Very Attached Baby

My son did the same thing when he was about that age. Part of it is probably seeing how much they can get away with you always holding them. But part of it may also be wanting to be more involved with what's going on. I found that it was about then that he really liked going into his high chair when we were in the kitchen. That way I could pull it with me to the counter while I chopped vegetables or made breakfast. He would be close and could watch what I was doing. It helped a lot I think to see things from a higher perspective. He soon stopped begging to be held and was very happy to play from his high chair instead.

Good luck,
M.

Mine was like this for the first year and a half. The only way I got anything done was wearing him in a sling. If you have never worn a sling, look on the web and see if there is a babywearer's group in your area. We have one on yahoo groups and check meetup.com also. They usually have meetings and you can go see how it is done, try out other people's slings, and sometimes find good bargains on used slings.

You are talking about MY baby I think!!!
In the end, I put her in her crib at naps and said "it's naptime" and did not return for an hour. I believe that protest crying and "you are hurting me" crying are definitely different. I found that when she recognized that I wasn't coming back, she gave up and went to sleep. That led to being better rested and better able to play by herself for short periods. I know it sounds harsh, but you are getting into habit-forming time and you'd hate to be still doing this at 3!
Another suggestion- my 9 month old hates being on the floor or the exersaucer, but she enjoys sitting in the highchair (is more on my level?) while I clean the kitchen, play with the olders at the table etc.
GOOD LUCK!

This must be so hard for you. I don't have any advice, because I know you have to do what works (whether that's the sling, or letting her cry a little), but I just wanted to let you know my sister's second baby was the same way. She was always on my sister's hip, and wouldn't go to anyone else, not even dad. And wouldn't let my sister put her down. Today she's about to turn 9, and is a completely normal, healthy kid who is independent! Good luck mama--just remember that it WILL pass.

wow, i thought i was alone. my 9 month old does the same thing. please help us!

have you tried wearing her in a sling?
Also talk, talk, talk to her when she is not in your arms!

YOU have taught her well. She cries, you pick her up. It works so why stop. Dont pick her up when she is crying, ever, unless she is hurt. Dont give her anything, ever, if she is crying. Tell her no and to stop crying. You might think she is too young to understand, but she will by the tone of your voice and the fact that you are ignoring her. The same way we teach babies to cry we can unteach them, but you have to be consistent and patient. She is also not too young for a time out in her crib with the door closed and the music turned up so you cant hear her. Tell her no crying and if she doesnt stop, put her in her room.

We just went through the same thing! My 7 month old would only want me and would cry and scream if I tried to leave her sight or just set her down for a minute to take a break or get something done. It was starting to hurt my boyfriend's feelings because she would do that even if he was holding her or trying to play with her. I admit I liked that she wanted me so much so I let it go on for a day or two before I let my boyfriend (who works with children and is currently going for his master's in psychology) take charge and do some behavioral corrections.
First you have to realize that crying is not going to hurt her (it hurts you more than her because no one likes to hear their baby cry), if you set her down and she starts crying and screaming, you have to stand your ground and not give her any attention-don't even look at her-while she is throwing her fit. If she pauses, even for a moment, that's when you take the opportunity to comfort her and give her affection. If she starts crying again, you stop again and do not give in until she stop crying (again, even if it's only for a second). It was so hard for me, but it did work.
As for the napping, we're using the CIO method and it's only the second day and she seems to be on board already! We put her in her crib and she'll push herself up on her hands for a while looking at the door for us to come get her, but then she's so tired she gives up, lays down, and finally falls asleep. It's all for her benefit in the end, it's best to teach her to be a little self-sufficient in basic things like sleeping. I really hope this helps. Good luck!

I agree that a sling would help- at least your arms would be free! I think you are going to have to steel yourself to a little bit of crying! Put her into a crib or playpen or chair with some snacks for short amounts of time, and stay in the room, cleaning up or getting some snuggle time in with your 3 year old and I agree- TALK to the baby all that time! As long as she hears your voice and can see you there, I think she will get a little more independent, but it will take time. Just do very short little stretches and gradually increase the time she is un-attached from you. Try to make sure she has blocks or board books and maybe a special toy she likes and can ONLY have when she is not in your arms. If she is engaged with a toy or board book, she won't be cat napping and hopefully you can get her to take a bigger nap for you as well. good luck!

This is the age when the attached to hip thing happens. If you can aford to host an au pair for $340 per week they can help you get everything done and care for the kids the way they require. http://egendler.aupairnews.com