Demanding Baby - 7 month old constantly fusses

[Shezz95]

Hi, not sure what I’m looking for here - advice, solidarity, to know I’m not alone maybe?

My DS is now 7 months old - right from the start he was a fussy baby, lots of crying, reflux, and generally a demanding/high needs baby. He’s gotten slightly better as the months have gone on but he’s still fussy and crying for about 80% of his day. He’s always been very active, constantly moving and constantly making noise - lots of people have said they haven’t seen such a busy baby before

He’s happy in the mornings and if we’re out meeting people and doing things he puts on a show and is all smiles and sunshine. As soon as we’re home nothing will entertain him for more than a couple of minutes and he’ll just fuss constantly or get randomly upset.

He’s hit and miss with his food, sometimes loves it and eats lots and sometimes isn’t bothered. His sleeping isn’t great but it’s not awful, so that’s something at least. He seems to want to do more than he’s able to and gets so frustrated if he can’t do something straight away, so he won’t even try

I know babies cry and get fussy but it just seems relentless. My step daughters mum has a baby 2 months older who has always been the most chilled little thing so comparisons are constantly drawn. And I see other babies that are relaxing or just chilled and I get so disheartened

My one friend I would have spoken to about all this unfortunately passed away very suddenly recently so I’m feeling very alone. I feel like I’m just doing everything wrong and feel so resentful and incredibly guilty

Thanks for reading, I think I just needed to get it out

It it helps, this is me 😂 my baby is 6.5m and relentless. No advice but just solidarity and you aren’t alone or doing anything wrong!

Thank you, it’s good to know it’s not just me - sorry you’re going through it too!
it’s just really not how I pictured it all going and when everyone was saying he’ll get so much better after 4 months I believed them lol - still waiting!

Everything you wrote is my 14 month old since the day he was born. His sleep has improved which is something but I’m afraid to say he’s still extremely high maintenance and has zero patience. I’ve never seen a baby want to be on the move as much as mine and will have a tantrum over anything he doesn’t like. Plus side he is super sociable and people out and about love chatting to him but do always comment how alert he is. Unfortunately I have no advice except I went back to work at 6 months and that is a break for me. He goes to nursery five days a week and has thrived. It would be great to have one of those chill babies but it is the way it is and he is a lovely little boy.

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. That must be incredibly tough.

My DS is a similar age and exactly the same. He's been teething for what feels like forever which makes it much worse. Is there a possibility your DS is teething?

But teething aside, DS is so well behaved in public and if any visitors come over. My parents are always commenting on what a happy baby he is 🫠 minute they leave he just whinges all day. He probably doesn't but it just feels like it.

This sounds like my son, who’s just turned eight months corrected. He’s been a bit sunnier the past couple of weeks. It’s really hard, but I think they have so much going on physically and mentally it makes them little grump bags.

Solidarity OP my nearly 6 month old is exactly the same except her sleep is pretty terrible as well. I posted a thread about it recently and received some great replies, I'd recommend checking it out (sorry I'm not sure how to link).

You're doing a great job, you are absolutely doing nothing wrong. Your baby is clearly going to be a clever child and will reap the benefits of all the extra attention he demands.

Things that distract my DD for a little (you're probably doing them all but just in case) the Galt ring, jumperoo, bouncy chair being moved around a bit, house tour, changing rooms, Ms Rachel!

PS. I am so sorry for your loss xx

Thank you all for your kind words - just a bit of an update
this past week he’s started semi crawling and can move around by himself. He’s like a different baby! Still a little fussy but it’s smiles and playing for the majority of the day! I can feel my sanity slowly returning x

Omg this me. 8 month old is absolutely charming in public, at grandparents, he attracts the attention of everyone and babbles and coos and giggles and just generally looks at everything perfectly happy. I can put him on the floor at my sister’s and we can drink coffee while he rolls around occupying himself. My parents “oh he is SUCH a good baby, so much easier than you ever were!” .

when it’s just me and him he does this shrieking whinge at me constantly, won’t be put down, and screams when I give him food 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

Haha they sound so similar. We went to a baby group today and he was an absolute angel. Charming everyone. He whinged as soon as I put him in the car seat to go home and hasn't really stopped. I swear I get an eye twitch now when family say what an easy baby he is. Although it has convinced the grandparents to offer 2 days childcare when I go back to work. I think they'll take back their easy baby comments then 😂