You’re the most important thing in their life, and sometimes the only way for them to tell you is by crying when you leave them.
– Laura Bentley
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My sweet, chill baby just entered week 25 and now, all of a sudden, she cries when I put her down and fusses when I am out of sight. Rest assured, this is just a phase! You may be one-handedly eating dinner, preparing bottles, or doing laundry with your baby in your arms, but this is temporary. I’m supposed to tell you to enjoy every minute of holding them because it doesn’t last forever, but, in all honesty, it’s sometimes frustrating when you can’t put them down for a second before they start whining for you. I’ve reflected on what I’ve done with my first baby and what I am now doing with my second, and here are some of the ways I’ve learned to manage during this clingy stage.
Related: “The Ultimate Checklist for Baby Must-Haves“
1. Baby Wear
This was essential for me during the first weeks of my newborn’s life! It allowed both my babies to take a nap (especially when it had to be a cat nap and I knew they’d have a tough time falling asleep on their own). Wearing your baby is still helpful when they are older! I use the Moby Ring Sling Carrier now with my almost 6-month-old and it helps support her weight while I do simple tasks. She stays happy snug up against me and I can get little things done. I also used the Solly Baby Wrap a TON when she was younger. Now that she is older, I find that the Moby Wrap lets her move around a little more.
2. Give them toys that they can easily hold or mouth
Especially ones made of baby paper that can also be mouthed! I keep a bag of these in both my family room and playroom and I’m constantly rotating through them. My toddler even knows to chuck them into the sink for me to wash if the baby has spat up on them or has dropped them too many times. My favorites are Plush Teething Toys, teething rings, Nuby Teethers, or Ice Gel Teether Keys. They score extra points for me if they can be put in the freezer. I always have a Nuby Teether in the freezer for desperate times.
3. Put them in a bouncer where they can see you
When my baby is clingy but active, I put her in her BabyBjörn Bouncer right next to where I am sitting or if I’m cooking, I put her at the entrance of the kitchen where she can see me. I’m usually talking or making silly faces at her when she’s in here and most importantly – I give her a couple of fun toys (like those mentioned above). This bouncer comes with a toy bar, which she also plays with, but the extra toys keep her happy and busy for longer.
4. Walk around with your baby
When I feel as though my baby won’t last long in a bouncer, I resort to just walking around the house for a couple of minutes. During this clingy phase, all she wants to do is be in my arms, and by walking around, she’s also able to see new things. Since I am a huge multi-tasker, I use these minutes to pick up around the house. Usually, after a little bit of this, I can put her down somewhere for a while.
5. Sing to your baby!
No matter how old your baby is, they love to hear your voice! There will be times when they will not be interested in this (maybe their belly hurts, they’re hungry, or tired), but if your baby is being clingy, then this might help calm them down. One of my go-to songs is “Open Shut Them”. This usually makes my baby smile and my toddler will get involved, too. I also sang this song with my first baby and she eventually learned the movements for it since I did them every time. It’s crazy to see how much they learn from you without you even realizing it.
6. Put them on a mat and lay down next to them
I have a House of Noa mat in the playroom that I love! It’s so easy to clean and both my babies have been able to roll, crawl, and now play on it. Your baby will love seeing you lay next to them if they are going through a clingy phase. My baby will constantly reach out to touch my face and will roll over onto her belly to see me better. Once again, I always have fun toys for her spread around the mat so she stays engaged.
7. Put them in the stroller
If both you and your baby need to reset – go for a walk. Even if it’s cold out, you can bundle up your baby, put a blanket on them, and take them outside for some fresh air. If your street isn’t walkable, take them to the mall. There’s so much for them to see from their stroller and you’ll be thankful to get out of the house for a bit. Leaving the house might be a more complex task with babies, toddlers, or both, but sometimes it’s exactly what you all need!
The Bottom Line
The clingy phase is tough, so just remember to be patient with both your baby and yourself. I’ve accepted the fact that there will be some days that I basically get nothing done, and that’s okay. Your baby needs you and they just want to spend time with you. You’re the most important thing in their life, and sometimes the only way for them to tell you is by crying when you leave them. Even if it’s just for a second.
