4 Month old Constantly Cries when I put him down

[Juniorwebb]

I have a 4 month old DS but he is proving to be incredibly difficult. As soon as I put him down he cries. On the rare occasion I can put him down without crying if I leave the room he cries. Have bought him endless toys and mats to entertain him but if I try him on any if these, if I am not sitting with him...you guessed it he cries.

I can only get him to sleep during the day if he lies on me. When I then try to move him he wakes up instantly.

This is starting to really get me down, I can't get on with anything, I can't even use the toilet without listening to him crying.

I don't want to use a sling to carry him around with me all day as just think I will be in the same situation.

Has anyone else hone through this - what can I do to make him less dependant on me?

[Poosnu]

My DD2 (also 4 months) is like this. She also hates the buggy. I don't get much done at all! I know you said you don't want to carry him in a sling but it might help for naps to allow you to catch up on chores. DD2 has had all her naps in the sling.

I'm not sure there is much you can do to change it - he is still really tiny.

I think it is down to personality, my DD1 was much more independent at this age!

[MamaPingu]

Is it a morngey cry or could it be a painful cry?

DS used to scream when you laid him down at about 2 months old as he had silent reflux and the acid would burn him when laid down!

[justiceofthePeas]

When you put him down is he lying flat but more upright when you lift him? If so it may be the lying down that is the problem. could be silent reflex.

Might not be but worth observing to see. some babies are just happier more upright.

[Juniorwebb]

Sitting or lying is the same - don't think it's reflux - this is more like separation anxiety (sometimes just a sheer temper too). Have tried leaving him to cry but he doesn't stop and actually just works himself up more

[MamaPingu]

Ok! That is good as silent reflux is awful for them.
I'm not sure how to deal with separation anxiety I'm afraid!
I hope someone can help you OP

[mustardtomango]

Ds is pretty much the same age and has been similar, having not been that needy before. I did some reading up and about now it seems they understand better who everyone is, so start expressing preferences more forcefully (ie hold me & nothing else is good enough).

Ds new trick is to do this out and about, there's just no calming him so I end up lugging the him and the pram home.

Not much advice, sorry, but you're not alone. I sit under him for the most part when he sleeps too.

[Juniorwebb]

It's good to know I'm not alone - if it's a phase that they go through hopefully that means there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Hoping he doesn't become like that when he is out - don't think I have the coordination to steer one handed!!

[BuzzardBird]

It is a completely normal part of his life. He is a baby and is dependant on you naturally. Its hard but having a tiny baby is. The day will come when he won't want a cuddle because his toy is more interesting. Does he have any bond with your dp?

[PumpkinPie2013]

Hi my ds is 14 weeks and can be like this too (though not quite as bad as yours).

Will your ds sit in a bouncy chair? My ds will sit in his for a while in the kitchen/upstairs while I do things and chat to him (usually he will do about 20mins).

Otherwise he likes me sitting with him and playing.

He also likes sleeping on me but I can sometimes put him down. Will your ds sleep in the car if you have one? I sometimes go in the car because I know he will have asleep.

Do you manage to get out everyday? This is one thing I make sure of as ds loves to look at something different and although you may still have to sit and play with him at least a change of scenery can make you both feel better.

I go to my local children's centre whenever I can as most things there are free but I do go to another group as well. Other than that going for a walk/shopping seem to entertain ds.

I think it is just because they are still tiny and can't really play by themselves so need you to be there and cuddles make them feel safe.