My 11 Month Old Son Cries All of the Time

My guess is that he's a little unsettled in the new house. North Andover is a lot quieter than East Boston. New sights, sounds, smells, etc. My suggestion is that you might buy an ergo baby carrier (you can wear it like a front or backpack), and just carry him around in that while you do some housework. I'd be willing to bet that once he gets used to the routine and knows where you are in the new house that he'll settle down again. It might take a little while, but it might help him with the transition.

Another thought is that he might want to snack. We've found that our 11-month old is interested in eating almost constantly. We keep a stash of cheerios in a plastic container in the living room to feed her when she starts getting fussy, and it seems to quiet her instantly.

Good luck.

Hi C.!
I am just throwing this out there, so if I sound like a ridiculous know-it-all, please disregard. Any chance he's hungry ? I only say that because 12 months is usually when you take them off of formula and bottles, so sometimes it is an adjustment for them. At this age it is tough because they are learning and doing so much, but they are still babies, so its hard to find the right balance. Some kids are just tough, my first almost drove me over the edge. I know this is probably no help to hear this, but its true. Some kids are not happy unless they are held by mama. I've been there! My "difficult" baby is now 5, and although she has her moments, she is completely cool and independent most of the time. I'm sorry if this wasn't so helpful, but hang in there-its not easy to stay home with a needy baby!

Hi C.! I am also a mom of 2 boys, 5 years and 11 months. My baby is tuning 1 on Oct 14th... Now, I know what you mean about trying to catch up with housework but I work full time, 40 hours a week, sometimes more. My house is never "picked up". I struggle through every day and I just don't seem to be ever "done". My first instinct when I read your request is that I think leaving your baby on his own to cry it out for a long period of time at this age is really not age appropriate. I don't think they can relate that it's ok to stay on their own and that everything is ok at this point. The fact that he is crying all the time should be brought to the attention of his pediatrician. Maybe he is teathing really bad or he is just really cranky. No matter what the reason is, as long as it's not a medical problem, unfortunately I think you should be there for him until he grows out of it. Because if there is nothing wrong with him, he probably will! It's ok to just reassure him that it's ok to be by himself on the floor for a few minutes until you finish what you are doing, but just leaving him there for long periods of time might add to his separation anxiety and make it worse. He will think you abondoned him and actually get worse. I really don't thing that they get the cause and effect idea at this age! He is still a baby and might need you more than other babies his age...

I know you might think this is a crazy idea-give in to your child. Try to hold him and all that. The transition to a new home, and then your daughter going to school is probably frightning. Hold him, and support him atleast for the next month where you can wean off the crying and feel safe/secure in your new home. Hopefully this will help. I know it seems like one step backwards. In the end I think it will get you ahead. Maybe it is a hunger thing, or a teething thing. I just think with all the changes he is going through he just needs his mom. And it's tough when they are clingy and things don't get done. Your child comes first. Show him this by giving in, and slowly taking back your control by not giving in as much. Maybe their is something he likes to do like paint, or color. Reward his good behavior by doing fun activities together. I hope all works out well for you and your family. Try to give him some time. It will work out.