My 8 month old DD has always been high needs. She is the love of my life and brings me so much joy. My previous challenge was that she whinged and whined a lot which she still does from time to time. However the latest thing is hysterical meltdowns over certain activities as follows
Nappy changes (unless distracted with a toy or given something to hold)
Being put in her car seat
Being put in her pram
Being dressed
Being put in her highchair (stops as soon as she is given her food and cup, will then happily eat and then sit and babbles/ plays for about 5 mins after finishing the meal and will then start again)
Having something taken off her (e.g. if she has grabbed something like a TV remote)
Being laid down to put her in her sleeping bag at nap time
Each time she will wiggle her body and arch her back and sometimes slam her body down whilst crying or sometimes screaming. Often these meltdowns are over very quickly and she's happy again.
She's trying to learn to crawl at the moment. My gut is that she doesn't like being restricted and/or is frustrated. Im a first time mum though so nothing to compare to.
Please tell me I'm not the only one! Is this a phase? I offer comfort and verbal reassurance, cuddles etc but obviously a lot of these things are things I have to do (e.g. change her nappy when she has pooed). It's getting to the stage where I feel dread in my stomach for each of these activities!!! I hate hearing her cry even though rationally I know I'm not hurting her.
Should I just keep distracting her?
She seems fine in herself , no temp, feeding well, although drooling a lot and biting everything so could be teething.
Thank you MNetters xx