7 month old baby screams whenever I'm out of sight.

[pleasantlyconfused]

To the point where I literally can't put her down to get something from the kitchen. I have to carry her everywhere, which is no fun for her patient 3 year old sister. She howls when I'm clearing up dinner, and howls if anyone else tries to hold her. I love her dearly but I'm at my wits end. Help!

Poor you. I really really sympathise. I know every baby is different but mine does this when he is hungry/thirsty or he is ill. Try more food?

Mine went through a phase of this. Probably around 7 mo. I just went with it, I have to say. I carried him in a sling around the house to do my chores, made a little play area for him in each room I was working in and generally went with what he wanted. He's now 11 mo and happily plays on his own for a few minutes before looking for me.

It's really hard I know (going through the same thing with DD2), but it will pass. Can you leave the clearing up etc until nap time? That's what I've taken to doing.

Mine was the same. Noiw she is nearly 10mo and she cries for a few seconds if I leave the room but then plays happily as long as she's not hungry/tired/teething. It's hard isn't it, but also rather nice as it means your baby has a very strong bond with you.

My 7mo is going through a very clingy phase now. When she's upset, nobody except me can comfort her. Even if DH is holding her, she'll reach out for me. I think it's a phase, something to do with separation anxiety. No advice, but I sympathise.

Thanks everyone, great responses. I do carry her in a sling which helps. The tricky thing is managing to give my 3 year old some good attention as well. I'll ride it out. Who cares about clearing up anyway??

And yes, its great to remember the strong bond.

Yes, my DD was like this from about 7 months to 13/14, improving loads once she reached 18 months.

It's classic separation anxiety.-

I found it easier to just carry her around as you do rather than resist it. And the older child- I had a 2.5 year old at that stage who also needed attention- I guess I made sure he had it when she napped and tried to give him quality attention whenever else I could. Truth be told he missed out somewhat during this stage but it passed quite quick.

I do have fond memories of some of my coping mechanisms though- these included the tea time sing a long!!