High maintenance babes

LindseyF · #1 July 26th, 2011, 03:46 AM

It goes without saying that I love my little guy with all my heart and soul. But I'm seriously nearing a break down!!! Without exaggerating, he can't seem to entertain himself for more than 5 minutes, after which he begins his terribly loud yelling, unless I walk out of sight -- then it's crying. If there's lots going on around him, he's fine, but if we're just hanging out at home, it's a nightmare. He's happiest when my DH or I are not just holding him, but holding him while standing, just like when he was a newborn. With my previous experience at nurseries and preschools, I was looking so forward to the 6 month mark, but I feel like he is much higher maintenance than the previous children I cared for. Any advice? I find myself not looking forward to hanging out at home anymore.

Jamiesquared · #2 July 26th, 2011, 04:54 AM

Those words could be taken out of my head, seriously. The only difference is when he plays with something for more than 5-10 mins he whines very loud for a bit and then starts to cry with no tears so I know nothing is really wrong. He is also happiest when in our arms standing/walking around. He is a much better baby when we go out (park, pool for swimming, walks around the block, sitting in our swing) than staying indoors. He is not a cuddling, lay on us type baby either...he does not enjoy being rocked to sleep, does not lay with us unless it is bedtime and that stinks

I was at the pedi yesterday since he has been sick and I was talking about all of this and she just said some babies are more needy and short attention spans but eventually it will get better although sometimes it doesnt and it is just their personalities. I talked to my mom about it the other day and she said I was the same way...could never sit still for more than a short bit at a time, one toy could only occupy me so long etc. but when I started school I got better. I sort of freaked out thinking it could be that long! People constantly say oh let him whine/cry more when he gets like that but they just dont get it....that doesnt work at all.

LindseyF · #3 July 26th, 2011, 06:26 AM

How funny ... Zayd doesn't like to be rocked to sleep and isn't much for cuddling either!

When we're out 'n about & he's got plenty to look at, he's a doll. But at home, fuggidabadit!! He's at his "best" after he first wakes up -- he'll have fun with his toys for up to half an hour, which is quite an accomplishment for him!! He doesn't seem to care for his bouncer, pop-up tent, Johnny Jumppy thing ... nothing! He just wants Momma or Baba to hold him. And you're right -- they yell & cry to communicate to you, & it's not like you can teach them to communicate in a different way (like telling a 2 year old to use their words!!)

I'm sure once they begin crawling, and especially walking, they won't want anything to do with us & we'll be boo hooing about that, LOL

Just feels nice to know someone else is in the same boat!!

martilynne · #4 July 26th, 2011, 08:26 AM

Jax has his days. Don't even think about not standing up while holding him. I'm pretty sure the jumparoo has seen the end of it's days now that he can crawl he does not want to be contained.

Smashie · #5 July 26th, 2011, 08:37 AM

Hang in there, momma! I bet separation anxiety is part of the issue, and that's a very normal part of development at this age. Distraction is probably your best friend -- going outside or to the mall or something whenever you can so that Zayd stays occupied and you don't feel trapped at home with him.

Do you have a good carrier, like an Ergo Baby or anything? That might help him feel secure while keeping your hands free.

Jamiesquared · #6 July 26th, 2011, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LindseyF

Just feels nice to know someone else is in the same boat!!

Seriously unless someone has a high maint. baby they dont get it lol. Luckily he likes his jumper that is the only thing that occupies him for about 30 mins!

Other than that we bounce from toy to toy and room to room every 5-10 mins.

Adrienne214 · #7 July 26th, 2011, 11:08 AM

My oldest was the same way!! Once she could crawl she was happier but then got bored of that. Then when she could walk at 10 months she was a happier baby. I just have to keep her busy. We go outside a lot and sometimes I just take her to the grocery store to get her out of the house. We go somewhere almost every day and that seems to help her a lot. I've been doing that since she was about 7 or 8 months old.

Now Lilah, she is happy to just sit on the floor with a pile of toys! She sits happily in her carseat (Adelyn would scream the entire time) and she loves to be held.

Every baby is different, thank goodness

LindseyF · #8 July 26th, 2011, 12:56 PM

Smashie, my Ergo is definitely a God send! Without it I'd have gone nuts by now for sure! I probably should wear him more often at home (I wear him a lot while out). And yes, separation anxiety DEFINITELY plays a roll!

Adrienne, good to know!! Thanks for sharing -- phew!! He loves the outdoors, as do we -- we're just patiently waiting for Autumn to arrive!!

LoLo'sMama · #9 July 26th, 2011, 06:27 PM

We are pretty much in the same boat here. I have had to pull out the moby while at home lately just so I could work on something for longer than 2 minutes at a time. The rest of the time we go from the floor to the jumper to the walker to the bumbo. Repeat. She just whimpers if I am not paying attention to her LIKE ALL THE TIME!!! But then when I hold her, just just wants to stretch all over the place, reach for things and move around in my arms. Sigh. I guess it's just our babies personalities.

I agree that going out and doing something, even if it is grocery shopping, helps to break up the constant need for attention. She loves to be doing something. I think we get so much attention when we go out and about, she has really started to look for it. Like if someone walks by her and doesn't stop to say "What a cutie, etc." she kind of looks disappointed.

hearts.0nfire · #10 July 31st, 2011, 07:52 AM

You are fully describing Darcy. I get so frustrated at home because I don't feel like I can do anything without her just screaming and crying. She's also happiest for awhile in the morning or whenever she wakes up, but then she'll start back up. Now that she's moving she's gotten in the habit of just holding on to my legs. Everyone here acts like i'm crazy when I tell them I have a very needy high maintenance baby and don't believe me. She does do okay when going on but lately she doesn't want to be in her stroller and will cry. All she wants me to do is hold her which is starting to hurt me now that i'm getting further and further along.

BabyLover · #11 July 31st, 2011, 02:50 PM

Riley is also a little bugger. Some days he does OK, but others I can't leave his sight. Sometimes I just put him down on the floor with toys and do what I have to do and just let him fuss. After all, there are things that have to be done - dishes, laundry, Mom going pee, etc. Riley is also VERY particular about his bottles. He only likes the fast flow Latex nipples and lately I've had to stick a toothpick in the holes to make them just a bit faster flow or he won't drink the bottle. Yikes.

shell1981 · #12 August 2nd, 2011, 06:45 AM

Yep i hear you! Alex is pretty difficult at the moment. Hes frustrated he can only crawl backwards and wants me to hold him in a standing position constantly. Hes also a nightmare to get to sleep now. I think once he can crawl forwards and his other front tooth comes threw he will be happier.