Help with Clingy Baby

That's a "clingy" age, but maybe try putting the baby in a crib and putting Elmo on? I am not saying pyt them in front of a TV all day but for 15-30 minutes it can give you a nice break!

Hi Dear! Your baby does not have any problem, the real problem is that you are taking care of another baby, even younger thatn yours, which of course, needs more atention than your... do you get it? He is quite fighting most of the day for his mama's atention. Apart from that, when the little 2 months old go home, his own mama is already wasted... YOUR SON IS NOT UNHAPPY, HE'S JUST FEELING UNATTENDED! You'll have to find some creative way of taking care of them, both, or decide whom you really want to care for: your son, or the other baby. Pray about it!
I'll be praying for you also.
Love,
E.
Something about me? I'm a 55 yrs old, Mother 0f 5, and Abuela of three; Teacher (with specialty in pre-schoolers). I'll be sending you more hints, as I pray God for wisdom for you, and for every mother with young children. Prayers work!

Hi Carrie:

I am no expert. I have a 4yo son and an 8 month old daughter. I am a working mom and my daughter does the same thing from time to time. So, you are not alone and yes, you are very lucky to be a SAHM.

You should try your birth board on Babycenter.com. I get a lot of great advice and pointers from those ladies.

8 months is supposed to be a clingy age to begin with. Maybe your MIL could try distracting your little guy instead of just standing there emphasizing your absence. Entertainment is key with these kids.

Good Luck,
F.

Separation anxiety happens to all babies. Sometimes it's worse for others...some sail through it without too much anxiety. Sometimes you need a break and you have to take that break no matter how much your baby cries for you. Yes, it will be harder for you than for the baby, but you have to commit to leaving the house without staying outside the door and letting those screams tempt you back into the house. Trust me, I've been there...I'm a stay at home mom too and I am on baby #3. Lock yourself in the bathroom, take a long soothing shower or bath and let your husband take care of the children. I baby sat for a friend's baby who cried the entire time he was with me. I tried music, toys, introducing to him to my daughter, who at the time was a baby herself. The swing, walks around the house, change of scenery. Nothing helped. He just cried...unless I held him which was tough because I had my own child to care for. He will outgrow it. I know that sounds so basic and harsh, but it's true. My two daughters went through separation anxiety too with me. I couldn't even leave the room to go to the bathroom without them crying for me. It was frustrating but I just did it, leaving them with their daddy. In time, this will pass. I'm sorry I don't have more to offer. Good luck and just know that every mother faces this dilemma and it does get better...with time.

Hi Carrie, I am a mother of 4, and all of my babies were very clingy, my youngest is now 3 and he has just recently gotten a little bit better. What helped me, was developing a pattern that my baby got used to , it will still take some time and paitence but this is what I did. Pick 2 days a week maybe 1 day during the week and 1 on weekend (what ever works best for you, that is "your time" it can be as little as 1 hour and have someone else watch the kids. The key is being consistent, going around the same time and the same days each week so that it develops a pattern that your baby can get used to, I would start out with a short period of time like a 1/2 hour for a few weeks and then work your way up to more time being away. It will not seem like its working in the begining, but if you hang in there and keep consistent it should get better! Good Luck, and remember even though it gets frustrating your baby is sending you huge compliment, that your a great mom! :)

Pretty normal and he will grow out of it. Just take it one day at a time.

Hi!
I have one of those... It is my third girl... my other 2 did it but not to the extreme like my last one. She started at 7 months and is now 16 months and is just starting to bea bit better. THe peak and most horrible time was at 13 months... OMG!!! we went on Christmas break to visit my family out of the country and I thought I was going to lose it... I could not even go to the restroom... much less shower or get ready and daddy was not enouggh... although poor thing... he did try.I think the unfamiliar environment...I also tried Baby einstein and Barney movies... i would wait for her to get into them... (about 5 minutes of me sitting close to her and then move away to do what I neede, (pay bills, cook, do laundry... but always being able to see her and her see me... If she got fuzzy i could reassure her I was around.. All the suggestions bellow are good and might work, try and see what is best for your baby and your lifestyle. It is horrible to hear your baby cry but if he/she is not hurt and you really need to go to the bathroom or shower or whatever... you do need a break. Let them cry so long as they are being watched and cared for. Remember... you can't be a good mommy if you don't take care of your basic needs too... but as they say... this too shall pass.PS... I started having my little nephew over at around 12 months and she absolutely loved him... it was not part of the issue... she wasw happy so long as I was around.

Hi Carrie,
I also have three children and am in the same boat with my baby. I don't seem like the person who should be giving advice but I will tell you what worked for my friend. She has two kids and leaves them to go to work. Very early on she established a special stuffed animal for her babies. She took a very soft stuffed animal and held it near whenever she was with her baby. This became a transition object for her baby. When she rocked her baby she would hold the animal close. When she fed the baby she would hold it close. When she would leave the baby would have this transition object. It helped her alot. Anyway, good luck! My baby is the same way. I guess I should try my own advice!!!
S.

what is she doing while baby cries?
holding him? holding him & taking him outside for a moment?
sometimes a breath of fresh air is enough to distract young ones. maybe MIL can take him outside for a moment & point things out "look!see the tree? the flower? " etc
or even a 'walk' around the house- same thing- pointing things out, distracting him.
I somehow get the vision that she just puts him down and he cries w/o any comfort/distraction?

Is it possible for your MIL to come to your house instead and watch the little one. He might feel more comfortable in his own house while you are gone. I found that playing peek-a-boo games were really great for my son to teach him I will always come back.. I know it sounds silly but it really worked with my son. And not just cover your eyes but I would have him in his high chair and walk around the corner and then peek around...he loved it! Also, I always tried to sneak out with out him realizing I was gone and it worked really well at that age. When he got older and knew I would come back is when I would say goodbye and will be back soon.