Clingy 15-week old

[susiemj]

My 15-week old daughter has suddenly started becoming very clingy. She's not unwell and is putting on weight properly.

It started off that she only wanted to be in my husband's arms when I was asleep in the afternoon. But now getting progressively worse. It's getting to the point where she only wants to be in our arms being jigged around. Even jigging her sitting down makes her cry.

She does sleep quite well at night.

Any ideas?

(Sound of baby wailing because Mummy has sat down to write this.... )

Not to worry susiemj as far a I know most babies get clingy around this age because they have got to know you are the one who cars for them and have become attached to you. Well that's what my health visitor told me anyway LOL. I found the only thing that helped was putting him down for 5-10 mins at a time on his playmat or bouncer or whatever you have and either take her to where you are going or play beside but don't lift them and this should make them aware that your ot going to run away they don't have tobe in your arms. It took me a few weeks and a lot of tears from both of us but t did work and helps alot because it is stressful! You could also try leaving her in the room with somone for 5 minutes and give her time to get used to them too if it gives you time and means she'll trust others.

That's a good idea. Maybe a carseat would work? I'm not quite sure: how would you lift the mat?

I wouln't do anything to break it to be honest - it is a normal phase of baby development and it will pass.

I would move the mat before you put her on it, I think a carseat is a fine idea too. I used to prop him up in his moses asket to using pillows at one end and put a few little rattles in.

Oh I see! Sorry ....

I agree with mears. Try and enjoy it while it lasts as soon she will be struggling to get away.

There's nothing that important to do that can't wait until she goes to bed at night.

What's the best way to reassure her? I'm trying to be with her as much as possible and to pick her up straight away if she cries. Is this the best thing to do?

Some people (my DM) would say you make a rod by picking them up all the time but I've found that they grow out of it quite quickly and it makes me upset just to let them cry. If you need to do something with your hands you could try using a sling.

Apparently playing beeboo helps - helps them learn that you'll be coming back.

I have been playing that but she's completely uninterested! Maybe she'll start to get it soon.