11 month old fidgets when held but cries when put down ?!?

[August21yellowbaby]

He will want me to pick him up so I will and he will just fidgit and thrown himself around like he wants to get down, but the second I put him down he’s crying so I’ll pick him back up and he instantly wants to get down again? This is all day everyday and I feel so touched out 😭 he’s very very clingy but doesn’t actually want to be held. I just can’t win :( he’s been like this for months

I think I would go for a mixture of very simple explaining plus distraction to an activity that will give him closeness with you in a different way, so
"It's lovely to hug you but you are getting too big and strong now to wriggle when I pick you up. My arms aren't strong enough. Shall we sit on the sofa and read this book together and you can have a cuddle?"

Don't worry if he doesn't understand your explanation to begin with he will in time!

Alternatively, instead of picking him up, go down to his level and give him a hug there. Then offer an activity together when you have time

My baby is a bit like this (10 months). Does it help if you put him down but pull him into a standing position?