How to break the constant need to be held

[rachndan]

Hi

How can we go about having our one month old DD2 ALWAYS needing to be held?

We can rarely eat dinner together anymore as she wont settle down. She will just scream and that ruins dinner for everyone.

What is the best sling/wrap (not baby carrier) I could use?

Thanks

At one month, they're still very much adapting to life outside the womb. It will get better over the next few weeks but if she needs you to hold her, she needs the comfort.

You could try a stretchy wrap like a hana wrap, but any wrap type sling is similar - it takes a little getting used to but they do love them!

Where you put them down can make a difference too - and how. Have you tried swaddling and putting in a sleepyhead/babynest type thing? It makes them feel more squished and safe.

Keep her tilted up a bit - head above tummy - and put her down in a quick motion - not gently inch by inch (but don't chuck her either!!!) being quick disturbs them less and less likely to wake

We used a NCT caboo carrier. It's not a carrier like the strap ones, it's all stretchy fabric and suitable from birth. DS loved it. It was from mothercare about £60 iirc.

At 1 month DS2 always wanted to be held too. I just tried to go with it. DP cut all my food into pieces I could eat with one hand! Not ideal but he grew out of it and was happy to sit in his bouncer from about 3 months.

We had a Caboo Close and it was a God send. It's a pre tied stretchy wrap that holds your baby very close to you. This has three advantages; babies this small love being held close to you, it's comfortable for you and it makes the sling + baby not too bulky so you can do stuff a bit!