Can’t put baby down!

[Maya2920]

Hi,

I’m a first time mum and my baby is nearly 7 months old. I think my baby could be going through what is called “separation anxiety”? Possibly?

My baby overall is a happy little lady so I guess I shouldn’t really complain all that much. However, I can’t get anything done! If I put her down in a sit me up kind of chair to quickly go and do something she will cry and now.. scream :( if I put her in her travel cot which I have set up downstairs then she will again cry and scream. Pretty much whatever I do she will cry and scream until I’ve picked her back up again. I’ve ruled out, hunger, nappy and tiredness so it seems more than likely it’s because I’ve put her down. She’s the same when being held by someone else.. if I walk out of sight then she will do the same again :(

Also, I will add that I put her down with toys and things to play with but she’s just really not interested in them.

I know people say “well you just need to let her scream and cry” but it’s just horrible hearing her cry her heart out and seeing tears flowing :(

Does anyone have any advice please because I can’t work out what I’m doing wrong.

Thanks!

You’re not doing anything wrong! She’s only little, she wants to be close to her mum. Have you got a sling? That was my lifesaver.

Don’t let her scream and cry. Sounds like totally typical separation anxiety. It passes, and more quickly if she doesn’t feel abandoned. She needs your reassuring presence until she gets over it.

Seconding sling as being worth a shot

I used a sling, which my friend made for me. I suppose it was similar to a ring sling or a pouch sling, kind of like a very wide sash. It folded up in my handbag and left my hands free to get on with it. When my babies got a bit bigger, I would use it to balance them on my hip. They loved it!

Thirding(if that's a thing) the sling. Reassuring her will make it pass easier than letting her cry

Like this one!

wearmybaby.co.uk/typesofslingsandcarriers/pouch-sling-2/

Ds used to be on my back in my ergo baby carrier at that age. He was happy he was attached to me and I could get on with things.

But if you do need to go somewhere without her, to use the loo or whatever, don't forget the brilliant piece of advice that someone told me during the same thing; "No baby ever died of crying".

@BigusBumus

But if you do need to go somewhere without her, to use the loo or whatever, don't forget the brilliant piece of advice that someone told me during the same thing; "No baby ever died of crying".

This. The sling is great, cuddles are great, but sometimes you have to put the baby down, and they will cry, and that is fine.

Thanks guys. I have thought about a sling before, but I’ve heard apparently that they can cause hip problems so I’ve pushed the idea to the back of my head “just in case”. Can anyone suggest a sling please so I can have a look?

Just to clarify, I don’t actually just let my baby cry and scream unless I’m doing something like using the toilet where it can’t really be avoided.

Thank you :)

We did lots of games of peekaboo round the door at that age to help with the idea that you can still be there even if she can't see you - think I read it on here as a tip a couple of years ago!

Mine went through separation anxiety at this stage. Was horrendous as I was going back to work. Resolved itself the minute she learnt to walk and could follow us. Hang on in there.