Normal 8m old behaviour?

[LemonLemonLemon]

Hi, I think this is a silly question but I know so few people with babies and due to lockdown have only met friends with babies outdoors.

My DS is what I’ve been calling an outdoor baby. If he is in the car/carrier/buggy he is happy and content. But I have such an issue with him in the house. No toy or activity I can think of is holding his attention for more than a few minutes, he will crawl off and attempt to climb/ pull to stand on things.

He has suddenly become very clingy and complains if I am not carrying him around. In short, he can be completely miserable in the house and it’s wearing me out - we are in full lockdown in Wales and my DH goes to work full time (not home working).

I’m not sure it its normal that absolutely nothing can hold any attention, or is it just that I’m not coming up with enough for him to do? I play it with him constantly and always try new things.

Does anyone have any advice on how to keep him happier in the house? And does this sound normal to you?

Totally normal. It’s the age where they become mobile so they are far more interested in crawling around and cruising on furniture - my baby is 8 months and exactly the same.

I find if I sit on the floor with him he’s far more inclined to play with his toys, especially so if I play with him.

Cling ness is also normal at this age - mine will cry when I leave the room unless by some luck he’s engrossed in his cruising of the furniture

My baby is just coming up 8 months and very similar, I think she just doesn't like toys that much. My only tip would be using the carrier to do jobs in the house (best you can) like hoovering. My LO loves to be carried around and watch me clean and tidy. I think in the past babies wouldnt have had many toys and would have just watched adults.

Totally normal and I went through this. The only thing that worked was strapping him in his carseat and popping him in the garden (we had french doors so easy to keep an eye on him) so I could have a coffee / take a breath.

This made me laugh You know shit is about to get serious when the car seat or pram comes out in the house.

Do you have a sling that lets you strap him onto your back? I used an ergo. DC would often just want to see what was going on, they'd be happy strapped to me and I had hands free to get on with things.

Other ideas -

• talk about what you're doing
• sing nursery rhymes (not that easy but often better than listening to screaming!)
• give the baby random kitchen stuff to play with rather than toys
• sit him in a high chair in the kitchen so he can see what you're doing

Babies are hard wired to want to know what you're doing and get involved, they learn by copying. Even the greatest baby toy is rubbish compared to watching a grown up. Sometimes it's good to stop trying to entertain the baby and find a way to let them join in with what you're doing - eg pairing up socks and putting them away, watching you peel veg and play with peelings, cleaning with a damp cloth etc.

It can also work to move stuff around as they get bored with the same old living room sometimes - put cushions on the floor or play in bedrooms or hallways to change it up a bit.

Thank you so much ladies, you’ve reassured me! It’s difficult to know what normal is for their age when I don’t see any other babies.

I do a lot in the house in the carrier, but I like the idea of putting him on my back so may try that and some of your suggestions @DemolitionBarbie. It’s such a long day in lockdown with him, I really appreciate the suggestions, thank you.

Same here and DD has always until recently been a contented house baby (and hates hates HATES the carrier). Unlike DS who was definitely an outdoor baby. I guess it's an 8mo thing.

I have started taking her for a walk round the streets in the afternoon just to pass the time. But it's lonely and depressing.

I would add, also try a variety of household objects ( not just toys). We had a good run with a shiny spoon today.

Both my kids were outdoor babies! My toddler would drag himself to the door as soon as he could crawl, and cry if anyone went out without taking him. Now, age 21 months, he puts his wellies on and climbs in the pram, or goes to the drawer and gets my car key. He simply loves being out and about, the garden sometimes appeases him but really, he wants to go and explore. Very normal and you should indulge it as much as you can!

Update: this has been very slightly alleviated for us by roughly doubling her number of milk feeds. Growth spurt maybe!

@Aria999 I’m finding more feeds needed too! Hope you have a calmer few days!