Does anyone else have a baby like this?

Question

My 5 1/2 mo. old doesn't like to be held. She's been like that since birth. The only time she likes (or tolerates) being held is when she's ill. She depends on her pacifier to soothe her and really doesn't care if she's held or not.

This kind of bothers me. I know it's probably just her personality and I like the fact that she seems to be "independent," but I thought most babies prefer to be held.

What do you think? Was your baby like this?

She interacts with me just fine...smiles, coos, laughs... loves to check out her envvironment... she just doesn't prefer to cuddle.

Answer 1

My cousin's little boy that I watch, Wes...he is like that too. He is most happy when he's laying on the floor watching the world go by. BUT like Evelyn he also NEEDS his pacifier. The second that thing pops out he let's me know he wants it back LOL

I think it's just a personality thing, they are all so different, and Evelyn is perfect so you don't need to worry about a thing :)

Answer 2

There is this little girl that I babysit, and since she was born she was the same way. Right up until she started school, she is 5 years old now and doing just fine. The mother had trouble with her too, she couldn't hold her and couldn't figure out why the little one didnt want to be held. It turned out to be just a phase for the little girl. But it was so disturbing and frustrating to the mother.
All I can tell you is if there is really nothing physically wrong with her, then try to find ways to bond with your little one that dont include picking her up. Stroking her back, her head...are forms of a mother caress that still help bond with her yet dont set her off in a furry of screams and tantrums. It's a waiting game now, just have patience and love/comfort her with every touch you can. She will likely grow out of it sooner or later. :)

Answer 3

Some babies don't like to be held. I think that she will soon grow out of this so you probably should enjoy this while you can because soon you will not be able to do anything without her crying for you to pick her up.

Answer 4

My baby was like that. He was really hard to hold when he was little. He prefers to sleep in his own bed. He's gotten more loving in the last few months. At around 5 months actually. He's 9 months now and he'll cuddle with me sometimes, but usually he's running around playing with stuff by himself.
I wouldn't worry about it. Just keep showing her affection and maybe it'll grow on her. :)

Answer 5

I watched a baby in daycare like that. she was perfectly fine sitting in her bouncer with her pacifier. she cried when you held her most of the time and if you put her down she was fine. i asked her mother about it one day and she said she was like that at home too. she was a happy baby as long as she wasn't in your lap. i think it's just how some babies are.

Answer 6

I had a niece like this and she hated to be held when she was a baby, well she is five now and she is very independant and has to do things on her own she is very free-spirited

Answer 7

Try some classical music. Check out this web site:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/5/T051200.asp#T051202

Answer 8

be thankfull...my son is so spoiled from all his grandparents when its just us during the day he wants to be held.
theres nothing wrong with your daughter just sounds like shes more comfortable alone... dont worry... im sure you can get alot done with her being fine alone :)

Answer 9

This is very strange. There are disorders such as autism etc...where there is some hypersensitivity issues...My best advice is to consult a developmental pediatrician.

Answer 10

No my kids loved to be held and rocked.