Unhappy 11 month old

[emilyellis14]

My baby is never happy, from the moment we get up until we go to bed. He is always uninterested in all of his toys, whether that’s independent play or with me. He cries when I change his nappy, get him dressed, when I put him down for naps. He cries as soon as I put him in his pram or high chair, launches his food and his cups and screams until I get him out. I can’t take him out anywhere because he will just scream - twice this week I’ve had to just pack up and leave places because im so embarrassed and overstimulated.

I’m trying so hard to stay positive and I am generally a very calm and patient person but god he is testing me and I feel myself starting to resent him. I hate myself for it because I know he’s just a baby and can’t help it. I really feel like I can’t listen to him cry another day but I just get up and do it. 😢

Could this all be because he isn’t crawling/mobile yet? (I think he will skip crawling as he is a lot better on his feet) The only time he is somewhat content is if he is walking with me holding his hands which I try and do with him as often as I can but I physically can’t do that all day.

I am so stressed, overstimulated and unhappy and I cry most days. What am I doing wrong? I just wish he was happy 😢

Oh bless you, you're doing nothing wrong. It could be because he isnt mobile yet and he's frustrated, as you say he is happy when hes walking about. Does he try and get about independently? Bum shuffle etc.

I have no advice really, but im just so sorry things are so difficult.

I know this is a couple weeks old. But just wanted to say, my baby became very much like this from about 9 months. He still tests me daily … but I found things improved a little once he started to walk (at 10.5months).

I often describe him as, hating being a baby. And I genuinely believe it, I see he’s so conscious of everything around him, very inquisitive and loves to be on the move and not restricted. I truly believe once he can communicate, do more for himself and walk better, run around he’ll be happier.
one thing I did find that helped was one of those walker seats, so he could stand in it and move his legs around as much as he liked, but was supported. It would give me a 15-20 min break a couple times a day. He was also very uninterested in any toys. Still isn’t really, now he just constantly reaches and grabs anything he shouldn’t have. 😅

it’s exhausting, but I’m telling you, your doing nothing wrong. Totally get the resentment side of things too, I’ve felt that many many times. I think this narrative that we’re meant to think every phase is bliss and soak it all up and be happy is bullshit. The life altering transition of having only yourself to think about to having this tiny temper tantrum, fully dependable little person of whom your responsible for just about every aspect of their existence is bloody hard work. Is exhausting, mind numbing, repetitive, thankless and endless! And just because they’re a baby, does deminish your feelings, you’d feel the same if anything was this hard work right? Any pet, chore, human… some you’d have the option of walking away from, your baby, you don’t. I adore my son, love him with all my being, but did I underestimate the COMPLETE 360 my life would take, YES. I’ve questioned “what have I done?” More times than I can count since his arrival. And I know it’s no solice while you’re trapped in this cycle, I still am. But eventually they will be able to communicate more, do more for themselves, and be a whole little person who becomes your little best mate. And it will get easier. Xxx