8 month old baby wearing me out!

[sarahloula]

My DD is 8 months old, I have a lot to be thankful for, she sleeps from 6.30-6.30 every night and very rarely cries but just lately she has been very wearing during the day. She wants entertaining constantly; she doesn't seem interested in playing with her toys for very long. Each activity I try with her lasts 5 minutes max. If we go out she gets fidgety in her pushchair and will eventually whinge until I pick her up and carry her. I love her to bits but the days are starting to seem very long!

Do you go to toddler groups?

I have a 9.5mo who is similar only doesn't sleep as much . I find getting out of the house really helps - anywhere! Little walk in the buggy, trip to look at baby books in the library, show her christmas decorations in shops, baby class, trip to playground to push her on toddler swings etc. I think she gets cabin fever and moans with me like no one else would ever believe! HTH

Get a book called the wonder weeks. Tis on Amazon. It doesn't actually say what to do when they're like this, but explains what's happening in their brains and why they're being like it. I have a 7.5 mo DS who is EXACTLY the same and it's doing my nut in!!

I am merely a climbing frame to him. But if I dare leave him on his own he goes APE. Being a proper mummy's boy.

I am reading the book over and over and telling myself that this phase will be over soon!

Same here!! DS is 9 months - big development spurt is happening as he learned to crawl, pull himself up and cruise along furniture within 2 days, babbling constantly, teething (no sign of any teeth at all). He too is wearing me out. Walks in the pram help lots as he sleeps 2 hours. Moving to a different room with a different box of toys occupies him also.

Now is fab time of the year to take babies out as there are so many lights. If you are in London, the Science Museum is amazing (check out The Garden and Pattern Pod).

Same here though without the sleeping... sigh. I've bought a couple of sensory balls from Amazon - the sort with swirling glitter, confetti etc inside - and they do seem to hold her attention for a while.... Also was given a revolting Christmas snow globe musical box with glittery snow and she's mesmerised by that too. And the tumble drier. Just an idea!

Thank you everyone, you've given me lots of ideas. She is teething which probably has a lot to do with it-the first tooth is very nearly through! Good luck to you all, let's hope lots of new toys at Xmas will distract our little ones...for a little while anyway.!

Also remember that at this age, everything is interesting, it doesn't have to be toys or activities. I distract my DS all the time with just ordinary household stuff, empty boxes, plastic bowls, clothes with different fabrics. He used to play with our shoes for ages.

I also used to have music on all the time (classical especially, or anything bouncy like ska or calypso) and that seemed to really soothe him.

Had this with my DD-she could not entertain herself, constantly needed me to play etc... which i really enjoyed doing but sometimes found it a tad frustrating. Fast forward till she was about 2 and she became great at playing by herself albeit with me nearby and became very relaxed and chilled. I did not expect this from such a 'high spirited' baby and must admit it was hugely welcome as I am quite relaxed and chilled myself!. It will pass she is just v interested in the world around her and dependent on her mummy - mutter this will pass this will pass under your breath every time you feel frustrated at the 'demands' and it will pass.

Also things greatly improved re concentration span and general happiness when DD started to crawl and then walk... I think she was so glad to be able to get to the things she wanted and enjoyed the freedom that being able to get about independently brings...