Baby who doesn't like being 'contained'

[becca3210]

My 8 month old is one of those babies who doesn't like being 'contained'. Often doesn't want to be in the pram - likes the carrier but it is giving me backache. Contemplating those carriers where he can go on my back but wondering if I would manage that myself

He manages 5mins in high chair but wants to get out so is hardly eating any solids Cries if put in a playpen. Cries in the car seat. Just loves being held in my arms or being out and crawling around. No health concerns.

If you have a baby like this do you have any tips? Did it get better?

We are on our second baby like this, we just went with it and got a better sling so I could keep carrying. With my first I used a sling until about 2.5 when he could walk a decent distance, my second is 16months and still carried quite a bit, but started tolerating the pushchair as well at about 1 so we use both. I think she's more tolerant of been contained because she was a early walker, so gets a taste of freedom that way. My first didn't walk until later, though we did end up putting him on full waterproofs and letting him crawl round playgrounds because he was so desperate to be free.

For eating can you put a sheet down and have a picnic on the floor?

@jay55

For eating can you put a sheet down and have a picnic on the floor?

We did try this but he just crawls away ☺️ having a better day today. More accepting that this is just how he is and it is just a stage. Thank you all for your helpful inputs. Lovely to read about your fellow active kids!

What carrier are you using? If you get the right one for you/adjusted correctly you should be comfortable with an 8 m old for long periods on your front. Try looking at you tube videos. It should be snug, close on you and keep your babies head within kissing distance.

My DS1 was exactly the same! He’s a foodie though, so eating out was the one thing we could do and snacks in the pushchair because the way to get him from A to B. He did get better as he got older, especially when he could run about a bit (I think he got more tired so then was happy to sit in the pushchair for a rest). I think some babies just like to be on the move. DS1 definitely got frustrated when he couldn’t move, he rolled and crawled before he could sit and never did sit still for long. I’m afraid time and bribery might be all you can try.

My DD is the same, never stopped moving in the womb either. Got much happier when she could crawl (as above she did this before she could sit) but now we are back in frustration land as she's cruising but looking to walk. Someone told me that it's a sign of an active brain... I've learnt to embrace it but v frustrating at times!