ADD in babies?

megandscott07 · March 2014

I'm starting to wonder if my son has ADD (11 months.) I'm not sure if this is possible or if it is, if there is even anything I can do about it. Here's why I think this:

Every since he was a tiny baby, he did not allow me to hold him to 'snuggle' or 'cuddle'. He had colic until 13 weeks and during that time, nothing would soothe him
As he got older the only thing that would keep him somewhat content was his swing, although he flailed his arms and legs constantly while in that
He refuses to sit still - therefore he hates his car seat, high chair, getting diaper changed, getting dressed - screams bloody murder whenever restrained in any way
He is constantly moving, literally will not sit still for more than one second - obviously does not allow me to read to him or do anything that requires a bit of calmness
Refused naps (literally) until 9 months old when he finally started taking one morning nap per day

Am I crazy or is it possible for my son to have ADD or something like it? I feel like he is so difficult but I am a FTM so maybe I just don't have a clue. If there is something 'wrong' with him I'd like to address it as early as possible but right now, I feel helpless

camdensmom32 · March 2014

I would bring it up to his pedi. I have often wondered the same thing about Cam. He is constantly on the go and reading to him is out of the question.

superToots · March 2014

I tend to think that's how a lot of boys are. They just have so much energy. I hate to think you're worried about this so early on. My toddler hated being snuggled or confined too. And still will go go go all day long until he passes out. Every child is different. And some require less sleep. I would relax. Embrace your energetic little man!

MsAmeera25 · March 2014

I think that is how most boys are with at least some of the things you describe, I would schedule an appointment with the pedi if you are really concerned

megandscott07 · March 2014

Thanks ladies, your responses make me feel a lot better. I am going to bring this up at his one year appt in a few weeks to see what his pedi says. I certainly hope it is 'normal' and I definitely don't want to be worried if I don't need to be!

Mommymorticia · March 2014

I'm worried about it too, honestly. I have it although it's not severe. I have no idea when it comes about and if it's possible at this point. He won't let me read to him anymore and won't even look at me when I talk to him if we are at the baby play place. I'm trying to tell myself it's normal normal behavior for this age but I do think about it.

skidderdo · March 2014

I think it would be hard to diagnose in an infant since the symptoms really manifest when you have more complex "tasks" to do... I would just chalk it up to "the entire world is new and exciting and I've got too much to see and learn to stay still" but certainly keep an eye on it. Talk to your pedi and maybe he can help you learn more about symptoms of ADHD versus just normal developmental behavior

AprilloMom · March 2014

I honestly think it would be too early to truly diagnose. Seems like normal late infancy/early toddlerhood. They are mobile now and so excited about a new world the explore. My son also hates to snuggle.

it makes me sad to read about moms who have morning snuggles in bed. Stephen crawls all over me, sits on my face, and tries to dive off the bed. He has just recently gotten over his hatred for his car seat. Although he does take pretty good naps he will NOT let me rock him. He will literally push off of me and scream and when i stand next to his crib he leans towards it.
Of course keep an eye on it and mention it to pedi. Maybe they can give you more early symptoms to look for. My brother an sister both have ADD and were diagnosed around 4th grade.

megandscott07 · March 2014

Thank you all for responding. It is very comforting to hear I am not alone and my experience may be somewhat normal. None of my friends IRL have babies like this so it's hard for me to know.

ClandestineX · March 2014

I worry about it too, since my husband has it really bad. I might have it, I control it somewhat with caffeine, I have not been to the doctor about it ever. Just after Connor was born it has gotten to the point where I cannot do anything more than half way anymore, never been this bad.

I hope Connor doesn't inherit it from us. I watch him closely, he does sit there and focus on one task sometimes, so that is a great thing. But I also agree with @Skidderdo , the world is new and exciting and they are able to move on their own now to explore it.

ChicagoBroad26 · March 2014

jthree said:
I've worried about it too. She never sits still. Ever. She has never been a great napper. And my mom is always amazed at how much energy she has and says my brothers and I were never like J. I don't know how much of that is just selective memory or not? But I have no other baby experience so I'm just hoping its normal...

Ava was exactly like this. Never a good napper, never sat still, and literally RAN from the time she could walk. Around 2, she chilled a little. At 3, I see a big difference. She'll never be a docile kid, but some kids are just high energy.

danuli8 · March 2014

Is he getting enough sleep? I would say sleep deprivation might produce the kind of wired, bouncy behavior you are describing. Other than that, I got nothin' but think the PPs had some good advice. My son is less cuddly than he used to be and definitely on the move, though he can and does sit and do one thing for at least a few minutes at a time sometimes.

suedell · March 2014

I would think that sleep has something to do with it, too. Poor sleep can be masked with wired behavior. Even my four year old when he is exhausted will literally run laps around my living room. It's bizarre. I would talk to your dr. But don't panic. Kids change so much as they grow!

megandscott07 · March 2014

danuli8 said:
Is he getting enough sleep? I would say sleep deprivation might produce the kind of wired, bouncy behavior you are describing. Other than that, I got nothin' but think the PPs had some good advice. My son is less cuddly than he used to be and definitely on the move, though he can and does sit and do one thing for at least a few minutes at a time sometimes.

Not sure. He gets 11 hours straight at night plus one 2 hr nap. Refuses any more naps but I still try every day for 1/2 hour.

danuli8 · March 2014

megandscott07 said:

Is he getting enough sleep? I would say sleep deprivation might produce the kind of wired, bouncy behavior you are describing. Other than that, I got nothin' but think the PPs had some good advice. My son is less cuddly than he used to be and definitely on the move, though he can and does sit and do one thing for at least a few minutes at a time sometimes.
Not sure. He gets 11 hours straight at night plus one 2 hr nap. Refuses any more naps but I still try every day for 1/2 hour.

Sounds pretty good to me. 13 hours of sleep is probably enough.

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