How to Stay Sane With a Clingy Baby

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Is your baby clingy?

  My baby is clingy.

Actually, both of my babies have been clingy. 

They demand a lot of attention and when they are not connected to your hip…they will let you know that they are not happy about it!

Right now my daughter is 6 months old and my son will be 3 soon. 

They both demand a lot of attention. 

It can be very challenging trying to balance a clingy baby and a toddler.

It is always a bit deflating when you talk to parents with “easy babies.”  They tell you all about how their baby just lays on the floor playing while they make dinner.

They can put on makeup or fix their hair without their baby screaming the second you put them down.

Why are some babies clingy…and others not?

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ergobaby.   All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. This post may contain affiliate links. To read our full disclosure policy click here.

Why is my baby so clingy all of a sudden?

There are many different reasons that your baby could become clingy all of a sudden.

Here are a few things that could cause clinginess:

• Baby’s temperament
• Separation Anxiety
• Growth Spurt
• Getting Sick
• New Environments
• Baby Milestones
• Teething
• Life Changes
• Child Abuse

Let’s take a look at a few of these things that could be making you as yourself “why is my child so clingy.”

Every Baby Has a Different Temperament

I have seen MANY babies after working as an early childhood special education teacher for 6 years.  One thing I can tell you for sure…is no two babies are the same!

A big part of this is because of their temperament.

Some babies are just easier…and some are harder.

They are just like adults when you think about it.  Everyone handles the world differently.  How you process information and stress is a big part of your personality.

Ever notice how some babies just nod off to sleep just about anywhere while other babies have to be shushed, rocked, and cuddled in order to get a snooze in?

It all comes down to how your baby responds to stimuli that they are presented with.  Some babies require more interaction and some seem to like being on their own more.

What should you do if you have a high-needs baby?

There are a few different strategies that you can try out in order to keep your high-needs baby happy. 

Not sure if you have a “high needs” baby? 

Click here to read more about the features you can expect from a high-needs baby.

Does your baby cry every time you put them down?

I know everyone wants to have ripped and toned arms…however holding your baby all day long may not be the best way to get there!

I have found myself trying to do things around the house while holding my velcro baby…only to end up in pain.

I am usually in an awkward position with bad posture when I attempt this.

Using a carrier makes it easier on your body…which it will thank you for.

If you get a supportive carrier (like this) it will help prevent all the aches and pains you would get from holding your baby all day long.

Is a growth spurt making your baby clingy?

What do babies need when they are in a growth spurt?  Food…and lots of it! 

If you are breastfeeding and your baby is suddenly super clingy they may be about to put on some weight.

If they are wanting to nurse all the time…then that is probably what is going on. 

However, if you feel like your baby is struggling to eat by choking, gagging, or dripping milk when they breast or bottle feed then you need to contact your doctor.

Illness Can Cause Sudden Clingyness

I have definitely encountered this before.

  Out of nowhere, my baby is fussy and I just can’t seem to make them happy. 

They want LOTS of extra snuggles.

I start asking myself why is my baby so clingy today? 

They were just fine yesterday!

They aren’t sleeping well (or sometimes they sleep a lot.)  These are all signs they could be coming down with a bug.

Look for any signs of sickness and take their temperature.  If they are sick…make sure you give them all the snuggles to make them feel better.

New Environments Can Cause a Clingy Baby

Does your little one seem to get fussy when you bring them somewhere new?

Sometimes new environments with new people can be overstimulating to babies.

My baby is so clingy now when she meets new people.  You can tell she realizes the difference between people she knows…and she doesn’t!

Try to make your baby feel safe by staying near them and gently exploring what is around them.  Don’t just hand them off to someone that they are not comfortable with.

Bring your baby to new places when they are well rested and fed if possible.

New Milestones Can Cause a Clingy Baby

You may notice that your baby sometimes wants to be with you ALL the time…while other times they could care less if you were near.

Some developmental milestones may cause a “clingy” response such as when they become aware of strangers which happens around 5-8 months.

I used the Wonder Weeks App (You can check it out here) to monitor when my little one may be hitting a  developmental leap which usually equaled fussiness and less sleep.

I have to say..with both of my children, it has been spot on.

Fussiness From Teething

Anytime your baby is uncomfortable or experiencing pain, you can expect some clinginess to occur.

Teething is a long process and all babies react differently to it. 

It can affect sleep and the overall mood of your baby. 

It also seems that once you finally see that little tooth poke through…there is another one trying to work its way out!

Signs Your Baby Could Be Teething:

• Fussy
• Frequent Night Wakings
• Crying
• Hands in mouth
• Increased Drool
• Mouthing Objects
• Changes in feeding and appetite

Give your baby some extra snuggles and try to make them comfortable while they are getting teeth. 

Try giving them a cool wet washcloth to soothe their sore gums or you can try some other remedies like THESE.

Life Changes Impact Babies

When my son was almost a year old we moved across the county. 

6 weeks prior to the move my husband lived in the new location to work while I finished up my job and coordinated the move.

It was a long 6 weeks and I could definitely see a change in my son. 

Once we made the move my son became SUPER clingy. 

I was by his side ALL day long and when I would leave the room for a second he was not happy. 

Looking back on it now I can see just how much change he experienced in a short amount of time. 

He was separated from his father, moved to a new house, and stopped going to childcare. 

Not to mention a long trip across the country.

I was stressed out from all of it and I am sure he could sense that which most likely impacted him as well.

If you notice your baby acting differently and you have something big going on it could be the cause. 

Here are some examples:

• Moving
• Separation
• Passing of a friend or family member
• New childcare
• New pet
• New sibling
• A significant change in schedule 

Abusive Caregiver

As parents we don’t even want to think that this could be the cause of a clingy baby…but it is something we should be aware of.

If your baby is suddenly acting differently and you cannot figure out why this is something you need to consider if people other than you take care of your child.

Always make sure to do an in-depth interview with whoever is taking care of your child.  Stop by expectantly and see how the caregiver reacts. 

Always listen to your gut as a parent and if something doesn’t feel right then you need to investigate.

Signs of Abuse in Young Children

• Sudden behavior changes
• Not wanting to attend childcare
• Change in appetite
• Unexplained bruises, scratches, or other injuries

You can read more about the signs of abuse in babies and toddlers HERE.

What to Do With a Clingy Baby

When do babies get clingy?

It really could be anytime. 

You could have a clingy baby 6 months in…9 months in…or earlier…or later!

Babies are all different and what happens to them and around them will affect each of them in their own way.

Use a Baby Carrier to Keep a Fussy or Clingy Baby Content

Babies want to be close to their parents…there is no doubt about it!

  I know there are babies that will lay on the floor and play contently but neither of my babies has been that way.

If I try to go and complete a quick task…they end up wailing for me to come back.

A baby carrier can be a lifesaver if you have a high-needs baby.  Especially since they really like to be near or with their parents at all times.

Baby wearing Can Help if Your Baby Has Colic

Have you ever experienced colic in the early weeks?

  With my son, I did not. 

With my daughter….it was a different story.

She cried all day unless being held with white noise near her while I did laps around the house.

It was a struggle and the days were long. 

The only positive to this scenario was that my baby weight melted off fast!

I recently received THIS carrier from Ergobaby to try out and it has become my new favorite. 

You can use it from when your newborn weighs 7lbs on and you DO NOT need any special inserts to support them.

It is a structured carrier that provides lots of support to both you and your baby.

One of my least favorite parts of baby-wearing is how hot I get from it!  My baby is almost 20lbs so it doesn’t take much to work up a sweat. 

However, with this mesh carrier (you can check it out here) baby and I both remain cool.  I have tested it out with many trips to the park this summer!

Always make sure to read all the instructions before using any carrier.

Move With Your Baby

Some babies seem to calm through movement. 

This could mean putting them in the stroller for a walk, sitting in a rocking chair, or doing gentle exercises while you have your little one in a lightweight carrier.

Having a fussy baby can be very stressful. 

Exercise can help you stay calm and feel good as well.

Take a Look At Your Baby’s Diet

Keep an eye on your baby’s diet and take note of any foods that could be causing tummy issues.

  If you are breastfeeding pay attention to what you are eating as well.

Make a list of the foods you introduce and any change in behavior that may come with it. 

If you notice more fussiness with certain foods you may want to cut those out for a while to see if things improve. 

Always talk to your doctor when having questions about your baby’s nutritional needs.

Change of Scenery

If your baby is fussy all day at home, try going somewhere new.

Take them out with you to run errands and see if they respond differently in a new environment.  

RELATED POST: Best Baby Toys for Fine Motor Development

Places to Take Your Baby

• Shopping mall
• Grocery Store
• Zoo
• Restaraunt
• Coffee House
• Farmer’s Market
• Park
• Museum
• Pet Store
• Parenting Education Class
• Playdate
• Mom and Baby Workout Class
• Botanical Garden
• Beach

Turn On Music or White Noise

Music has been a wonderful way to change the mood when either of my littles are cranky. 

Putting on some upbeat happy tunes may lift everyone’s mood (including yours) and provide your baby with a pleasant distraction.

Try out different types of tunes to see what they respond to. 

You can try out a classic, country, or even spa music for calming effect (this is where I get my tunes.)

Change Your Baby’s position

If they are fussing in their infant seat then it may be time to try some floor time.

Put them on a baby crawling mat for some tummy time.  

Tummy time is great for strengthening their muscles that will someday help them crawl, sit, stand, and walk!

This could help get some gas out if that is what is causing your little one to be fussy.

You can read more about how often to do tummy time here.

Involve Your Partner in Caring For Your Baby

Caring for a fussy or unhappy baby can be worn.  Make sure you get some breaks in. 

Enlist your partner to help with the baby both during the day and at night so that you can get some respite. 

Daddy and baby time is needed so that they can bond.  

Leave your little one at home with dad while you go run errands or take a workout class. 

Get out of the house by yourself if you feel like you need some alone time. 

Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  If you have family or friends near by ask them to babysit so you can get a break.

If that isn’t an option look for a babysitter or childcare option that will work for your family.

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