter? It's a bit of a pain, but we did have fun splashing around together and it was only for a couple of days.

I know it's hard but I'm sure this will pass. Sorry I can't be more help,

R.

Yes, this is normal. Think about it, babies are very oral and suddenly their mouths HURT! Imagine what it must feel like having a bunch of teeth push thru gums! OW! What would you do? Look for comfort! Gently rub her gums, comfort her. She will get over it. Gently encourage her to play and comfort her when she needs it.
As for the screaming in the tub...put a few toys in that she likes to play with. Stand with her OUTSIDE and play with the toys INSIDE, but she is not allowed to have them until she gets in. Take her in the shower with you and make it fun. Get a liquid soap like Dove, pour some in your hand, make an O with your hand and make bubbles! Be patient! =)

Neena,
I'm sure you are tired, but I promise you this will pass. If you respond by comforting your now-clingy daughter, you will help her immensely. It is NOT true that you would be prepetuating her clingyness--the opposite is true.
Try homeopathic remedies for such a young baby and wear her in a carrier if you need to. If you are nursing her, she will want more at this time--breastmilk is the best drug available.
Good luck. Teething pain is intense.
Amy

Neena,

The clingyness will pass and then probably come back again...

My daughter did the same thing with the bath for about two weeks...now I can't get her out of the tub...

Hang in there!

Neena:

teething is incredibly painful.. more so than we recall unless we have had a recent expereince with wisdom teeth. SHe will grow out of this .

not sure what upsets her with the tub.. but, she gets the important parts cleaned all the time.. so relax.. maybe a sponge bath occationally... you don't say how old she is...

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com
800 LACTATE

My son is also 13 months and goes through clingy phases. It's completely normal, especially if she's uncomfortable from the teething pain. If she's just started teething at this age, she's probably going to have several teeth coming in at once, and it's got to feel really weird. If you're stocked with baby Motrin/Tylenol, Oragel, and teethers (my son especially loves the vibrating teethers) there's not much else to do except tough it out. Is she still sleeping through her naps? I know you said she's sleeping through the night, but if the pain is disrupting her nap schedule that may effect her mood too. When my son is tired, he's very cranky and clingy - and only being held by Mom will do.

As for the bathtub, I can only think of a few things. Does she have a diaper rash on her butt or legs? If she has any broken skin maybe the water is stinging her. Or did something happen recently that scared her? Maybe she slipped and dunked her face or splashed water on herself. If it continues to happen, maybe taking a bath with her would help. Good luck!