2007-02-18 12:06:24 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Six months old is usually when babies start to need a little more than just breast milk ... is he hungry?
If not - I highly recommend using a shawl. You can tuck him in and move about freely and he will be happy as a bug snuggled up to you. Being next to mom/dad is a perfectly reasonable demand for a six month old.
2007-02-18 12:15:17 · answer #1 · answered by Liz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He may be teething. All three of my children became clingy, cranky and often inconsolable around six months, but were back to their old selves once the first few teeth finally came through. If you think that might be the case, you could try Baby Orajel on his gums or let him use a teether or even a bottle of cold water or juice (if he takes a bottle). My youngest didn't actually drink from the bottle, but would kind of rub the nipple on her sore gums. Calmed her right down.
Also, if he's learning to move around on his own, he may be simply experiencing some separation anxiety (which would also explain why he cries unless he's held). If he just wants to be held, it's really no problem ... you won't spoil him. If you simply need your hands free, you could invest in a sling that will allow you to carry him on your hip.
Good luck!
2007-02-18 20:16:31 · answer #2 · answered by Irish Mommy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How long has it been going on? With my kids, teething and ear infections usually produce the crying unless holding reaction (usually holding standing up!) If it's not physical, playing with balls might be a good distraction or going outside for walks. It might just be a phase. If it's a phase, hold when you can, but don't feel guilty if you have to let him cry while you're making dinner or something that requires the use of both hands!
2007-02-18 20:16:34 · answer #3 · answered by Col 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What makes you think he needs to be "stimulated'? First of all, he might be teething or something. Second of all, what he might need is some downtime--sometimes when our babies were/are fussy we put them in their crib with their special blankie for a while, not for a nap but just to chill. They love it when they are needing to get away from too much interaction and stimulation. Thirdly, if you're saying how can we distract him so he will play on his own for a while, you have to just do it--you have to train him to play on his own. STart by putting him down, with some fun toys, for 10 minutes--set a timer if it makes you feel better. Do NOT pick him up till the timer goes off. Then do it again later. When he gets to where he can handle the 10 minutes, make it longer. Etc etc etc.
2007-02-18 21:47:34 · answer #4 · answered by toomanycommercials 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is he teething and finding comfort in being held?
You can try all sorts of things, getting down on the floor and playing with him, putting him in a baby walker...before you give me bad ratings, just know that my daughter used one and has had no problems learning to walk unaided- took off on her own before her first birthday...
He might just prefer being held because he can take in more of his surroundings when being picked...after all, there isn't much to see on the floor, but being in his parents arms give him a whole new perspective of the room.
Give him things to make noise with- a rinsed out crisp packet and a bottle with some dried kidney beans or rice grains kept my daughter entertained for ages when she was that age, even though she had lots of toys, it our 'rubbish' she found the most fun.
Be creative, you'll soon learn what he likes!
2007-02-18 20:14:07 · answer #5 · answered by ♥Pamela♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he stops crying when you pick him up, it's because you have spoiled him. He needs to learn to entertain himself and he won't learn until you stop holding him everytime he opens his mouth!
If you continue to do this, you will have created a little devil. They know how to wrap you around their little finger, don't let him. As long as he is fed and has a clean diaper, put him in a playpen and don't feel guilty. I raised 4 children and the last two were twin boys, it wasn't easy.
2007-02-18 21:03:37 · answer #6 · answered by Faith 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A baby never died from crying, let him cry. He's learning that every time he cries you hold him. Put him in a exausersaucer and out in Baby Einstein DVDs.
2007-02-18 20:10:41 · answer #7 · answered by Kitikat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stop picking him up when he cries. You're only giving in to him and spoiling him. At 6 months this little guy is in total control and YOU gave it to him
2007-02-18 21:12:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋