Handling a clingy baby can be exhausting for any parent or caregiver. Clinginess is a part of every child’s development. They realize that this person gives them care, and they do not want to be separated from them while they are growing. While this phase is unpleasant, it will pass, and there are a few tips that caregivers can follow to help get through this clingy phase.
Tip 1: Babywear
Babywearing is an easy way to keep the child close and be hands-free to complete the work you need to do every day. Putting a child in a baby sling or carrier can provide comfort to both the parent and child. The parent will be able to finish chores while the baby will feel safe and happy.
Tip 2: Provide Distractions To a Clingy Baby
Distract your child with a toy to lessen the fussiness.
There are moments when a parent must leave their child with another adult. It helps if you leave the child happy and distracted in those cases. One can leave their child satisfied by feeding the baby before handing them over. In addition, distracting the child with a toy or soft blanket is another way to lessen the fussiness.
Tip 3: Stay Close, But Not Too Close
If a parent tries to get chores done around the house and the baby is fussy, they can let the baby see and hear them. You can set the baby up in the kitchen with their favorite playmat or activity chair if you do dishes or cooking. Parents can talk to them or sing to them while working on activities. Most babies just want to feel soothed by their caregiver’s voice and acknowledgement.
Tip 4: Slowly Give Space To Your Clingy Baby
During the day, parents and caregivers can step away from a clingy baby for short periods. Stepping away for a few minutes will allow the child to trust that the parent or caregiver will return. If a child starts getting fussy during this time, the caregiver can talk to the child from another room.
Tip 5: Keep Promises
One way to build trust with your child is to always keep promises. If you tell your child you will be back in a certain amount of time, you should stay true to your word. Eventually, your child will start trusting you enough to leave for more extended periods.
Tip 6: Leave Something Familiar
You can leave something with your child that might remind them of you. For example, if a mother is going on an overnight trip, she can leave a shirt that might smell like her with the child. The caregiver can also give the clingy baby a favorite toy that might remind them of their parent.
Tip 7: Leave The Child With Someone Familiar
Before leaving the child with an unfamiliar babysitter, you can start by having a family member or close friend watch the child. Separating will be hard for a clingy baby. If followed for more extended periods, they might suffer from separation anxiety. So, having someone your baby is familiar with will make things a little better.
Tip 8: Don’t Break Down in Front of the Child
It can be hard watching a little one cry during separation, but it is essential for the parent not to get upset in front of the child. When a child sees their parent upset, it can make them feel unsafe. Staying positive while leaving a child will make them feel more secure.
Tip 9: Let Babies Have Some Independence
Some children get upset when parents leave them but are perfectly fine crawling away from their parents and into another room. The parent should let the child explore their new environment on their own. This builds confidence in the child to be on their own and will hopefully allow them to feel comfortable away from parents.
Tip 10: Start a Routine For a Clingy Baby
Babies do well with routine, and it is never too young to start. Just like a bedtime routine, having a routine when leaving can be beneficial, too. A good routine can include hugging or kissing your child goodbye.
While a clingy baby can be exhausting, the main thing to remember is that it is only temporary. All babies go through the clingy phase whether it is at one-month-old or 18-month-old, but eventually they will realize you always come back.