sweet happy baby turned into a nightmare child!!

[chilipeppers]

My DD 11months has turned into the nightmare baby! She's never slept well day or night but was always a happy and confident. She has been poorly for a week or so but now she's better she has become really clingy,won't really eat and has to be rocked off to sleep. She's so grumpy and cross alot of the time which isn't her. Don't really know how to deal with this as she's so young.

I assume you've taken her to the GP in case there's something sticking around.

If so and you're sure she's well just keep giving her hugs and reassurance and she'll be back to normal soon.

check for an ear infection -

I'v been to the doctor. No sign of anything like that. Don't think she's in pain or unwell. Do you think this is just because she was poorly not an clingy age thing?

She is about the right age for separation anxiety to start so it may be a bit of both. They definitely need mum more if they are under the weather so I suppose it makes sense that she'd be more bothered about being with you.

Whatever the cause she probably just needs lots of reassurance. The more secure and relaxed you help her to feel the quicker she'll be back to normal. Just don't listen to anyone who tells you to try to force the independence.

Children's independence develops far better when they have unlimited affection to call on when they need it.

Enjoy those precious cuddles while you can.

Thanks Timandra!

My DS was the same when he turned 11 months, it was a phase and lasted a few weeks. He slept badly and seemed to regress in terms of indepence and was very needy. I thought at the time it was probably due to teething (the mollars are sometimes starting to pierce through and actually change the shape of the jaw so very very painful even though you can't see anything for months). They also go through an enormous developmental change and often start walking by 12 months which impacts their sleep.... I agree with Timandra, give her lots of love and reassurance, it will get better....

We had this when DD was about 15 months, crying to be picked up all the time and just whinging (sp?) all the time. It went on for weeks.

We took her to the GP for something else, but turned out she had an ear infection and she was much better after a few days antibiotics.