Super clingy 12 month old

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

Any tips? I have a new mindee who started in January and he’s super clingy, the worst I’ve ever had in my decade of childminding. He’s cuddled to sleep at home and grandma’s (other career) and must be held constantly. He needs to touch me at all times, barely interested in playing. I sit on the floor with him between my legs to encourage him to play but he still has to have his head leaning on me and holds on to my clothes at all times. He cries in the car and buggy unless very quick so long walks or trips out are difficult.

I think he’s chronically over tired due to inability to self settle. He has 30 mins twice a day.

He’s three days a week and two months in now, it’s such hard going especially managing the needs of other children too.

Any advice?

You're a childminder and you've never had a child before that couldn't self settle by 12 months?

Anyway my advice is try to be understanding and give the child what he clearly needs.

I didn’t say that, I said I’ve never had one this bad.

Of course I am but there are other children to meet the needs of too. Do you have any constructive advice or just came along to have a bitch?

Could you try dropping one of the naps- one longer one might work better and you could cuddle him once the others have gone down / are having quiet time. What does he enjoy - ask mum if its not obvious yet- water play - music - messy play - garden hopefully if distracted he will be more cheerful.

He wouldn’t sleep any longer unfortunately. Not yet anyway.

Will he shush pat back to sleep when he wakes? Would some white noise in the background help him stay asleep? I have one at the moment that sleeps in a cot in the play room and sleeps much better than in my quiet room.

He literally pings his eyes straight open and sits or stands up (crying too if he’s in the cot, fine if on me) there’s no gentle stirring or chance to settle him again.

I think he will be fine, eventually! He’s such a lovely baby, super cuddly and sweet. I just feel wretched when I have to put him down to see to another child (I’ve two potty training at the moment too!) and he’s soo so distressed.