Why does my baby cry every time I try to set him down?

Question

He's 7 months old. He starts crying when I try to lay him down. He wants to sleep on me, only. I've tried passing him to dad for a break and he'll start to cry more. He's being very clingy and he doesn't want to sleep on his back anymore. Is this just a phase?

Answer 1

Around 9 months or so babies develop seperation anxiety. It can last a few months or more, depending on the child. My son is 9 months old, and is just starting this. I also have seen another little boy a couple months older acting the same way at his daycare. This is a normal process, as he is learning his surroundings. I tried a few new toys. I know of others who try to get a favorite stuffed animal so there is a "comfort zone" for the baby. Also about laying on his back- our son sleeps on tummy, back, side, every way. At this age, as long as he rolls over normally through-out the day. He should be fine sleeping in other positions.

If you are still concerned, your doctor may be able to give you suggestions on how to help with it.

Answer 2

Sounds like a high need baby. You will just have to hold your baby, some will tell you to let them cry it out..to me that is wrong. Try to get him to do things on his own though, but hang with him. Lay him down and sit by his crib and sing and read or talk to him. You will want the space from him. He feels safe with you and loved. You are doing a great job and this is not your fault. Some kids are more clingy and needy than others. Mine on the other hand, is the other way. it's only now at age two he will give hugs and kisses again. :) Boys will be boys.
Good luck with this.

Answer 3

This is a controversial topic... Some people believe you should set the baby down at a certain age and let them cry it out (with a decided-upon time limit). It's decidedly traumatic for the child, but it can also give them a little independence. Is seven months too young? It's worth reading about, maybe.
Some people believe an infant should be allowed to be as clingy as he likes.
But clearly, his relationship with his father is suffering due to this clingyness... and so is your sanity! I would suggest you read some literature by advocates of both sides. It's worth taking some books out of the library.

Good luck.

Answer 4

He this something he's used to or something that has just started? Try putting him down more often during the day, break this habit soon before he can talk back. Make him sleep in his bed and spend lots of time playing with him when he's awake. Lay him down and let him cry he will tire himself out and fall asleep. He will get used to this new way soon.

Answer 5

This worked for me. I did the pick up /put down. This is talked about in a boOK called the baby whisperer. It is a great book. It allows the baby to know that he will be ok/safe out of your arms. basically it goes like this. ( make sure he is fed and clean and not in pain...)
1. put the baby down in the crib
2. once he begins to cry pick him up right away
3. hold him (don't giggles or pace)
4. once he stops crying put him back down...if he starts crying right away put him all the way down to the mattress before you pick him back up.
5. tell him in a soothing voice that it's OK, he's only going to sleep, mom is right here...
6. repeat

*note that the first night you will possibly be doing it 200 times. you do it every time he wakes at night. (when he arches his back after you pick him up it's only cause he is fristrated. He is trying to get to sleep on his own and cant. Stay in the room until he fals asleep...get the book it rocks!! good kuck
.

Answer 6

Yes it's a phase that lasts a very long time. My daughter was the same way, she'll be 4 in Feb, she is independent but she gets very clingy at times. Same thing is happening with my friends son who is 18 months.

Answer 7

Yes it's just a phase it's seperation anxiety and ALL baby's get it. My daughters 8 months old and she's been doing it for about 2 months. They'll eventually grow out of it but it could take a couple years.

Answer 8

Yes its a phase. Alls you can do is not hold him as much. Let daddy take him even if he starts crying. Let him know who is in control. He has a great comfort level with you, which is great, but its always nice to MAKE him have a comfort level with daddy as well. If he cries....bare with him, give him 15-20 minutes before picking him back up. Good Luck.

Answer 9

it sounds like your baby already figured out how to get his way. which this isn't a bad thing. but neither is letting him go ahead and cry when you lay him down. from personal experiance on being a mother and grandmother. drs will tell you that is doesn't hurt to let a baby cry a little. now if he is in pain, needs changed, or is hungry take care of that. but really from what my mom told me when it happen to me, it helps clear the lungs and makes them strong. always picking him up everytime he cries also doesn't help him. it might make him grow up to be insecure. if this continues, though it is always best to ask his dr.

Answer 10

kids are the best manipulators in the world :) lol Once they have you figured out, they just keep doing it. You don't want to hear him cry, so you pick him up & he has you all figured out. You just have to keep him occupied with something else or hand him to daddy but keep talking to him. Or,,, have you tried putting him in maybe a baby swing or something and stay nearby and talk to him? My daughter used to scream her head off when I put her to bed starting at about 1 year old. If I didn't get in there fast enough, she would vomit. So, every night we went through the same routine... screaming, I would get her... if I was too late she'd throw up. I was afraid to send her to gramma's because I didn't want my mother to have to deal with that. Well, she went to grammas one day & she was FINE. She was actually there for an entire weekend... and was FINE. When I got her home, it all started over again for me, but I had to show a little tough love ... when I heard her throw up, I went in, wiped her off, quietly and nicely told her it was still bed time, and put her back in bed. She cried a little longer, and fell asleep. It went on for about 3 nights and stopped. :)