Frankenbaby

Updated on August 22, 2010
J.G. asks from Belvidere, NJ
8 answers

Hi, Moms,
My normally cheerful 10 1/2 month old is going through a phase. At least I hope it's a phase. It seems as if we're in the middle of a power struggle. A power struggle at 10 mos?! Really? He knows the meaning of "No" but keeps doing it anyway (getting into the garbage, the dishwasher, etc.) Is this just normal boundary testing? He (up until 2 wks ago) would eat anything I put in front of him. And he ate a lot. Now we're doing 2 bites and he's "full." But I know he's really not. I think he it experimenting with his own autonomy; what happens if the baby says "no." Also, he keeps WHINING! I am loving the living daylights out of him and playing with him all day long. He gets a lot of attention and also time to explore play on his own. I am a sahm so I am always around, but when I leave the room to (gasp) go to the bathroom or change the laundry quickly he has a royal fit! I love my little boy like nobody's business but this last week has made me wish the traveling circus would come back to town and pick up their monkey! So, I guess my question is: Is there anybody else out there? Sorry. Thank you. I think I just needed to vent. I wish the internet delivered Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.....

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M.P.

answers from Provo on

That is exactly my son right now!! Ugh it has been hellish. It doens't help that he is now going to daycare all day vs part of the day now that I'm working and going to school, he learned how to stand up on his own, teething, has realized that can in fact crawl away from me. He's rediscovered that he has a voice and will use it.
So I guess what I'm saying is that it sounds like an age thing since I and others have gone through this. Hang in there. I know I'm trying to!!

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L.C.

answers from Dayton on

When my normally happy and contented daughter did this it was almost always because she was teething. She never had fever, diahrrea, excessive drooling or any of the other stuff babies generally did, but she became an absolute bear. She was whiny, cranky, demanding and clingy. Then the tooth would come through and it was back to normal, funny, happy Lila.

Also, if the baby says "no" that's perfectly normal. You just go on doing what you said you, or he, was going to do. If you tell him no and he does it anyway move him. Gates have been our lifesaver and I am convince they are the greatest invention since penicillin. Block off what you have to, make use of the pack and play. If he cries that's ok. It's good for him to cry sometimes and it's also good for you not to immediately come in to soothe him unless you can tell he is in pain. He will learn to soothe himself. It would be great if we could keep them happy all the time, but we can't. So, don't fret, Mama. He'll be just fine and he'll leave this phase as quickly and suddenly as he entered it.

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

i think all kids go through this at some point or another...hang in there & be strong! maybe you can gate/block off the kitchen just to save you the headache of constantly getting him outta there. when it comes to food, I am of the mind that as long as the child is generally healthy (which i am sure yours is) then they won't let themselves starve, i do not give in & let them eat whatever. they eat what i serve but they decide how much, & if its not much then thats fine, but when they are hungry again they will be offered the same good healthy food. my daughter is very attached & cries when i leave the room but i'm sure she'll get over it! (hopefully soon lol) plus i dont know about you but my kids are suffering from cabin fever (yes its summer) but its sooooo hot here that we dont go outside unless its to the pool & honestly the past two weeks the water has been too hot to even be enjoyable! i'm hoping it cools down at least a bit in the next couple of weeks :) hang in there though you're not alone!!
*virtual reese's* : )

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

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S.M.

answers from Washington DC on

This is your first baby, huh?

Congratulations, you have a totally normal toddler. He sounds smart and delightful.. He wants to do o much and his physical and verbal skills are frustrationg him so much. Talk endlesly to him so he learns to use words, be consistent with consequence when it matters (that is for his health and safety), and enjoy the fact that he can't run away from you yet. Let him have his own opinions and soothe him and distract him as best you can when things don't go his way. He is defeloping his personality and likes and interests. He won't like every food now that he realizes he has a choice. Neither do you, right? Embrace that independence and focus on your job as a parent to give him the skills to communicate those interets and opinions in ways that aren't destructive ot dangerous (i.e., saying "No, thank you" rather than throwing food on the floor).

The whining is the thing that drove me nuts. I actually can handle a 3-4 year old whining better than a 1 year old, because a 1 year old is so inconsoleable. Second biggest pet peeve is repeating myself - saying the same thing over and over and over agian. Give him your best and enjoy him because it will end soon. It is okay to get tired, even tired of him. Just take a break when you need it. Schedule lots of breaks and nights out (or night locked in your room with a glas of wine).

Also, get used to the idea that you DON'T leave him alone to go to the bathroom, etc. - bring him with you because it is safer. Or plop him in the crib, etc. A minute of his crying is better than him getting hurt on his own.

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D.K.

answers from Sioux City on

It sounds like he is about to become more mobile. All babies get this way right before a major milestone like crawling or walking. Teething may be magnifying it.

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A.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I know exactly how you feel. I totally agree with Dana..my soon to be 11 month old just had a horrid 2 wks. Just this past Friday he pulled himself to the standing position & is letting go...Standing independently...Yay!! and yesterday top 2 teeth are popping through, and looks like the next bottom two are coming in too!! Hang in there, I did get a day of peacefulness on Sat. But looks like it was a one day fluke today is back to the crazy 'frankenbaby' syndrome!1

Hang in there Mommy!

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

10 months old? Sorry, but he does not totally understand the word "No".Remember his attention span is only about 30 seconds right now.

He understands he has your attention when he whines and gets into the trash and dishwasher.

You need to childproof your home so he cannot get into the trash and the dishwasher. He will tune you out if everything is" No".. It is just a sound when it is constant.

Make you home that he can crawl or walk anywhere. That may mean closing all of the doors. Maybe baby gates. Maybe locks on cabinets. He should never be able to get into the bathroom alone ever.

The trash can should not be tippy in case he leans against it. Maybe placed under the sink, up on the counter, in a pantry.

When you are cleaning the kitchen, doing laundry, maybe he needs to be placed in his highchair , playpen or in his exerciser. He has no boundaries if he is on the loose.

Get down and crawl around look all around. Pointed edges on furniture and fireplaces. On coffee tables, end tables book shelves (need to be anchored to the wall). How far can he reach onto them? If he crawls under them, are there and screws or nails sticking out? Electrical cords laying around. Outlets uncovered.

The safer your home, the more you will be able to leave him for a few seconds at the most just on the floor. Otherwise make sure you are in the same room when he is mobile.

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