I’m really at breaking point and in desperate need of advice. DS2 is 17 months, and just last summer he was a gorgeous, happy, calm baby. He was so easy going, hardly cried, a joy to take out shopping etc. The winter has been particularly bad with constant illnesses passed from DS1 (4) including Scarlett fever and chicken pox (and lots of colds and viruses in between - I’ve lost count). Suddenly my happy baby has turned into an absolute nightmare. I thought I was prepared second time around but from the moment he wakes up to bedtime he is miserable and I have run out of ways to console him.
He is a very high sleep needs baby but it’s become ridiculous, he can’t even stay awake for 2-3 hours before becoming really grouchy.
The change in character and sleepiness worried me so much I’ve taken him to the GP several times and they all say it must be because his body is tired from the constant illnesses and also developmental (separation anxiety) which I think must be the case because he is extremely attached to me. Follows me around the house and wants to be held close all day.
But my issue is, DH and I work from home. And we have another child who needs attention and 1-1 time. I can’t just give him an activity or toy to play with for 30 mins or so to keep him occupied. I’m constantly walking on egg shells afraid of setting him off. I wouldn’t feel comfortable sending him to nursery like this as I think it would make him worse. I just feel like a complete failure as a parent. Nothing I do seems to perk him up. I really just feel sorry for him as he doesn’t seem to be enjoying life at all.
I don’t really know what advice I’m looking for but I am just so overwhelmed and mentally exhausted.