how do you cope with a stressed out baby?

[renfrog]

how do you cope with a stressed out baby?

we have recently moved house and our 10month old isnt coping aswell as we would like. she has become even more clingy than before and becomes disstressed at the drop of a hat. sometimes if i just get out of her sight for a moment she screams and it can take a few minuits to calm her. before the move she would sleep through the night, now she wakes a few times and gets up 1 - 2 hours earlier which doesnt help my sleep pattern either. ive tried to make her room her own with familer things but she cant seem to relax, we have got to the point where she has to fall asleep in our arms (a habit we got her out of awhile ago) before we can put her down so when she wakes she gets scared and wont let herself go back to sleep. she has always been restless but even that is worse.

im not sure what to do because im worried about her lack of sleep and her fretting. no one likes to see there baby disstressed so is this just a phase or are there things i can do to help her along to make her more comfortable. :(

[mamafelix]

hey renfrog

They do go through phases of being more clingy, but grow out of it again. Sounds like moving house has set this one off though.
I would follow her needs as much as possible- if she feels safe and secure she'll more than likely grow out of it quicker.
Do you have a baby sling or backpack? something like that can help so she feels like she's close to you but you can get on with things like housework etc.
If you and your partner feel okay about it I would have in in with you at night too- in the same room at least or maybe in the bed? Then at least you'll all get some sleep!

This too will pass- she just needs a little extra comfort for a while.

hth

[Elfin]

I agree with Mamafelix. Your little one sounds like she is going through a phase but is looking for extra comfort. You don't have to put your baby in bed with you, just even have the cot in your room for a while till things settle down. I wish I had of known about slings when my babies were little, I think they are a fabulous idea. I used front carriers but found them uncomfortable for both baby and me. I use a back carrier for my 17 month old now and she loves being above the crowd. She loves to pull my hair:rolleyes: Oh well who needs hair anyway :p

Easterlily :)

[H&B'sMum]

Sorry everyone, but this is the EC teacher in me bursting to get out and type. At about the age of 9/10 months chn go through what is called "object permenance". This is where they discover that when an object disappears it still exsistes (sp???). Separation anxiety can also happen around this time. They suddenly think "well they have left me and they haven't gone into thin air so they should be with me." It sounds like renfrog that your DD is going through this, and moving house has just brought it to the surface. You moved her away from the only house that she knows into a completely different house with different sounds, smells, and even feels different.
To help your DD reassure her that you are there for her whenever she needs you and that you are not going to leave her. Give her lots of cuddles and lots of one-on-one interacting time, playing whatever she wants. She may just want to sit on your lap and read a book, or finger a familiar toy. Try having her favourite toys out on the floor when she is awake and you could even try cooking some of her favourite foods. This will help her to adjust and settle into her new home.
I hope this helps and I haven't come on to strongly.
Good luck.

[Leanne]

Hi there,

My daughter has found 2 teddy bears that have helped her to settle and go to sleep with (also go shopping, visiting etc). They are her security items. Maybe your DD may feel more at ease if she had a favourite toy close to her or alternatively, a photo of you and your partner close by that she can see for re-assurance at night.

Good luck & hope you get some sleep :o