Wont sit still!

Do you put toys in the playpen? I assume that you do. I had exactly the same problem as you, and still do. However, if I need to do anything, I pop ds into his playpen or cot with toys and books, and go and do it! He did scream at first, and it was a problem, but there was another thread (can't remember which one) which I posted on, and people basically said that sometimes you just have to let them cry if you need to do something. You have to unpack shopping don't you!

If I have to cook whilst ds is not yet in bed, I put him in his high chair with toys/books, and put the tv on in the background. It keeps him happy for about 10 minutes, but sometimes that is enough.

I also try to make sure that ds has a lot of one-to-one play time in the lounge, and a lot of exercise, so that he wears himself out! You sound a lot like me in that you worry if your dd is crying, but sometimes, once they get past the initial shock of being without you, even when they can see you, they realise that it isn't so bad, calm down and start amusing themselves. I think that, in the long run, it makes them a bit more self-reliant, especially when they realise that you ARE coming back to get them. After the first few times, they are secure that you will come back to them, and seem happy to be on their own. I have certainly discovered this at bedtimes. I now have a ds who will (mostly, except for a few occasions) go to bed on his own, and play until he falls asleep.

Ds1 was a bit like this - I can only second Chincilla's advice - sometimes you just have to say, "s*! it " and let them cry while you do whatever needs to be done! One piece of 'kit' we found invaluable at this stage was a "rocking entertainer" which we borrowed from a friend for 6 months or so... basically a seat which swivels 360 degrees with toys all around - can also be put into a stable/non-rocking postion. Only thing is, they are a bit bulky - especially if you're tight on space. However DS1 always spent between 5.45 - 6.30pm in his quite happily while I cooked dinner. They're very expensive new, so try the small ads in local papers etc (or Mumsnet wanted/for sale board )

Ames you have my sympathy. My dd has gone through a couple of phases like this, one at about 9 months and then again from about 13 - 15 months! It really got me down but interestingly both episodes preceeded a milestone i.e crawling and then walking. Not sure if your dd might be a bit frustrated maybe, perhaps she will be an early walker - just a thought. Anyway, like Chinchilla and Mo2 say, sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and leave them to cry or whinge - easier said than done I know. This phase will pass I assure you. Keeping smiling

Hi Ames

My 10 month old ds is just like this, but we found that putting a gate up at the kitchen was really good as he likes to stand up at it and watch us - he doesn't tend to wander off, and we've taught him to 'dance' and wave at the gate. He likes to post his toys over the gate, which means we're on posting back duty, but it keeps him happy...He also knows he'll get bits of food from time to time (like feeding seals!) if he stays there, so we can get on with cooking etc. and keep an eye on him!

I wear mine in a backpack while I do things around the house. Baby is happy, and safe!