almost one year old still wants to be held all the time

ATLinApril

My DS is eleven months and has been super whiney for the past few months - maybe since he was 9 months old.  It started as separation anxiety but now he just wants to be held all.the.time!!  I carry him as much as I can but put him down when I need to help my 3 year old, cook, etc.  I feel like he gets plenty of attention but he will try to climb up me the second I put him down.  He recently started walking and I thought that would help but now he just cries and whines and walks over to me to grab my legs. 

I hoped this was a phase and tried to just pick him up when he starts crying but now I'm concerned that I am reinforcing a bad habit.  Is anyone else going through this?  Any tips?

brighteyes2123

Ds is this way, especially after we've hung out most of the day and then I ask dh to watch him so can either cook or do something without him on my hip. I'm hoping things get better before new baby comes in May... I don't have any tips, sorry :[

SunnyD2011

It can be frustrating but it is normal. Can you wear him?

mben1119

Ds does this sometimes, especially in the morning. I'm figuring and hoping its just a phase.

FabulousMrs.P

DD is this way when she is teething. She just needs to be held and get some hugs.

blu-eyedwife

This happened to me at 11 months too - I think it was teething related, but I ended up having to wear a wrist brace for a couple days.

Then it got better.

But warning, we're now at 12.5 months and the past week have been going through it again.

MollySm

The little girl I nanny went through this around 1. I think she was getting frustrated because she couldn't explain what she wanted. I slowed down, tried to encourage her 'talking', showed her some signs like 'help' a bunch if times (we had been doing them but not consistently), and it's really cut down on the whining. I don't always understand her, in fact I rarely do, but I think she feels like talking is getting her point across because I'm clearly paying attention. She's still a little clingy, but mostly when she's tired.

contourhands

My son is almost 9 months and he started doing this a few weeks ago.  My DH and I decided we were going to get him out of the habit of whining to be picked up so when he comes over and tugs on us to pick him up (and he makes sortof a half cry) we try to redirect him with toys or sortof ignore it any other way we can...I will sit on the floor and give interact with him but I am making an effort not to pick him up when he tugs on me and whines because I truly feel this will reinforce the needy behavior.... it's hard, but my husband is reminding me that this will teach him a healthy habit that will ultimately make him happier and help him to self sooth.  I have noticed a happier little guy since I started doing this and it has only been a week.  HTHs!