Help with 8 month old!!!

[Natedogg]

Hi there, I was just wondering if anyone had any help or advice as I'm getting a bit desperate! I've got an 8 month old who for the last four weeks has become increasingly whiny and difficult. It seemed to come on over night,before this he rarely had any meltdowns and definitely didn't whine like this (only if super tired /hungry etc). Now it's as soon as I put him down. He hates playing on the mat and often just sits there whining, sometimes he seems ok but will then just burst into hysterical crying. I try moving him to different environments, getting down on his level and engaging him, talk to him softly etc, but he'll just keep crying. I obviously pick him up and comfort him when this happens.

I think he just wants to be held all the time because if i have him in the sling or play with him when I'm standing up he's over the moon.

Is this just a phase?!! Please say it is!!! I'm getting really worn down by it now.

[AbbeyRoadCrossing]

Same here the last week or so!
Sorry I have no idea why either. Not helpful I know

[LillyBugg]

8.5 months here and the exact same problem. I'm told it's his age. I'm told it's separation anxiety. Don't know how to help other than say, yes I know what this is like! I'm not too fussed by it though, I use a sling a lot and try and give him as much of my attention as I can. I figure its a phase and soon he won't be trying to get as close to my face as possible because clearly my lap is not close enough to mummy.

[Waggamamma]

I have an 8month old who is exactly the same. He whines almost constantly if put down to play. He's learning how to crawl and is very frustrated.

I remember my first sin having a similar phase and it was much better as soon as he learned how to crawl properly. Then be had a short window before the tantrums began...

[Natedogg]

Oh so pleased to hear I'm not alone, but obvs not great for you either. It's so hard when all the other babies I'm around seem to be super chilled. Gah. I hope it passes soon, not because I don't want him to rely on me but more because he just doesn't seem that happy.

lillybugg mine does the same. Literally clings on for dear life when I pick him up. He'll often just hold out his arms and paw me, desperate for me to hold him.

Are boys meant to be worse with this than girls?