Crying clingy baby

[Messymum2222]

Argh! Can anyone offer any advice? My 9 month old is extremely clingy and sensitive.
If he falls over (even onto a soft playmat) he cries.
If another baby touches him he cries.
If another baby tries to take a toy he is playing with, he just lets them, then cries. He never reaches out for other babies or their toys (yet when we are alone he reaches for everything!!).
If left for a few minutes to play on his own he cries.
If he's playing and I'm nearby, he reaches out for me or tries to climb onto me.
When we are with other mums and babies I feel really aware of his sensitivity and (if I'm really honest) bit embarrassed that he is always the one clinging and crying when the others are crawling around or at least playing happily.
We mix with other babies about 3 times a week.
Any advice??! What can I do to get him to be a bit more resilient and sociable?

Hi, my 1st was like this and he didn't get better until I sent him to preschool at 2.5 years ?? I just started to avoid places because like you I did get embarrassed especially when my friends babies would just go off and play where's as I HAD to be his playmate! I actually have a 4 year gap between my eldest and 2nd because he was like this, my second is the complete opposite because I learned second time round to just put her down walk away and watch from a distance while she played xx

Does he sleep well? Could he be tired? All these things will be harder for him if he is tired. It is still early days.... The social thing and playing together is going to take a long time. You are doing the right thing to encourage it by meeting up with others. Generally, I would try not to make a big fuss if something happens, but still support him, if that makes sense. eg. If he has a little fall, say "oh dear!" help him up (obv check him over...) and then move on. Unfortunately most babies go through a clingy stage around that age for a few months. At least my 3 have all been through it and most I know. Not sure what babies you are hanging out with You could practice at home leaving him for a few minutes at a time, not out the room but just nearby - may help to sing to him or continue talking to him so he can still hear you.