What can I do about my son's need to be held constantly?

Question

My son is about to be 5 months in a week. He just started this about a week ago. Whenever Iput him down in his toy or on the bed he starts to cry. I have checked his temp he is fine there given him a clean diaper and mylicon and origel. Also gave him a bottle. But nothing seems to help except ME holding him.No one else just me. I can't get anything done. Anything that will help..

Answer 1

My oldest did the same. Sometimes infants need that reasurrance from time to time. I wore a carrier for a while with her in it. It was hard since I needed that break, but it did not last too long. That way I was able to get stuff done and pacify her. Good luck!

Answer 2

I am a mother of 3 and I know how hard it is to hear the crying - but I liked the suggestion about talking to the baby as you put them down - think of it like exercising - you kind of ease into it and it is a process. Let him cry for a little and try to reassure that you are close by but get him used to not having to be held. It is hard for 5 month olds to entertain themselves - but the objective is for him to feel secure without being held constantly. And always try to react to him in a calm and peaceful way. This is just for a season. Before you know it he will be 1 year old and his development will be astonishing when compared to how he began.

Answer 3

He's probably going through a phase, and he needs the reassurance that you're always there for him. As frustrating as it can be, you've got to be as accomodating as possible. Maybe look into a sling carrier or something, so you can have that close physical contact he's looking for, but can help to free up your hands so you can get stuff done. It won't last forever though, so don't let it stress you too much hon. Housework will always be there - enjoy these precious moments of bonding with your baby while you have the opportunity!

Answer 4

Hold him- you aren't spoiling him at this age. Our son was the same way for a long time- the first 2 months he was very colicky so I always had to hold him-even when he slept I had to because otherwise he'd scream if I put him down. Give it some time, he will be able to sit and play on his own soon. My son is 13 months and we'd go off and on with him wanting us to hold him. he can still have those moments, but it isn't as bad. Cleaning- stuff like that can wait.... your baby comes first- if we stress so much about chores, we take away the time to love our babies. My mom was all about cleaning, and yelled and yelled at us... and honestly, all i ever wanted was her to hold me and hug me and tell me she loved me. So enjoy the time you have with your baby boy. I still haven't showered today... and might not get a chance to until my husband comes home. That's when I get a little me time, which I enjoy, then go back to my son :)

Goodluck.

Answer 5

I agree with the mom that says all babies need to be held and reassured, but there are times that it is not safe to hold the baby -- like when you are cooking. My daughter was given the most wonderful gift - it was a little bouncer that hung from the door frame (kind of looked like a soft swing what they would bounce in). She would hook it to whichever door was the closest to what she was doing (kitchen or laundry) and the baby could see her and bounce and giggle.

Answer 6

Your son needs tummy time. You have to train him to learn to play on his own. Get some small toys and lay him on a blanket on the floor and play with him for a while. Then stop touching the toys and let him play on his own, you watching him and talking to him. Then gradually scoot yourself farther away. If he starts to cry just talk to him and encourage him to play. It will take a while but he will learn to enjoy the tummy time and you can get things done.

Answer 7

all babies go through this. you have 2 options from here. you can either cave to his demands and constantly hold him, or you can put him down and let him cry it out. he'll never learn to be content being by himself if you don't give him the opportunity. it doesn't make you a bad mom to put him down and let him cry, it'll actually be better for him in the long run. he's gotta learn some independence, there's no better time than now. the longer you wait, the harder it will be. good luck!

Answer 8

My son was like this too, I got a exersaucer and he loved it well for at least 15 minuets. After a while he became more comfy with it and liked playing for longer periods of time. At this age to they are going through a phase (seperation anxiety) where if they cannot see you, you have dissapered.

Answer 9

well u mentioned origel so im guessing he's teething just give him the attention he needs do u have a niece or something just ask them to spend the night and help i sure they wouldnt mind ... to help with the baby or just clean a lil bit for u and i am 12 years old and thats wat i do 4 my aunt cuz her baby iz 4 months 1/2 and she iz teething or just feed her or him put the baby 2 sleep and then put the baby down..... or just let the baby cry for a lil while ...u prob . dont like 2 here the baby cry cuz its like so sad but the baby wont die it will b fine... hope that helps much luv xoxoxoxoxo<3tahts hot<3

Answer 10

This seems cruel...but just let him be...let him cry and fuss...this is an attn seeking behavior that he needs to forget about. If you give in now...life will be miserable for a long time......
What I used to do is to pick him up for 5 mins, then put him down for 10...then pick him up for 4 mins...put him down for 15.....etc etc.
He'll get the hang of it.
Also...talking to him and explaining that you need to get dinner cooked (or whatever) will give him and understanding.
Also try to put him in the same room as you...so that he doesn't feel alone.