My 13 Month Old Son Will Not Stop Whining.

My 13 Month Old Son Will Not Stop Whining.

by Lisa Lewis
(Worcester mass)

My son is now 13 month old, I used to be able walk out the same room from time to time without him whining. If i walk out the room now, He will whine until I return.

Lately I can sit in the same room with him and he will walk around and whine the entire time. He wants me to pick him up... to then only get down from me 2 seconds later to continue whining. It drives me crazy at times that i cant soothe his whines.

He is teething, but also been teething for the past 5 months and it was not this bad til now.
I feel like I cannot catch a breether with him.

Should i just let him whine and ignore it from time to time or should i pick him up every time, As i don't want him to become a spoiled baby??
I need help!!!! I'm also 5 months pregnant so its tiring to be catering to his whines.

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My 13 Month Old Son Will Not Stop Whining.

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Feb 18, 2010

Whining Baby
by: Baby Help Line - Annie

Hi Lisa,

It can be exhausting when you are pregnant and also have the demands of a 13 month. It is a very busy time! I actually don't believe you can spoil a baby. Your job is to fill his needs, and help him to become independent by helping him to learn all sorts of skills.

It is tricky with a baby at this age, because they really do need a huge amount of attention. And unfortunately you are rewarding the whining by constantly going to him when he whines. However, the whining is still showing you he
does need a lot of attention.

We often tend to leave our children to play on their own when they are happy and content, and try to get onto other things. Then it ends up where we are giving them attention only when they are whining.

A baby at this age does need lots of interaction from you, and I suspect your little boy is picking up on your frustration and exhaustion and gets anxious that you are not available.

Try to play lots of interesting games with him and give him plenty of attention when he is happy. He can be involved in things you are doing, have him up at the bench trying to spread butter on the bread or stirring something. He will learn heaps from being involved with you and if you talk to him and tell him what you are doing then he is not feeling abandoned. He can help with folding washing (sort of!) or pass you pegs etc. Get him to fetch things for you, and
really involve him in things you are doing, rather than expecting him to play by himself.

Respond to his grizzles by verbally telling him just a minute, Mummy's coming, or call him to you to get him to help. Make it exciting and interesting, rather than going and picking him up when you are feeling frustrated and irritated.

It does take a while for babies to understand you are coming back and you have not disappeared from his life when you are out of the room, so tell him what you are doing, and include him as much as possible.

He will grow out of it, but make the most of the time with him before baby number two arrives. This time is very precious.

All the best,

Annie Desantis

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Feb 18, 2010
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Submitted by: Baby Help Line - Annie

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Comment
Hi Lisa, It can be exhausting when you are pregnant and also have the demands of a 13 month. It is a very busy time! I actually don't believe you can spoil a baby. Your job is to fill his needs, and help him to become independent by helping him to learn all sorts of skills. It is tricky with a baby at this age, because they really do need a huge amount of attention. And unfortunately you are rewarding the whining by constantly going to him when he whines. However, the whining is still showing you he does need a lot of attention. We often tend to leave our children to play on their own when they are happy and content, and try to get onto other things. Then it ends up where we are giving them attention only when they are whining. A baby at this age does need lots of interaction from you, and I suspect your little boy is picking up on your frustration and exhaustion and gets anxious that you are not available. Try to play lots of interesting games with him and give him plenty of attention when he is happy. He can be involved in things you are doing, have him up at the bench trying to spread butter on the bread or stirring something. He will learn heaps from being involved with you and if you talk to him and tell him what you are doing then he is not feeling abandoned. He can help with folding washing (sort of!) or pass you pegs etc. Get him to fetch things for you, and really involve him in things you are doing, rather than expecting him to play by himself. Respond to his grizzles by verbally telling him just a minute, Mummy's coming, or call him to you to get him to help. Make it exciting and interesting, rather than going and picking him up when you are feeling frustrated and irritated. It does take a while for babies to understand you are coming back and you have not disappeared from his life when you are out of the room, so tell him what you are doing, and include him as much as possible. He will grow out of it, but make the most of the time with him before baby number two arrives. This time is very precious. All the best, <a href="http://www.easybabylife.com/annie-desantis.html">Annie Desantis</a>

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