Is it normal that a nearly one year old should be so whingey and clingy? I don't remember DS1 being this bad?

[katierocket]

I know they get that separation anxiety thing but I really don't remember DS1 being quite as bad as DS2 is. If I leave the room he collapses into inconsolable tears (well until I come back and pick him up). And also, he hates his car seat and hates his pushchair, he strains as soon as you put him in either of them. Pushchair not too bad but the car seat is a mare, he hates being in the car. Is it "just a phase"? if so, when will it end?

And I mean he'll cry if he's been in the car for 10 mins, it's not like we're expecting him to do 3 hour round trips or anythng {sigh}

You have my sympathy, katierocket! My DD is very clingy too (just turned 1), it is hard work isn't it? She isn't too bad with the buggy or car but I have two friends whose DS's (same age) scream and scream when you try to get them into the car or buggy, so it is obviously quite common. Can't tell you how long it will last - it is a phrase though, it must be! I keep telling myself that anyhow

My DS1 was very clingy at that age, DS2 wasn't, but by the time they went to pre-school, it was DS2 who cried when I left, and DS1 never looked back.

DS1 wanted to know where I was for a long-time, but I don't remember the wanting to be picked up all the time lasting very long. (maybe 6 mths) Even now (at 6) if I go upstairs, it won't be long before he comes to find me, but it's not the same exhausting clingyness it was when he was smaller, so hopefully it will be shortlived for you too.

As far as the car seat/pushchair is concerned, I can only suggest that you must never give in . If he makes a fuss and you even once say OK then you can walk, it's always worth him trying again. If you are consistent, hopefully he will soon learn that if you said he's going in the buggy, he's going in. (sorry if you've heard that all before). I find the breathing exercises they taught me for labour helpful when trying to ignore a tantrum in public.

thanks, in a way the clingyness is kind of cute (only kind of!) but the car seat and pushchair thing is just annoying. Even at 1 he's so fiesty, I'm dreading terrible twos! Think we're in for a wake up call (DS1 very laid back, think he's only have had about 3 proper tantrums and he's 6 now).

god I hope so bbw, we had major tantrums this morning when we put him in the car - drove 10 mins down the road, got out, went somewhere, came back, back in the car - cue crying and writhing around as though he had been bound into his chair. It really is very tiring.

Me too me too ! I don't remember this from DS1 either... DS2 is SO heavy too and not walking yet so a pain to lug around. But he screams the place down if I leave the room or even cross his sight line.

Haven't had all the trouble with car-seat/pushchair YET (now just waiting for it to happen !)

Can't understand, it, it's not like he's not used to other people, I've been back at work since he was 3.5 mths old !

Am now hoping Bigbadwulf is right (and not the other estimates of 6mths+ of this still to come !)

For us,this got much better by 18 months. When she could understand why she was going in the pushchair/car and where she was going she was fine. For examle: we are going to feed the ducks/see nanna/go to the park - she now willingly gets in. It is such a relief. Hang in there!

My DD (16 months) was and is like this. Especially when teething and ill. It's really draining and our 'stage' has been going on for some time. I find a sling helpful for really horrid days and always have it in the pushchair as she can tolerate about 40 minutes before needing out!

Hope your stage isn't as long but you might want to think of some coping mechanisms. Does he take a dummy? The only thing that helps my DD in a car seat.

Good luck

Same as bigbadwolk for us 11 months to 1 yr old was hellish, dd literally screamed and clung onto our legs constantly, could not put her down! We were on holiday in a cottage in the lakes and I really thought I was going to go mad!

However just before 1st Birthday woke up one morn and we had a chilled happy babe who enjoyed playinh on her own?!!?

It will pass as abruptly as that, I promise!

PS. Ergo carrier that's what I have. Back carries are easy and it helps keep your hands free.