Fussy 8 Month Old

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Fussy 8 Month Old

by Tonya
(Rocky Mount, NC, US)

I have a 8 month old that cries whenever I put him down. As soon as I pick him up he stops. He is cutting his second tooth but does not seem to be in any pain and he did not do this when he was cutting his first tooth.

I make sure he stays fed and his diaper is change, but he still cries when he's not being held.

What am I doing wrong? Is there something I can do to make him happy again?

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Fussy 8 Month Old

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May 16, 2008

Don't Worry, It's Normal!
by: Baby Help Line Response

You're not doing anything wrong; you're just having a normal 8 months old baby!

Separation anxiety is a normal development phase, so actually you should be glad that it is happening. I know it can be quite tiresome, but it will pass - and studies indicate that babies that are being held and carried a lot actually let go faster. I guess they simply get the security they need to take the next step.

So carry him and do all you can to give him the closeness that he needs right now. And take turn with your spouse, mom, sister or whoever that he is safe with, so that it doesn't drive you insane!

Good luck!

/Paula

Aug 29, 2008

Separation Anxiety
by: Christina

Ok so my son is 8 months and a half. For the past week he cries so much when I put him down or whenever I leave the room. Not just me he's like this with my husband and my husbands brother. I feel exhausted because he has never acted like this before. He is also teething. I'm glad I read this cause now I know he's not just being fussy. I'm glad to know it's separation anxiety. Thanx so much

Dec 22, 2008

Good to know
by: Anonymous

Hi Same case with my 8 month old son..He used to play on his own when let doen with toys..But now, he always is fussy or crying for no reason..Good to know about seperation anxiety..My baby started teething....first tooth...

Sailaja

Dec 31, 2008

Exact thing with me
by: Anonymous

My 8 month old daughter, who up until about a week ago never cried unless hungry or tired, started screaming when she was sat down or I walked out of the room. I realized it was separation anxiety, and all I can say is, I hope it passes quickly. :)

Jan 12, 2009

Oh my....
by: Anonymous

My son is one week shy of being 8 months old and I am going crazy! It is so good to know what is actually happening to him! I feel that I can maybe cope now. Good luck to all the other moms out there!

Mar 12, 2009

thank goodness!
by: Tonya D

I'm so glad I did some research on this because I was about to pull my hair out!

My 8 month old is one of the happiest babies I've ever seen in my life but in the last week everytime I put him down for a nap he cries and cries and cries, if i set him down for a second to leave the room, he cries and cries and cries. In the afternoon is the worst! I try to put him down for his afternoon nap and I've tried my darndest for an hour to ignore the crying but I couldn't take it anymore! So in the afternoon I've taken away is early afternoon nap and been going to the park and going for walks with him...afterwards he's still fussy but it gives me a few hours of non-fussy baby! lol

I'm not sure if he's teething or not, he doesn't have a bud yet but I can almost guess he is, so I orajel him sometimes he it works so maybe this too has something to do with it. But I'm soooooooooooooooooooooooo tired.

I'm glad I'm not the only one going through this.

Mar 30, 2009

My Son is Fussy too
by: Anonymous

My son will be 8-months old tomorrow and he has usually only cried when tired or hungry. Now it is VERY comforting to know that he is dealing with separation anxiety and is teething. He just cut his first tooth this past weekend.

Apr 05, 2009

thank you all! ;-)
by: Anonymous

Seperation Anxiety, good to know that exists! Cause I thought I was going insane!

Apr 13, 2009

thank you!!
by: Anonymous

My son is 8 months and 1 week old. He used to only cry when he is hungry, tired or need us to change his diaper but since 4 days ago, he had been the fussiest baby on the block. He would cry and cry and cry when I walk away from him for more than 5 inches. He'd always wanted to be held and will not play on his own. I didn't see any teeth buds but assume he is probably teething since he is chewing his toys a lot lately but good to know that separation anxiety has something to do with it. I hope this passes very soon! I am getting very very very tired....

Apr 22, 2009

Fussy baby
by: Anonymous

My daughter is almost 8 months old and for the past week or so she has been such a grouch pot! It's driving me nuts. If me or my husband are not constantly entertaining her, she cries. I know she is about to cut a tooth but I wonder if she is also experiencing separation anxiety. It's exhausting, especially for us moms that have to work full time too!!!

May 14, 2009

Fussy Baby
by: Anonymous

I am going through the same thing, my 7 month old was the sweetest baby. She never cried for anything, not even when she bumped her head on the floor from crawling. Now that she is 8 months old she cries at EVERYTHING! She just cut her first tooth 5 day ago, and since then she is a different baby! Nothing makes her happy unless I am holding her and playing with her at the same time! I cant cuddle with her, put her down on the floor, dont even think about putting her in her crib and walking away! I just hate the fact that seperation anxiety and teething has to be at the same time :(

May 23, 2009

8 month old fussy son
by: MimiMore09

Hello! I am glad that I am not going crazy and that all of this is indeed normal. My son seemed to only be fussy when hungry or wet. I often wonder if the increased fussiness is due to separation anxiety (especially since I returned to work full time about a month ago) and because I am trying to wean him from breast to sippy cup. He is so clingy now and is attached to me like GLUE! I wouldn't mind as much if I wasn't so EXHAUSTED from a long, frustrating day at work. Help me! Is this going to last much longer. My mother and mom-in-law tell me to enjoy these days most while they are babies because it only gets harder....

Aug 24, 2009

Thank you for all the comments!
by: Emily

My daughter has just turned 8 months old and just in this past week, she has been a different baby. She was so good and played by herself, now she cries when I walk away or cries when it's nap time. Ok just all the time. I thought I was doing something wrong. She is also cutting 4 teeth at once on the top! Already has 2 bottom. I feel better now. Thank you! I really thought what could have changed?

Sep 12, 2009

Thank you
by: Anonymous

My son is a few days shy of being 8 months old and just the past couple of nights he won't sleep without me. He wakes up screaming and crying every 2o minutes or so and won't sleep for longer than that unless he is sleeping with me. And every time I leave the room he gets so upset. I'm glad to know I'm not the only Mother dealing with this and hopefully this passes soon.

Sep 12, 2009

Found Problem!
by: Anonymous

I made a post 3 months ago about my 8 month old being fussy. I took her to the doctor, hospital numerous times and they kept telling me nothing was wrong and that it would go away. WELL... I finally got in to see a pediatrician and all it was, was acid reflux! He gave me some medicine and in 3 DAYS she was sleeping through the night, and happy all the time again! So if you feel that there really is something wrong with your little one, stick to your instincts and make sure you find out if there really is a problem! Because there ARE easy solutions!

Nov 12, 2009

fussy 8 month old girl..
by: Anonymous

my lil 8 month old is fussy at times when im breast feeding...she loves her food and doesnt nap much...i know shes getting 4 top teeth at once..im glad im not the only mom out there with fussy lil ones...although shes not fussy all the time...thanx:)

Jan 07, 2010

May God be with us ALL!!!
by: Anonymous

My son will be 8 months old in 4 days and he is driving me insane!!! When he was young he was an angel...and then he hit 6 months and started getting crazy but no biggie...and now 8 months. I read about seperation anxiety but I had no idea it was this bad and nobody told me this when I had him lol. Sometimes I think its his teeth because he cut 2 at the bottom already and sometimes when I put the baby orajel on his top he will be quiet. But for the most part he just cries and looks at me. And he tries so hard to make tears come out, at first I thought it was real! I even thought he might be sick or getting an ear infection...but no. Im staring at him right now and he is squeezing tears out with the saddest face ever. As soon as I pick him up...hes ok. WOW!!! God be with us all!!

Mar 09, 2010

listen to your baby & have an open heart
by: mammagoinbananas

Thank heavens for internet,i'm on the verge of cracking my brain til i read this article & the comments that went with it,it feels safe & comforting that im not the only mother going through this 8 month "developmental milestone" :) im just so relieved that this clingy business has something to do w/ either teething or separation anxiety. My baby girl who's a week shy til she's 8 months just had her 2 lower front teeth. Prior to this, she's been such a happy & content baby ( attachment parenting, that is)playing on her own,allowing me to go to the loo, getting the dinner done, all together, i thought it was all systems go for us. BUT no,otherwise, were talking about a fairly tale here. She can't be left alone for no longer than a minute, at around 6 pm, she can't not be held or carried & the bath that she always looked forward too was now a source of grief for her, going ballistic! I can't think of anything else that's wrong w/ her until now. I just realised that she's teething & being weaned ( i think too soon,too quick) & not a good combination. I think ill back off a bit w/ the weaning, slow it down. And not get pissed everytime "society" ( friends,family) tells me that im breastfeeding her for soooo long (all of 8 months that is) & carrying her & giving her a lot of attention will spoil her. from now on, i will learn to smile at those comments, sincerely smile as they don't know what they are missing... The giggles & smiles I get from my little girl as a happy & well connected baby...
Great to read all your comments, im so relieved & inspired to carry on listening to my own instincts!

Mar 12, 2010

Me too!
by: Anonymous

I too am SO relieved to hear that I am not the only one going through this! My son is almost 8 months and was typically the happiest baby. Now he seems to completely fall apart when I put him down for any reason. I am exhausted! But like all things with babies, this too shall pass. Thanks for all the comfort!

Mar 23, 2010

Fussy 8 1/2 month old baby boy
by: Anonymous

Wow your not kidding my baby is going through the exact things I am reading.. he was the best baby and now he screams and crys allot every time I put him down for playtime nap etc.. he has 6 teeth and allot more coming in on the top so teething and separation anxiety please pass soon I mean really soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apr 24, 2010

8 month
by: Anonymous

my son is the same he"s almost nine moths but he has been like this for a while i thought it would get easier when he started crawling but it barely made a difference i cant go to the washroom without having to bring him he cries so that he"s sweating and the second i pick him up he stops and starts smiling i"m hoping its the anxiety thing

May 27, 2010

when does it end?
by: Anonymous

ditto to all of the above comments... we are 8 months and experiencing this very shift! so when will she stop screaming and requiring constant entertainment? soon? any activity/toy suggestions for 8 month old?

Jun 04, 2010

Thank you Thank you!!!
by: Anonymous

My baby's experiencing the same thing and my husband and I were starting to go crazy! Question is... when does it end?!

Jun 16, 2010

fussy 8month old
by: Anonymous

My daughter will be 8mos old in 4 days and has just started showing signs of separation anxiety..

She was always so happy and content too. I would be able to leave the room and get things done.

Now she cries when I put her down, and when i leave the room.

I'm glad i went on this site too to make sure it was that.

I hope this passes soon!

Jun 16, 2010

Same here!
by: Anonymous

After reading all these posts I feel completely relieved to know this is a phase. My 8 month old had always been a content baby, even through cutting her first teeth (around 5 months) she never seemed to fuss this much. She is now cutting a tooth but has been very clingy. She isn't one to cry but she will complain by moaning, yelling or even screaming for me to pick her up. I feel that 95% of my day is having to constantly find things to entertain her and even when I do hold her she gets very grouchy, restless almost. She pushes my hands away all the time now and when I tell her "No" now she waves her hand at me if almost to hit me. She's been very fussy and seems to have a mini-mean streak so it's hard to cuddle and give her all the holdings when she starts acting like that. I am pretty sure by reading everyone's post, it's probably a mix up of both teething and separation anxiety...but has anyone else delt with their 8-9 month old getting a little mean??

Jun 16, 2010

fussy 8month old
by: Anonymous

yes, my daughter started that too...waving her hands & pushing my hands away...i don't understand it...she's having like mini temper tantrums...

uh oh..hope this is not things to come!

Jul 04, 2010

nearly 8 mths
by: Anonymous

my daughter is nearly 8 months and is going through the same she screams at me, pinches and seems to get angry she is very clingy at the moment, she also has just cut her first 2 teeth she never used to cry but is grizzly most the day everyday atly

Aug 03, 2010

Tired Mommy
by: Anonymous

My son is a little over 7 months and is so fussy. Most of the day, he is squealing in a very high pitched fuss. I've tried everything I can think of. He'll play with a toy for 5 min. and then start fussing. I've tried ignoring it, but then it turns into a full blown scream. Singing to him helps, but it is exhausting singing to him all of the time. I give him teething tablets, gel, etc., but I don't even know if it's helping. Lord, be with us all!

Oct 04, 2010

FUSSBUDGET!
by: Anonymous

My baby girl is 7 months and has been doing the groaning, fussing, ect for about a month. I am so happy to know that I am not alone!!
Thanks! and God Bless!

Jan 13, 2011

me
by: Anonymous

I don't know if my problem belongs here, since my child cries all the time since she was 2 mts, but it has gotten so much worse now in the 8th mt..I am having a hard time dealing with it, she wont sleep unless I hold her to sleep and the min I put her down she wakes..I know she is over tiredm, and so is my 3 year old who shares a room with her! I am alone with the 2 of them all day and night. I feel like it's always a fight and I just can't fight anymore!

Jan 17, 2011

relate with you all
by: Anonymous

I so completely relate with you all; particularly that last comment. My daughter is ten days shy of 9 months and the last few weeks have been practically unbearable. She was always such a good quiet baby, now she's still good but just not quiet at all. :) she still sleeps through the night, but her bottom teeth are coming in (hasn't cut even one yet but I know they are coming) and I can't leave her for hardly any time at all. Sometimes Daddy cans soothe her but mostly...just me. And he's gone all the time and i have NO life so I am absolutely going insane. It's exhausting being the only one needed 700% of the time. Everyone tells you "you do what you gotta" and while that's true, it's incredibly unhelpful. Just love on your little one through it. They'll become a better person for your love. However, if anyone finds a quick solution to separation anxiety I'm sure we'd all like to hear it. :) I just have to look at the bright side and say "Well...I know she loves me. :)"

Good luck to all women

Jan 25, 2011

making it through
by: isabelle's mom

The joys of the eight month old! Cutting teeth, testing boundaries, testing vocal chords and everything in between. My daughter is fussing unless she is asleep, nursing or if I am so lucky sometimes mickey mouse clubhouse will keep her entertained but I can't do these things all day. Something I found recently are these mesh food suckers called flavor savors. It allows the child to suck on anything you put in the mesh container ei: frozen fruit (for the teething baby) or fresh fruit and veg. For flavor. She loves it and keeps her content for a little over half an hour. Also if your baby is being uncontrollably fussy, take 5 min. Alone (in earshot, maybe with a monitor and just turn it down) when u come back, try and be positive and play and comforter her than try something to distract her after a few min. Babies are geniuses at detected your moods. I do feel your pain ladies, I'm going through it right now, doesn't seem like there are any quick fixes but the little bits of sanity here and there make a big difference. I take pictures when she throws her fits some times and think about the things I want to tell her when she is grown up and see's them. It makes me smile, and she gets a kick out of it sometimes. So try and enjoy the neediness now and embrace what you can, we'll make it through and laugh later :)

Jan 29, 2011

Fussy 7 1/2 Month Old
by: Anonymous

I'm dealing with the same problems with the 7 1/2 month old. I can't ever put him down anymore. All he does is fuss and fights naps and sleep. His sleep is regressing now, too. He fights going to bed at night and wakes up after only a few hours. He doesn't have any teeth yet, and I keep thinking this is the problem. Not exactly sure what's going on. I can't put him down for even a few minutes to play. He screams, and his toys don't make him happy at all.

Feb 07, 2011

Just right for us
by: Rachel

My son is one week from 8 months and he is starting to become a lot more irritable. It seemed impossible to do anything without him attached to my hip but I have discovered a few things that just worked right for us;

I put Ryker (my son)in a bouncer and put him in from of the TV with sprout on. I know a TV is not always the answer but he seems to enjoy it and I can have a moment to prepare dinner or prepare another cup of coffee.

I also put a wet wash cloth in the freezer and let it freeze or cool, he likes to suck the water out and that keeps him satisfied for a while.

I also have "naked butt time". I don't know why but my son LOVES naked butt time. I just let him hang out with his butt free. He feels so free and I'm sure he enjoys the air passing.

He also likes his Gerber "puff" treats, but those never last long either.. I hope these ideas help.

Feb 10, 2011

My son is so fussy all of a sudden!
by: Anonymous

I do feel much better knowing that there are other mothers and caretakers going through the same exact thing as I am at the moment.

My son is 8 1/2 months old and cutting two teeth up top, he already has two teeth on the bottom, but has been just miserable. He hates being on his belly so he isn't crawling yet. He wants me to walk him all over the house ALL DAY LONG.

He's constantly whining or crying if I'm not helping him walk even if he's among a ton of his toys! I've been giving him infant advil every 4-6 hours for his teeth, but nothing seems to help.

Luckily he does still sleep well during the day and night....naps twice during the day anywhere from 2-3 hours at a time and also sleeps pretty well at night for the most part. He wakes crying sometimes and we'll give him his pacifier or a bottle sometimes and that seems to help.

I just wish he was a happy baby during the day again. Hopefully this will pass soon!

Mar 26, 2011

Me too!
by: Anonymous

This has been going on at our house for the last month. My husband said there is something wrong, glad to know it's just a normal stage in development! Oh and because I can't let it slide, until recently I worked full-time, now I am a SAHM mom--to the person who said it's difficult "especially" for us moms who work full time, just so you know---IT'S HARDER FOR STAY AT HOME MOMS!!!!!!! I know this now :)

May 19, 2011

glad I'm not alone!
by: Anonymous

So glad to read that not only is this separation anxiety but that I'm not the only mom it drives insane lol :)

May 24, 2011

baby whats wrong:-)
by: Sinead

I am ohh so glad I read all of your comments, My baby is 8 months and I feel like I just am not making her happy wich in turn is making me cry,she is normally pretty happy, but latley she crys and wines and throughs a pretty good fit when I put her down, it is good to know that seperation anxiety is part of the problem, plus she is cutting her two upper teeth,thank you all for sharing, it give me support during this milestone:-)

Aug 22, 2011

8 month old
by: Anonymous

My daughter same thing 8 months old and crying, testing her vocals screaming, and if you leave the room is in disarray!!! It's tough nothing seemed to help!!! I gave her teething rings, sugar free pops, ice, cold washcloth nothing seems to work but one product on line for teething medicine it's from Native Remedies!!! That worked and baby mum mums then she's one happy baby!!!!!!

Oct 11, 2011

Suddenly fussy at 8.5 months and nursing all night long
by: mama

I would just like to add that in addition to the fussiness during the day, my son has started nursing all night long. He has never been a good sleeper, but things were getting a little better. Now he just won't let go. I work from home, and my husband is with baby most of the day, but I hear everything, and I feel so guilty, like he's like that just because he misses me. So I try to spend lots of time with him and give him lots of cuddles. This helps, but he still seems to try to make up for it at night. He's also just really antsy and wants to get into everything, though he can't quite yet. It is getting really tiring! But, like everyone else, I'm glad to read that this is normal.

Nov 01, 2011

Same thing
by: Laura

My daughter is almost eight months old and cries each time I put her down or walk out of the room. I try to give her toys to play with when I need to take care of her older brother... or do dishes... cook... anything... and she just cries. I just let her do so because nothing I can do with make her happy unless I pick her up or entertain her... which I am not able to do constantly. It is driving me nuts... but I know that it is normal.

Jan 29, 2012

Cranky 8 month old. NEW
by: Anonymous

This is child #2 so you'd think I'd remember and be used to it by now. My 8 month old has turned into a different baby for the past 2 weeks. I'm about to lose my mind. I am going crazy. He doesn't just fuss and whine when I put him down, it's ALL the time. Even while he's eating (solids), even if I'm right next to him. It's all the time. He is cutting his 2 top teeth (I can see the cut in the gums but the tooth hasn't decended yet) but I just can't believe that the teeth are responsible for this, since he'll be happy and laugh and smile, and then whine and cry all in a matter of 2 minutes. He whines every 2 - 3 minutes. I might run away from home lol

Jan 29, 2012

In response to above NEW
by: Anonymous

It may be a phase especially if there has been any change in his routine. He may not be feeling well (ear infection or the cutting teeth can give them fevers).Take some much needed time for yourself for a couple.min. And approach him in a diff. Way and see if u can get diff. Results. Cuddle him for a few consecutive min with no distractions focusing only on him. Just some ideas. Hang in there! :)

Feb 03, 2012

Thank god! NEW
by: Anonymous

OMG, I am so happy I read all the comments, my little boy is the same way. The only time he is happy is if we go to the mall where he can see different people. He is also cutting his 2 top teeth. I love him to peices but sometimes I wish I was back working so I could get a break!

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