My 13 Month Won't Sit Still

This may not be what you want to hear, but maybe you should reconsider the trip. It just may not be practical right now. The plane ride will be bad enough-- BTW is there any way to get an overnight flight so maybe she will sleep?-- but what will you do with her once she is there?? My sister took her family to a family-friendly all-inclusive resort and wishes she'd waited a couple years. Her two-year-old made it impossible to relax. She's a totally different type, but high-maintenence nonetheless.

Hi A.. I have an almost 12 month old is is very active and sounds like you have a very active little girl. Mine little guy will play for a few seconds with one toy and immediately drop it for the next. He is always on the move but seems to me to just be exploring and inquisitive. I don't think you should be panicked or alarmed. I think you should describe to the doctor what you are seeing on your next visit, but I would bet the doctor will say this is all normal. I think you just have an active little girl. When you read through some of the responses you have to weed through them and only take pieces out that would really apply to your situation. Good luck and stay energized...I know it is exhausting. I say enjoy your trip and have a great time with her being so active.

Check for food additives like artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, and sugar. Read the labels of everything your child eats or drinks and get rid of it. There are several books on ADD/ADHD that you can probably pick up at your library.

I agree, talk to your pediatrician about this and get some tests done. You may also want to consider testing for ADHD but she may be too young for that..again, talk to your pediatrician about all of this.

Every child is different. My son was just diagnosed with ADHD and we were told that there are learning difficulties that can mimic ADHD/ADD.

I would also reconsider the trip. It does not sound like it will be all that relaxing for anyone.

Praying for you,

J.

There's very definately a difference between child to child as you've found out. My son was, and still is, constantly on the move. As far as losing attention, this is pretty common indeed. She's barely a year old.

Regarding the head turning and eye contact, perhaps you should discuss this with your ped. I know it's not uncommon for eye contact to develop later, but really you need to talk to a medical professional.

Take her to your pediatrician now.

The attention is definitely common at her age but you might want to talk to your pedi regarding the eye contact and her moving her head. You might want to get her screened for autism, I know this is not what any parent wants to hear but it's better to know now so if that is/isn't the case you can get her the proper treatment.
I was in denial and still am in some degree, My son was just diagnosed a few months ago w/High Function Autism Spectrum Disorder and he goes to school, speech and occupational therapy and comming a long way but it's jus the beginning. It's definitely a challenge everyday.

Good Luck and I hope this helps.
Many Blessings.
M.

Your child sounds normal to me. Once they can crawl and walk they want to MOVE all the time. My daughter did the same thing and my son, especially, though he's only 10 months old, is extremely squirmy. I almost can't change him on the changing table anymore because he just wants to sit up or roll off. We don't call him "busy body" for nothing.

As for your trip, it will be challenging. To make the most of it...take LOTS and LOTS of distractions. Different kinds of new toys, games, books and comfort items from home too. At 13 months, she might be a little young, but you could try a portable DVD player and a stack of baby DVD's. Try mini "goodie bags" or "treasure bags" with different "surprises" inside to keep things interesting for her.

Every child is different. It's okay to check with your pediatrician, but you probably don't have anything to worry about. You just have the challenge of keeping your baby safe and entertained.

My daughter was 22 months when I traveled on an airplane with her. We used her car seat the whole way and she was content and comfortable because it was something she was use to traveling in. If you're planning to use her car seat, that might help.

As for the eye-contact thing. That sounds normal too. At that age, they are more interested in looking past you to the next thing they can "get into" than in looking at you or other familiar things. Babies have one track minds. They have really good focus when it comes to investigating NEW things and trying to figure them out. I try to remember this when my son is reaching for my necklace... I say no and start to think about something else, but he hasn't forgotten the necklace and reaches for it again... that's just how they are.

I don't want to seem like an alarmist but I think you should have your daughter seen by a specialist in pediatrics, asap! I'm sorry but, no, that is NOT normal behaviour for a girl or a boy! The fact that she won't really look at you is very alarming. Please have her seen right away and only by a specialist in Pediatrics. I have a nephew who exhibited some similar things but I don't think was evaluated properly until 2 years of age now and those symptoms are indicative of something not being right, in his case it's a form of autism, and if only he had been diagnosed earlier his life could be better. Early intervention is the best for a good outcome. Please insist that someone evaluate her very soon, do not wait! Better safe than sorry right?