to think I do not have a "difficult" baby?

[Bonobosown]

Comment from MIL the other day because DS (12 weeks) gets quite easily overstimulated and when this happens need to be swaddled and put down for a nap. Cue "he's a really difficult baby"

He isn't! He does cry but rarely inconsolably and when he has fits of the grumps it's usually very obvious what the issue is and easily rectified.

AIBU to dislike the term "difficult" baby? Seems designed to make mums feel like crap. And "easy" baby for that matter. I'm not sure even the most angelic baby could be described as "easy" per se.

"He's a really difficult baby"

The correct response of course is the tinkly laugh and "he's fine with us - he just doesn't like you"

Referring to a child/infant as "difficult" is one of the recognised indicators of higher likelihood of abuse potential.

Really, concerned? Gosh...

It's odd. My little guy is a real challenge- wonderful, bright, sparky but oh my god he never ever sleeps... But I hate hearing him called difficult. There's something about it that's never sat right with me...

I have the most chilled baby who entertains everyone with smiles and giggles.

MIL is in his face ' aren't you lazy'

I feel like saying - just fuck off.

She told people he's discontented?

Bitch

Don't invite her over. Don't allow her in.
"Well, as Baby is difficult I wouldn't want you being offended when he doesn't want you holding him endlessly so perhaps hold off until he becomes more contented"

"I found your spreading your opinion to family as fact very hurtful and offensive. Implying my son is discontented is not only rude but also implies that I am failing him" (you're absolutely not but she's overstepped the mark)

Disclaimer, I'm pregnant and hormonal and in an angry swing!

Tell her she's a 'difficult MIL' and ignore her.

I am a lovely mil and no baby is difficult or boring, silly cows.

My grandson is perfect whatever he does as is my dil.

So there

Yes. It was one of a few bullet pointed 'signs' on a (gov created/endorsed) course I had to endure recently.

I don't know OP, some babies are difficult! It's not a criticism of them or you personally. My DS was a difficult baby. He is lovely and has always been a sweetie but he just hated naps, hated cuddles, was refluxy, had a terrible time with teething etc. I didn't realise until I had my DD quite how hard work my DS had been. DD is a very easy baby. However, she is wary of strangers and cries if anyone apart from me, DH or DS speak to her (she's 7 months) so people say to me 'oh she is clingy, oh she is a mummy's girl' blah blah blah and it kinda bugs me as it does feel like a judgment. So I understand how you feel OP. I think it's best to ignore, people say all sorts of stupid shit about babies. Can feel personal when it's about your own baby.