Can teething cause clinginess

[JamieJay]

DD is 14 weeks old and has always been very happy to go to other people for a cuddle, I can leave the room whilst she's being held by someone else and have left her at home with DH for the odd half an hour whilst I pop out.

However I still haven't left her for any period of time - I use breatfeeding as an excuse but to be honest I'd rather just take her with me!

She's suddenly got clingy, still happy with people she knows for short periods time if she can see me but quickly wants to come back to me, even from DH.

I've put this down to her teething but it's been suggested I should start leaving her for longer periods to avoid making a rod for my own back.

Please reassue me that if I follow my instincts and keep cuddling/reassuring her at this age am I not going to create a clingy baby?? She still seems so little to me but I'm a bit of a soft touch!

Rubbish about rods!!! Teething makes my DD ultra clingy, and no wonder - it must hurt and be quite bewildering for them. I posted asking for advice about why my 6month old was so clingy the last few weeks and was told most likely teething - and everyone was right. She's huge and hurts my back carrying her around all the time, but sure enough after a couple of weeks it's eased back off.

Incidentally she is ff too, so it's not about bf either. And 14 weeks is fine not to leave your baby - still so young!

Follow your instincts I say - I'm by no means an expert at being a mum, but always feel much better when I do this.

When children feel grotty they want to be close to you and cuddled.

Its also very normal to have seperation anxiety, while she is learning that if you leave, you come back.

Could be either or, it doesn't really matter. She wants cuddling, you are happy to do so.

Rod for your own back my arse.

Sorry for not replying sooner - got caught up in sorting lunch and then had to rush out.

Thanks for the reassurance, I try and ignore all comments regarding rods but do sometimes doubt myself!

I know what you mean about your back hurting happygilmore, DD is already 19lbs!

Completely natural.

Can I suggest you investing a proper baby sling? They have been invaluable with my DD right from the word go. LO gets the closeness and security they crave, and you don't do your back in carrying them around whilst trying to do other stuff.

SlingGuide is a great site, or you can have a look and see there is a Slingmeet nearby and try some out.

Thanks for the link tillymama, I have a Connecta which she use to love but she can't seem to get comfortable in it now and wiggles and fights, I think against the restriction of her shoulders.

Will have a look to see if I can find anything more suitable on that website

My DD is nearly 2 and half and is teething her molars. She gets ultra clingy and whiny when a tooth is cutting through - usually around 2 to 4 days. Also tantrums much more. I've been told teething can go on until 3 so now I know her clinginess during this time is completely normal.