7mo DS cries when left... always has! Help!

[mummywoowoo]

I'm not sure why, its not as though we leave him on his own for extended periods. He's always been like this, though he used to be able to cope for 5 minutes on his own but not anymore. He's the same whether he's with me or DH, and I'm worried he's still doing this...

It makes it difficult to get some food / go to the loo / do anything else except sit and entertain him!!

I can't think of anything that would terrify him ... he gets a lot of attention, is the only baby, and the apple of my eye!

Is he the only one?!

I'd like to be able to go to the loo and not have to hold him!

I think all 7 month old babies are the same. I would take it as a compliment (of sorts). They grow out of it eventually.

DD was like this too (still is when she's tired).
Have you got a sling or baby carrier? It makes it much easier to get stuff done although I wouldn't recommend cooking while wearing a baby in case you catch him on fire

Thing is - having watched my friends babies of the same age - they don't seem to get upset...and my DS does and that's what's worrying me! He doesn't just have a few tears - he gets really upset.

Sadly he is too heavy for a sling these days so can't even do that for more than 5 minutes.
I have tried having him in the sling and peeling carrots - lets just say his arms were too long! (much carroty mess on floor!)

So are we saying its normal for some babies?

Sweet - can I ask how old your DD is pls? ie how long could this go on for?!...........

She's 14 months. She's usually fine with being left for brief periods (loo breaks etc) but if she's tired she's massively unimpressed. I don't know much about baby psychology or anything, I tend to go by common sense so there's nothing scientific about my advice I would try talking or singing while you are out of the room so your DS knows you haven't left the country or would it be possible to have him so he can see you? I used to put DD in her high chair so she could watch me cook dinner and listen to my running commentary

I wouldn't compare babies with your friends, all babies are different and it'll only make you worry.

This article about separation anxiety might be helpful- www.treehuggermums.co.uk/articles/parenting/article.php?article=185

you need a different sling I used to use an ergo with my velcro baby - I could quite happily use it even when she was a toddler (and she was always at the top end of the centile charts, so no featherweight)

It was an absolute lifesaver, expensive but definitely worth every penny

My DS2 is 15.5 mths and literally never leaves my side. If I went to the loo without him I dread what I'd come back to so he gets trekked up the stairs too to pull DS1's room apart

At 7 mths, isn't that typical separation anxiety? They'll be 14 and not wanting anything to do with you soon enough so I say make the most of it

On a serious note, my DS1 was like this and he a loveable, independant 5.5 yr old now. Just take him with you.

Thanks for the reassurance! Might have to invest in another sling!