Clingy 18 month old

[Allegrogirl]

My lovely DD2 is 18 months today. She's always been very cuddly but her almost constant need to be held and carried is making it so difficult to do anything else. I work 3.5 days a week and she goes off to nursery 2.5 days and GPs 1 day very happily and waves me off.

But when she knows I'm around she won't leave me alone for a second. She's a bit on the chunky side (91st centile last time I bothered to get her weighed). My arms are killing me. She also does that delightful lurching out of my arms with no warning. Poor DH is feeling left out as she won't go to him.

DD1 was very independent and I used to envy the mums with cling on babies.

I don't suppose there's an answer to this, just wanted to vent really.

Meanwhile the house is a bomb site as I can't even pick up a basket of washing when DD2 is awake.

No advice but just lots of empathy - my DD1 who has just turned two is like this. Plays indepently and beautifully when I am at work with the nanny and at her preschool, but if I am aroudn wants me sitting on floor constantly!! Also not interetsed in DH if I am around.

Not sure what to suggest but you aren't alone!

I have a cling on 2 and half year old. Just stopped nursery/playgroup with him as won't settle with me not there. Thoroughly fed up as I have had to drop commitment that was important to me/ let people down. You absolutely have my sympathy but I have no answers.

It's not to late to try a sling. Probably something like a structed buckle carrier would work well for a toddler. You can back carry and still get jobs done.

You have my sympathy too - it can be very frustrating and inconvenient! My 20 month old DS2 can be very clingy when out - screams if I put him down for a second. In the house, he's fine as distracts himself with favourite toys - can you try this? sit with DD2 and fun toy, then gradually move away as she plays happily?

Otherwise, I am just going with lots of love and cuddles until he gets bored and goes off to explore! hope this helps x