Clingy 4 month old- is this normal?

[JennyPiccolo]

Basically i can barely put my baby down. She was pretty easy going up until a few weeks ago, when she started teething. She was screaming for ages before bedtime every night, and refused to be settled by DP if i was havng a bath or whatever. Thought that it was an over-tiredness thing so we've started putting her to bed earlier, which has helped a bit,though it still has to be me who puts her down.

The teething seems to have settled down now, but she's still really clingy, and today was crying hysterically when her dad was holding her this morning. Again, only stopped when I held her. I just want to nip this in the bud if possible so i can get it together to have a wash etc during the day.

I've been trying to put her in the bouncy chair/baby gym more so that shes less used to being held, but im not really sure if im doing the right thing. Should I ride this out or am I encouraging bad habits by holding her most of the time?

This is completely normal at that age.
It is a sign that she has become aware of who she spends her time with and who cares for her the most.
ie she knows who her mummy is and she wants to be with you more than anyone else.
This can be taken as a compliment and as a sign that she loves you, but it can also be very frustrating.
Don't worry, it won't last too long. She will soon learn that other people can be safe and comforting too.
In the meantime, try to be understanding. She will feel safe as long as she knows you are near. Try to keep her at least where she can see you, if she can't be in direct contact.
Good luck and enjoy all those extra cuddles!! :)

I prob wouldnt be so stressed if people weren't saying stupid things about 'making a rod for my own back' etc, as if i shouldn't comfort my baby.

Comfort away. She will feel safer and more secure for it.
This is only a phase. Don't worry, she will regain her independence again soon.

I remember this phase in my DD especially clearly because we were moving house at the time. She hated me leaving the room to carry boxes, pack, unpack etc. It was the first time she had refused to be looked after by friends and other family members.

ooh - I'm so glad you asked this; my lovely daughter is 15 weeks and behaving in a similar fashion. It's getting a bit much for DP; she has huge screaming tants and then stops as soon as I take her; usually gives a big sob and falls asleep on my neck. Poor DP knows it's not personal and is very stoic but it's not much fun for him and it stresses me out because I don't want him to feel undermined by me taking her whenever she's properly off on one. She refuses to countenance being picked up by various close friends, one of whom is pregnant and nervous and convinced she's not cut out to be a mum - small screaming bambino is not helping. I'm very relieved to hear it'll pass.

Dd 23 weeks, is very clingy and cries whenever i put her in the cot, im normally only going to get ds to the potty