10mo frightened? Suddenly crying a lot today

[TheRhythmlessMan]

My DD is so upset today and I don't know what to do. Whenever we change her position e.g. Pick her up, sit her down in high chair/on floor, lay her down, she cries hysterically :(

When I'm holding her she holds on really tightly and doesn't want to let go. She is comforted by being cuddled but even if I sit from standing she gets upset again. It's as if she is frightened of falling or losing balance.

She does seem to have some teeth coming through- could it be linked?

I would be grateful for any ideas or shared experiences. Calling HV tomorrow if it persists.

She's also very sleepy. Slept 4 hours of naps today whereas she usually only has 1.5-2 hours.

Any chance there is something sharp caught in her nappy/clothes? I'd change her clothes and give her a bath just in case.

Maybe she's coming down with something and is just feeling sensitive. When you have a flu or bad cold you can get that sore skin feeling...could be that.

Have you tried calpol or neurofen?

Lots of viral things and chicken pox going round could be something like that.

Separation anxiety phase plus teething?

I would think she’s maybe got an ear infection which is affecting her balance?

It sounds like she's in pain to me.

As PP suggested, I would try a good dose of calpol to see if it settles her. If it does, look for what is causing the discomfort.

Thank you for the replies. I really appreciate it.

It does seem to be a balance thing. She held on for dear life when I changed her nappy just now.

She doesn't have any other symptoms (google says ear infections usually come after a cold?). Haven't tried Calpol because she doesn't seem in pain- when she stays in the one position she seems happy- but tonight if teeth seem to be the culprit I'll give Calpol a go.

Separation anxiety- I did think of this. Is this really how it presents itself? As in crying when nappy change for example? She holds on to me so tightly and today has needed to be held close more than ever. She's usually pretty chilled. But then it does seem to be worse with she is sitting unaided and suddenly falling reflexes happen and she starts crying again.

I've never seen separation anxiety present like this.

That doesn't mean it isn't, but years of being a nanny and I've never known a child to very suddenly be clinging on for dear life and crying when moved to be the result of separation anxiety.

Might be coming down with something viral. Keep checking temp is the only advice I'd offer.

My DD is 10 months and doesn't sound as extreme as yours with the clinging on but she has cried when you change her position most of the time since being about 5 or 6 months e.g. always cries when being laid down anywhere, cries when being put in pram or carseat, unless someone else is there to distract her. She doesn't cry if I sit her down on the floor to play unless she's in a particularly clingy mood then she sometimes does and wants to sit on my lap, that is usually if we are in an unfamiliar environment or with unfamiliar peoole around, or if she's very tired or not feeling well with a cold or something then she is more clingy. I don't think what you describe sounds worlds away from my DD, thought that isn't too uncommon tbh. When I leave baby groups probably 75 per cent of the babies are crying when they get put in their prams!

Ear infection.

Ear infections can come out of nowhere without a cold. Dd had many when she was younger and positions definitely affected her pain levels. Her balance was never affected but I know it can be a symptom and this would be terrifying for a small baby who doesn’t understand what is going on.

Ear infection

Poor little mite. If she’s like that in the morning I’d take her to the Drs, it’s likely to be her ears. It might be making her feel quite sick (sort of vertigo/car sick) when she is moved. Has she got a temperature?

Tbh if she’s not often unwell I’d have given her some calpol to see if it helped. Other than crying they can’t tell you they’re in pain so I think an occasional dosage of calpol is better than them being in pain.

I would agree with going to the gp today if she doesn't seem herself. Ear aches, sore throats etc are common but often get missed until they are persistent because it's not something we can see. I would also give calpol if you're not sure she isn't in pain. No point in her suffering if she doesn't have it often

Thank you everyone.
She seems a bit better today. It was a decent night (was preparing for hell).
Still winges when changing position but not as much as yesterday. But I'll give 111 a call to see what they think and the dr if it's still bad. Calpol- yes you're right. It won't do any harm and better to see if it makes her more comfortable.

@MeadowHay Interesting to hear of your experience. Thank you

Thank you all for the advice. Very grateful.