How can I keep my 9 mo old from crying everytime I sit him down?

Question

My 9 mo old has recently started crying everytime I sit him down in his pack and play, jumper, or activity center. He continuously cries until you pick him up and then he's fine. He either wants to be held or wants to crawl around and pull up on everything. As much as I would love to hold him or let him crawl around all the time that's just not feasible but if I have to put him down to go make a bottle or go in the kitchen for something he starts crying and doesn't stop until he's picked up. I've tried to let him cry it out, I've tried telling him Mommy will be back (not that he understands that). I don't know what else to do. Is this just a phase? I don't want to spoil him and have him think that if he just cries I will always pick him up. But It's like he throws a little temper tantrum and I don't want it to get worse or lead to worse behavior. Am I being too harsh?

Answer 1

When you get an answer let me know please!!! My 7 month old does this to me as well. I haven't figured out how to stop it yet.

Answer 2

My 9 month old son is exactly the same, and after 2 months of trying everything, including letting him cry it out, I decided to let him have what he wanted -- no, not picking him up -- but letting him come with me. Now, if I have to go to the kitchen to make his bottle or cook dinner, he comes too. I put toys in the kitchen that remain there, so whenever he goes into that room, he is interested in things he hasn't seen for a while, and he also loves banging a wooden spoon on a saucepan!

Some babies are great at entertaining themselves and being independent, my first was an angel who would let me get on with anything without a hint of complaint. But other babies want to feel included in what you are doing. It might seem a strain sometimes, especially when they're crawling about and getting into everything while you're trying to do something, or pulling themselves up on your legs so you can't move. You have an inquisitive little man who wants to share in what you do, and that's a natural part of his development. Why not let him, I guarantee you he will be happier, and you will feel the pressure lift.

Plus, you can tell him what you're doing and introduce him to things in the kitchen he might miss out on if he's left behind, which can sometimes benefit a baby as much as being able to sit on his own and entertain himself. That will come when he's ready. Meantime, let him be your Little Stalker for a while, and he's bound to grow in confidence just from being allowed to share in what you are doing.

Answer 3

I was searching the internet for help with the very same thing. My eight month old goes one step further, and doesn't even want to be in his crib. I have tried all the tricks I know, including letting him cry it out, but wind up giving in because he starts banging his head against his crib. I am a mother of three, and this little guy has stumped me. I have read all the scary warnings about sleeping with baby, but I always wind up putting him in bed with us so that I can get some rest. He doesn't want to be anywhere but in my arms, and this has been since birth. His beautiful bassinett went unused, and my husband and I took turns sleeping in a chair with him on our chest for the first three weeks. Then, we finally got him to sleep in a bouncy seat IN the bassinett. I think some babies are just different than others. I have parented this child the same as I did my first two, yet he stumps me every time. Some children are just different I think, and they grow up so quickly, this phase won't last forever.

Answer 4

My son did it to eventually it has lessoned. He is 15 months and still cries while I make him his cup of milk and all though he is standing right next to me he would rather be in my arms. Don't worry soon enough he will have a new sense of freedom. At nine months my son no longer like swings, jumpers, or the activity centers. I just let him explore the floor.

Answer 5

No, you are not being too harsh. It may just be a phase. I have two girls, both of them are very independent, little girls. You have to let him cry. Try playing some music or a light show to keep his mind stimulated until you return to the room. He won't have time to even notice you're missing.

Answer 6

its just a phase and u just have to wait it out. remember, you can never spoil a baby. maybe u can go to a store/dollar store and get him a couple of new toys to hold/play with. mite help for a bit while u try to get some things done. 9 months old is still a very difficult age and it all sounds normal to me. like i suggested before, got him some new little toys.

Answer 7

Uy is hard. The fact that you tell him "Mommy will be back" believe it he understands but he does not want to listen. My baby was doing that and she is only 7 months. What I did I found something that she loves to touch and teach her how to play with it. That would keep her attention for the time that I am busy. It worked and now I talked to her clear and she does understand. I hope that helps you.