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Original poster

How to keep baby happy

15 replies

xamyrose · 20/01/2018 16:33

Hi,

My 8 month old is so grumpy.

I try to change rooms/ toys/ sing songs/ take to baby groups/ Disney movies/ brought a walker but she’s just constantly whining/ crying.

She sleeps 11 hours at night and gets 2-3 hours sleep throughout the day (even though she has started resisting bedtime so the last week has been getting a bit less).

She has 3 small meals a day and 4/ 7oz bottles.

Where am I going wrong!?!?!?!

Thanks!

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mindutopia · 20/01/2018 17:31

Are you bored or stressed? There is a separation anxiety phase around 7-12 months when they can just be especially difficult because they want to be attached to you all the time (toys, etc. won't do much, an 8 month old is pretty young for toys and movies anyway to be honest). But if it's not that, I found mine's temperment really changed when I was bored, stressed, stuck at home and unhappy. I found if we got out every day (I never went to groups or anything, I just went and did things I wanted to do to entertain myself and took her along) and I felt better, then she was happier too. They really pick up on how you're feeling even when you don't realise you're feeling that way.

moita · 20/01/2018 18:33

Does she whine out of the house? My son can be whiny and clingy at home but he's much happier out and about! We go to 3 toddler groups a week and he's so much happier than if we stay in.

I recommend swimming as well.

moita · 20/01/2018 18:33

Oh and is she teething?

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Chaosofcalm · 20/01/2018 18:58

Is your baby trying to crawl? My DD was very frustrated and as soon as she moved she was much happier.

Original poster
xamyrose · 20/01/2018 22:26

She does whine out of the house to... sometimes not so bad. I had to cancel swimming because it was just too much hard work with her but I take her to a sensory styled class which she’s been ok with (still whiny most of the time)!

I could put it down to teething but she’s been like this since 6 months... (she’s had two teeth come through in that time) but she wouldn’t be like this all the time with no more teeth through.

She’s been crawling backwards for ages and getting on all fours and rocking which seems like weeks. I hope it’s a frustration thing!

It’s also not me or my mood rubbing off on her because she’s like it with everyone...

I worry how long this is going to go on for and if she’s going to be a real hard work baby forever. Everyone else seems to have such happy and fun babies and mines just hard work and constantly crying/ whining!!

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KatnissMellark · 20/01/2018 22:31

Is she hungry? I know it's not the fashionable thing to do nowadays but my DS was on three large(ish) meals a day, plus snacks at that age. Porridge for breakfast, cooked meal (pureed or mashed as required at lunch), then either a snacky tea or cooked meal in evening. Usually a dessert of banana and custard or yoghurt at one of his meals. Plus two snacks of eg raisins, puffs, fruit pot or whatever. He was (is) a bloody horror when hungry!

KatnissMellark · 20/01/2018 22:32

Oh and also, you massively notice your own grumpy baby more than anyone else's. So perhaps you are noticing her grumpiness more than other people are/more than you notice other baby's grumpiness!

Original poster
xamyrose · 20/01/2018 22:37

I have noticed if I give her food she stays happy whilst eating it! But I think it’s another distraction thing. I might try and think of some snacky things for her to have... thank you for the suggestion!

At the baby group the other day she was grumpy towards the end and I stood back and noticed that there were loads of other babies the same. Sometimes your so wrapped up in your own you don’t even notice anyone else’s.

She’s definitely more grumpy then others though. With family members making comments and calling her a diva (in a nice way).

I just feel major mum guilt that I’m doing something wrong to make her so miserable!

OP posts:
KatnissMellark · 20/01/2018 22:40

You are not going anything wrong! They all go through different phases. All you can do is try to spot patterns and find strategies to deal with it. Which you are doing! Try not to stress (easier said than done!!). It will pass. DS pretty much cried from birth-6months, you have my sympathy.

furryelephant · 20/01/2018 22:44

My 1 year old is the same and always has been! It improved so so much when she could walk as I think she was frustrated at not having any independence. Now she’s just grumpy because I don’t let her do fun things like climb the fireplace/curtains/stairs or eat from the dog bowls Hmmsome babies are just grumpier than others. It is such hard work so I feel for you OP!

KatnissMellark · 20/01/2018 22:46

furryelephant your DD would get on famously with my DS Grin

furryelephant · 21/01/2018 07:05

@KatnissMellark if you ever feel like trying out 2 for the day you just let me know Grinmany a time I have considered putting a stick in the middle of the living room floor and attaching her to reins on it so she can’t reach anything Grin only slightly lighthearted

coffeecoffeemorecoffee · 21/01/2018 08:23

I think it’s normal, my youngest is a mardy bum, she’s 18 months now and a right temperamental little madam, tantrums, throwing herself around and crying for fun. Some babies are just mardy babies

Original poster
xamyrose · 21/01/2018 09:53

Aaahhh bring on when she’s more mobile! Hopefully it makes a difference :(

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moita · 21/01/2018 20:13

xamyrose - just to add my son was a lot happier once crawling. Hang in there!

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