11 mo DS won't be still for a second!

[catlike1979]

I know that this is completely normal but I'm just after any tips, or people that can share with my experience as it's driving me nuts!

11 mo DS is a very active baby always on the go, crawling. He's going through a separation anxiety phase and cries when I leave the room and follows me literally everywhere. I try to be very sensitive to this and spend as much time as I can ensuring he feels comforted. He clings to my legs to be picked up so I pick him up but the second I do he is thrashing and writhing to be put down again, I put him down and he cries and starts clinging to my legs again. I would be happy to carry him and cuddle him all day if he'd let me, but the constant pick up/put down/cry cycle is driving me nuts!!!

He won't let me hold him in a "hip carry" whilst I get on with things like making meals etc. - for some reason this position doesn't work, I can get his legs either side of me (if that makes sense) but he always lunges forwards and backwards so I can't carry him safely like this.

A sling sometimes works but often he wriggles to be let out, it's also such a faff to get him in it to have to take him straight back out again.

I feel like whatever I do he's not happy and this sounds terrible but I'm starting to feel like I don't like him that much at the moment because I'm getting irritable with him, and him not allowing me to cuddle him sort of fuels this feeling. Feel terrible about this bit!

Can anyone share this experience?!

[SpeakNoWords]

What's he like in a high chair? I used to put my DS in a high chair with me in the kitchen when I was trying to cook. I'd give him things to play with on his tray to occupy him. It would work for a fair while usually.

[MessyBun247]

No advice but just to say im right here with you! DD2 turns 11 months on saturday and never sits still, into EVERYTHING, feel like all i do is stop her from hurting herself and tidy up her destruction.

I think they swing between being desperate for independence, to desperately wanting comfort and security from mummy.

DD hates being restrained so carseat, buggy, highchair are all instruments of torture

Its a tiring and difficult stage but its the last bit of babyhood so im trying to enjoy it when i can! I think when they are walking and talking it will be a bit easier.

[AllTheBabies]

My 11 month old dd2 is the same. She started walking at 9 months and is now also a very good climber. You have to watch at all times. It's bloody knackering, not helped by me being worn out pregnant with dc3.

When dd1 went through this stage I put her into a back carrier when I was cooking and stuff. It gives a much better view than a sling so she was happy enough in there for a good while.

[Famalam13]

Same here with our 10.5mo, it is driving me insane although I keep trying to delude myself that it's sweet . Following for tips!

[christmasmess]

Yes, same scenario with DD2 - I find she's always better out and about than at home, prefers the front facing Bjorn to buggy (I think she feels like she is walking rather than being carried?!) even just going round the local shops for a browse is better than the pick-me- up-put-me-down nightmare!

[Wisewisewords]

Suggest toys where they can stand up and do something to distract them from clinging onto your knee. Such as a play kitchen/activity centre type thing you could have next to you in the kitchen. Or if they are good walkers, a push along toy or pretend vacuum cleaner. A little tykes push and ride car is good as they can push it round or sit on it and it is quite stable. They just know they don't want to be left sitting on the floor but don't know what they can do with their new found independence.

[Caterina99]

I found that improved once DS could walk reliably (at about 10 months!). However then you are chasing them everywhere instead.

[Summerdays2014]

My 11 month old is the same - not helpfully, sorry.

[AliceInHinterland]

I found a hip seat helped a bit (Hippychick). Not a miracle but it gives you another option.