31 week old being massively clingy

[lazymonkeyface]

I need help!

My 31 week old - 7 months 5 days - has just been so clingy for the last three days. Screaming when put down, won't go into the sling we've used since his birth, wants to be held/have attention all the time. His naps have gone haywire! He woke up at 7 today and had a nap at 11.30-2 and that is it. He's shattered now but won't go to sleep. It's been like this for three days. THREE DAYS!! I'm tired and i'm so sick of not being able to do anything without him screaming. I went shopping today, I moved out of his sight when I paid for the food and he screamed and was hysterical.

My "D"H is being a right pratt at the minute (we're working on this) and knows how awful it's been for me for the past three days, but he's still gone out to play pool with his dad tonight. He wont be back in until after 10. Don't worry, words will be said.

I just feel like crying! I'm getting over PND (been a month today since i've needed any ADs) but i can't take anymore of this clinginess (sp?) he can entertain himself and has always been perfectly happy doing so until the last three days.

Does anyone have any suggestions? What can I do?

TIA

Is he teething? Calpol often does the trick. Also try and get him back in the sling (can you try another? You could find a sling library and see if there's another that suits him). Being completely honest though, it sounds fairly normal to me (sorry). A seven month old can't really entertain themselves for that long (after six months mine got more clingy too) so maybe just needs more attention, and unfortunately that is the only remedy for clinginess. If you feel you need a break first in order to do that then try to arrange some support - grandparents, or even some respite via a childminder. Can you go to your children's centre and see your family outreach worker or health visitor for a rant? - if you are getting over PND then you may need more support for bad days.

ps poor you though. It is really hard on days like that, and definitely try and get more support from your DH! x

Didn't want to leave this answered. Ds started going thru a clingy phase at 8/9 months. It's so hard but it's normal. You can try playing peek a boo while sat with him, hide your face and then progress to peeking out from behind a wall. Then hopefully he'll start to get the idea that even if you disappear then you come back. If you have to leave a room tell him you'll be back in a minute then go back and say something like mummy always comes back when she says she will or words to that effect.
A friend of mine who's ds is the same age we did swaps where I'd look after the boys for 2 minutes (which were spent crying) and then another day shed have them for 2 mins. We worked our way up to an hour or so once they'd got used to the other mum. Can you try something like this so you can work your way up to being able to have a break? Even if it's half an hour in the bath while someone is sat with him.
It is a case of ride it out though. Deep breaths and it can be done. Just as I thought I'd go bonkers he started to ease up with the clinginess at about a year. Big hugs and hope you feel better soon. Make sure you're dp does his share so you get a break.

I took an age to write that didn't I?

Thank you both. I'll ser about getting another wrap and try doing a swap with someone else.

As my mom told me repeatedly last night on the phone. "this too will pass and one day he will be two"

And then it's temper tantrums as he runs away from you screaming your mum is correct though. Come back if you want to talk or rant