to complain about my high energy baby?

[mumseven]

When people told me parenting was hard, I didn't think it was this hard!

My 5 month old is crazy. Completely high maintenance. Constantly needs my attention or to have something bright to look at. I can't leave him with a toy or something to gnaw on, it has to be interaction. He hates being on his back and his front and is only happy when held or standing up. He falls asleep and wakes up about 8-10 times before he actually sleeps because he fights it. Then sleeps for no more than 2 hours at a time regardless of the fact his daytime naps aren't that long and he has a nighttime routine.

Practically all of my friends with children have told me how much hard work he is and that they've never met a baby before who needs so much attention. My mum is a children's social worker and even she has agreed and said he is super high maintenance (she says this in a supportive way, as do my friends. Aka it's not just me finding parenthood hard, he genuinely is a high energy baby).

Has anyone else had similar? I'm starting to go potty. It's hard as his dad is not on the scene. I'm on my own and am very, very exhausted by him!

My eldest was the same. Look at Dr Sears high needs baby characteristics. My eldest met all of them with spades! It's relentless, the only thing that made it better for me was time. It does get easier. Although she only started sleeping through reliably at 4 years old! 🙈 In the meantime there's a high needs baby facebook group that saved my sanity as I really believe If you haven't had a baby like this, you just don't get it.

Also a sling pretty much saved me as she hated the buggy with a passion!

Thanks @Custardandnoodle - he really is bonkers. Just go go go all the time. Even the health visitor said last week that he's got a lot of energy. I've never met a baby like him!

He may be overtired hence the need for constant attention/distraction. Basically super wired?
My ds was like that and I had to really battle to get decent naps out of him. He started walking at 9 months. He didn’t chill as a baby and was into everything.

It became easier once he could walk. I baby proofed then whole ground floor so he had free reign and set up various stations for him to play. We spent a lot of time outside!! I wore him in the sling a lot and once he could face out in the pushchair, it was easier to just stick him in and walk for ages. I was in brilliant shape on maternity leave as a result!!!

It was exhausting and bless him, he’s still pretty full on but he sleeps much much better aged 9!!!!

Sounds like my niece. I am awed every day at how much patience my sister has with her! She’s beautiful, sweet and I adore her but she needs constant attention.

@Iggly he could be over tired but he's like this even when he wakes up in the morning. He's just so full on. I do always have him in the sling. It's great but he gets annoyed after 10 minutes and kicks and wants to bounce.

@BurrSir I like to think I'm the same. I'm patient with him and never get angry or anything like that. I'm just so tired...

I've not rtft! but have you considered a jumperoo??

Yup, I had one of those who is now 3... she’s much better than she was but those traits are still evident quite strongly and now she can follow me and shout for me! She’s my number one fan and it’s exhausting.

Honestly it does get better, my turning point came when I went back to work (8-9 months) and I was just too tired to implement the thousands of strategies I’d tried whilst on maternity leave. There’s a lot to be said for just going with whatever gets you through it and I wish I’d submitted sooner rather than turn her first few months into constant battles and stress.

That’s not to say things that don’t work now won’t work in a few months but try and figure out your limits for persevering.

Practically, dd used to love her bumbo seat which meant she could sit up with her little tray and toys where ever I was and a sling was pretty handy (although I never figured out how to do much housework or cooking with her in it - it would seem some people do)

@MummySeven I bet you are an ace mummy. And your baby is lucky to have you.

I’ve had 4 very high energy babies who all loved the jumperoo, have you tried that?

Good part of why dd is an only. High needs from day 1.

My youngest was like this. Whereas DS1 was, and still is, very chilled out and happy in his own company, I had to be 'on' ALL THE TIME for DS2. It did, as a pp already said, get a lot better once he could pull himself up and cruise on the furniture. If you're baby-proofed, would you consider a walker? We had one and it very much saved my sanity..!

Sounds over tired to me.

Oddly poor napping during the day often leads to poor nighttime sleep.

The jumperoo makes him worse! He goes like the clappers and when I take him out he demands with his screams to be upright. Ever since I got him the bloody thing he's been obsessed with bouncing. Great whilst he's in it (for the 15 mins until he's bored!). Looks like it's a personality trait paired with over tiredness...

Sounds like both of mine. Find your lical sling library and get a good sling. my oldest never slept during the day, both completely rejected prams, carseat, swings etc. A sling makes lifecso much easier (theycare 2 and 6 now - still full of energy)

The dreaded car seat! He screams before he's even clipped in!

Good part of why dd is an only. High needs from day 1

Purpleartichoke same here. DS is 18 months and high needs as hell. I couldn’t do it again, though I adore the wee guy. Felt a bit sad the other day when my friend had her 6 month old over and she would happily be passed to anyone or entertain herself on a mat while her mum drank her tea. DS has never, ever been like that.

My middle one was like this (though he hated the jumperoo). He got progressively easier with gaining movement... crawling, walking, running, climbing play equipment, scooting, balance biking... he has just turned three. He is very physical, very affectionate, very loving and kind but oh my goodness he has been hard work. I imagine he’ll be my bungee-jumping, motorcycling kid.

He also doesn’t sleep through still but I kind of just accept that now.

Good luck. The first year was hideous. I had zero support from anyone and thought I was going out of my mind.

Yup. Another one here. He’s now 5 and generally a pleasure, although still non stop. He was such a difficult baby - non sleeping, didn’t feed well (too interested in life - needed a darkened room 🙄🙄), very serious - he didn’t smile till 10weeks and even now I look back at photos and he’s very serious! But he walked at 8 months and was much much easier from that point on!

I’m now 33 weeks with the next 😬😬

Just remembered something that used to entertain dd. Dp bought me a helium balloon for mother’s day when she was about four/five months and we used to peg the ribbon to the ankle of whatever she was wearing and it would entertain her kicking it about for ages. I think she really liked the fact she had control over something and could see the immediate consequences of her actions. Obviously not one to leave them unsupervised with but very welcome for a whinge free cup of coffee.

I think now the weather is starting to pick up and it’s getting lighter see how much the fresh air tires him out. Plus if you’re not already doing it weaning isn’t far off and adds a whole new activity a couple of times a day if he’s enthusiastic about it. Peas were a great time waster and excellent for motor skills.

Also don’t feel guilty about employing the tv as a nanny for headspace if you need it now and then.

I have read that Dr sears stuff and it describes my 2 girls pretty much. They both demand so much attention. The youngest is terrible at night and I can't stop breast feeding her, she is so determined to carry on. She screams if she doesn't get what she wants immediately. I am so exhausted, glad to know that high needs babies are a thing. My youngest is now 16 months and still is hard work and so clingy. I really don't get much time to myself.

Give him another month or so any then maybe try a baby walker