Supersensitive 12 month old

[milkyjo]

My DS has always been a sensitive soul. He breaks down at any unusual or slightly loud noise. I have always tried to carry on as normal without any reaction and without tiptoeing around him but he just seems to get worse! More often than not he needs to be picked up and calmed down. He is afraid of his 2.5 year old cousin, who's not a particularly loud child. He has a meltdown if I cough or blow my nose. He's cries when babies cry. He has been very clingy since about 6 months and I really thought it might get better. He is walking now and I thought he may become a bit more independent. But no, if anything he is worse than before. He is ok with a hairdryer and noises around the house as I suppose he has grown up with them. Now he is going to louder toddler groups its just horrendous for him and I feel really sorry for him! He starts nursery soon and I just hope he is not miserable and scared all the time! Anybody have any stories or advice?

My dd was like this. I bought The Highly Sensitive Child (from Amazon I think) and it could have been written about her! Every party I took her to she'd cry all the way through it, but still want to go to them!
Have a look at this and see if it makes sense to you. There are ways of coping, but dd is 11 and still is freaked out by crowds, concerts, big shopping malls etc. It does get easier as they get older and can understand they won't get hurt.

He only scored 9 on the test but because a lot of the questions were for an older child. I, on the other hand scored 17!

aaaw, some babies are just like that. My 10 mo is the same. He has xxl separation anxiety, he'll only sleep in my arms (am getting good at typing one handed!) i am lucky i'm sahm and can give him all the reassurance he needs. and he needs bucketloads!
i'm happy to ride it out, for as long as it takes though. like the old ladies say, "they aren't babies for long" my older 2 were similarly sensitive as babies and have grown into caring, considerate, adventurous, independent and confident young people now.
don't rush him into growing up too fast if he's not ready. he needs you to do what you're doing.
good luck

This maybe better for you then milkyjo. That website saved my sanity on many occasion!
I scored highly on the test too. It's difficult and can be draining, but dd is a kind, caring, loving, thoughtful girl who has really blossomed.