Attention

my son does the same thing he is also teething right now and that could be why he wants to be near you but a lot of the time if I just let him fuss a little and not do anything he gives up and plays,but I would recomend a bouncer or even a walker - we put blankets around him to keep him propped up then he can go all over the house easier. the other I noticed about him sometimes too was toy over load, if he has too many choices he wants them all but can't put them all in his mouth at once and gets frustrated, so I try to give him one or two toys at a time and it stretchs him out of getting too bored with the same toys - good luck

Slings!!
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www.hotslings.com
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http://www.meitaibaby.com/

About letting babies cry for prolonged periods of time; linked to neurological problems and ADHD

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/handout2.asp

Hi B.,

Please don't keep your baby with you at all times, otherwise if you do, he'll never learn to sooth himself! Letting him cry for a few minutes will not hurt him at all!

Listen to Katherine D, she knows what she is talking about! =]

And most important DON'T STRESS! He feels it and it makes things even harder!

Hope things go well for you! =]

I don't know how big your little guy is but I got a lot done by putting my daughter in her snuggli. I went to the store, ate dinner, rocked her in church and even vacuumed with her in there. Also, the only time I got to go to the bathroom or get ready was when my daughter was in her baby swing. I'm sure there are many other solutions but I suppose I chose the path of least resistance. Good luck! S.

Both of my daughters loved the swing set. I would bring it into the kitchen and set it up near me, so while I washed the dishes, cleaned the stove, etc... they watched me.

Good luck...

My kids didn't start entertaining themselves until they were able to sit up by themselves and then things started to get easier and easier from there. I remember putting my older child in a bouncy seat while I get dressed and ready or even take a shower. As long as she could see me, she was OK. But with my second, he wanted to be held all the time and I couldn't do anything so I broke down one day and got a babysitter so I could at least do some laundry. Do you have some sort of carrier that you can carry your baby in while you do some work around the house? That seemed to help me a bit too. I know it's totally exhausting physically and emotionally to take care of your child 24/7 but things will get better soon. Can you prop him up somewhere and give him some toys? And sometimes, you're just going to have to let him cry while you get ready. They need to learn that you have to take care of yourself too. Also, I tried to get up a little earlier than my husband so that I can get ready before he leaves for work.

Hi,
I remember feeling exactly like this when my son was this age... it wasn't easy! My son was also teething already by 4 months, per our holistic Dr. who tested him, and some homeopathics seemed to help. I also got him an "Excersaucer" around this time, and while he couldn't really "stand" in it, his chest rested against the front of it and the seat supported him so he didn't have his weight on his legs, and he loved looking at the toys on it and trying to reach for them. It was also portable enough to bring it into the kitchen with me so I could clean. He was happy playing alone (for short periods) as long as he could see me. Good luck.

He's enamored with and needs YOU, not passive entertainment. Listen to him; babies don't lie. I'm sorry to break the news, but babies come first; everything else comes after. Dust won't lower your quality of life. Enjoy. You'll never experience so much love and need from your child as you are now. Every moment you spend directly interacting with him is developing his neurological and emotional connections, and strengthening your bond. Passive entertainment will negate that growth.

edit~ I came back to read other advice and to Therese's I have to say: Wow wow wow! That article makes SO MUCH sense. I've thought it, but haven't actually researched it. The ADHD epidemic coincides with the "Cry it out" advice that became quite popular (WHY?), and the increase of new moms going right back to work. Infant trauma and stress linked to ADHD: Of course.

Take care of yourselves,
J. Smithson
Loving Hands Learn 'n' Play
http://www.lhlearnandplay.com

Babies need love and attention - not to be left alone. It's hugely important for their development. I highly recommend getting something that allows you to wear your baby and have both hands free. For those moments when he is happy on his own, you can get a lot done. When he needs to be with you, if you wear him in a wrap/sling/bjorn/snuggli he'll get what he needs (to be close to you) and you'll get more done. Good luck!

Hi B.,

I'm afraid that you will find that even as he gets older, your son will want to be with you all the time. They are not very good at entertaining themselves at this age. If he does happen to get involved with something (looking at his feet, watching a shadow, etc) take it as your cue to get something done, but do it FAST, as his attention span will be very short. Nap time is a great time to get the house in order & maybe even make dinner. I used to get it prepared & on plates during afternoon nap & then wrap the plates in tinfoil & put them in the fridge to be microwaved at dinner time. I have been taking showers at night after my kids go to bed since the first one was born. I know lots of moms put their kids in bouncy seats & take them in the bathroom while they shower, but I couldn't stand the crying. I've managed to getting my hair & make-up routine down to 30 minutes, and I do take my little ones in the bathroom with me for that, but I am able to play peek-a-boo and sing songs & offer new toys while I do it. Before the kids are mobile, I strap them in a front baby carrier & vacuum with them strapped to me. What your baby really needs right now is interaction, so if you can figure out ways to combine getting your chores done & playing with him at the same time, you'll both be a lot happier.

C. : )

this is the age where they learn when i cry mommy will come even if nothing is wrong let him cry for an hour and check on him every 20 min during that hour to see if he actually needs something or just wants your atition it is not going to hurt him to cry i know i have to remind myself of that every day with my high temper daughter.

First and foremost, I suggest a sling/baby carrier of some sort. As many of the other moms noted, this will satisfy baby's need to be near you, but free your hands to do whatever you need to do(note, however, that the range of motion/activity is dependent on the type of carrier you use).

However, if slinging is not an option (e.g. trying to shower) I'd recommend either a bouncy chair (we used the Baby Bjorn 1-2-3) or an exersaucer. Both worked well for me with my little girl at that age and beyond.

Good luck!