Please help - where has my happy 5mo gone?

[Lainey1981]

Ds is 22 weeks today and up til a week ago was the happiest, smiliest little boy. He rarely cried or moaned other than for food/dirty nappy or teeth.
Over the last week he is constantly shouting and frowning pretty much all the time. This then leads to back arching and screraming or crying.
I don't know what has caused this change, but is really staeting to get to me. I feel like i need to hold/entertain him constantly but even this doesn't stop it for more than 5 minutes. Each time i move him on to a new activity he is fine for a few minutes then back to shouting screaming, back arching and general grumpiness.

Any ideas? I feel like am struggling to cope and have ended up in tears several times

Hi lainey my son is 10 months and has been pretty grumpy from the beginning but yes arching back and crying when he doesn't get what he wants, its all normal part of them growing up and getting frustrated when they can't do what they want to do, and especially when they can't move around on their own yet. It should improve as he can sit/crawl. Is he weaned yet? Could be getting ready for that stage too :-)

Hi buffy thanks for your reply.
Roll on crawling, though i think he might bypass that as has always hated tummy time/ lying down.
He can sit for about 5-10 mins unaided now so hopefully in another coupld od weeks will be strong enough to sit and play with his toys without toppling over every 5 mins.

Re weaning, not startec yet, but me and dp talked about starting this week. A bit nervous tbh!

It'll pass.... and then another grumpy phase will come along! My 6 mo DS (the easiest, happiest baby in the world) has been like this on and off since around 20 weeks. Apparently between 4 and 6 months can be a pretty tough time because they're making new developments and have teething and growth to contend with. Then they start to realise that mummy is separate to them and this in itself can cause some to be quite clingy and unsettled. My DS isn't a clingy baby, but recently when he's feeling unsettled and/ or poorly only mummy's cuddles will calm him. When he's happy again he'll go to anyone and everyone (and i'm back to feelilng like i'm not wanted/ needed!)! Is his sleeping also more disturbed than before?

Please be reassured that it's not a permanent personality change, but do be prepared that he might be like it on and off for a while yet. But the good news is that a 'stormy' time will often be followed by a really happy, smiley and engaging time - usually once they've mastered a new skill, have overcome a growth spurt, are sleeping better again or don't have any teeth coming through! I remember having tears over this before and asking my mum if i'd ever get my old DS back again. I did.

Thanks matana. I am cheered that this likely just a phase
his sleeping is still good (hope i haben't just jinxed it) he sleeps around 10hours a night, though is waking slighrly earlier due to sun in our room. Must invest in blackout blind.
It's tough as when we are with family and i try to explain this to them he is acting just the same as usual ( due to the constant attention and different people) in front of them. Not sure they believe me.