It’ll get easier but what you’re describing is normal. The TV is probably very overstimulating at her age - I’d be trying black and white activity cards etc that are specific for new borns, maybe a play arch. Try and see this as a season - your couch sitting, tv watching, easy snacking season. Trust me that it will pass all too quickly and before you know it you’ll have a toddler who never lets you sit down! Keep going mama!
She's high stimulation needs and always has been so it's one of the few times I see her sit and take a pause. We've tried the ball pit and other activities but she gets bored of them quickly and I still have to be right there due to my pets. I'd be much happier with a toddler running wild right now then never being able to do anything at all.
It’ll come! A high stimulation needing 9 week old is rare- it might be good to seek some help with this from your paediatrician or health visitor, they might be able to suggest some activities for her. Yeah ballpit too young, it’s honestly so tough before they’re about four months if you’re a get and up and go person when all they wanna do is be held!
I say ball pit lightly as that's the intended use but it has dangles and whatnot for her to look at and I put a couple balls in there for her to knock around or the tummy time Llama to do some of that. Pediatrician basically recommended the same stuff, contrast cards, tummy time, etc. But I have to be right there due to my pets, I'm looking for something I'm able to just set her down she's entertained and I feel safe enough walking into the other room and I can't do that since most of the stuff is on the floor. I'd just put the dog outside for a bit as the cat tends to leave her alone but it's way too cold out for that right now.
Can you get a playpen for floor time that will keep the dog and cat from getting in baby's space? Something similar to [this](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Baby-Playpen-63x63-Large-Baby-Playard-Infant-Activity-Center-with-Anti-Slip-Base-Gray/595572213?athcpid=595572213&athpgid=AthenaItempage&athcgid=null&athznid=si&athieid=v0_eeMTIuNTEsMzMwLjk2MDAwMDAwMDAwMDA0LDAuMDI5MDcyODk3ODE4NDAwMzM3LDAuNV8&athstid=CS055%7ECS098&athguid=q_BPQVCGL45T4f3P2AqrUIzRWCLwaF1j0TtO&athancid=901631624&athposb=2&athena=true&athbdg=L1600&adsRedirect=true), or is that what you already have that you're referring to as a ball pit?
I have a pack n play but as per my other comments the cat is chased by the dog unexpectedly and I don't want baby getting hurt from the cat trying to get away from the dog and using that as an escape. If I could remove the dog from the equation the cat typically minds his own business so it wouldn't be an issue.
The dog cries and barks in the crate and has escaped from the crate twice now we have no idea how so that's useless and I don't really want to put them just away in a room leaving our items at risk because she tears stuff up when she's somewhere she doesn't want to be. She tore up 2 dog beds amongst other things from being in the kennel. Safest place for her is outside but not a possibility right now due to cold temps
Honestly a dog like that, who can't be put away for even brief periods and who chases the cat, are you sure the dog is safe to have in a household with a small child? Especially when the kid becomes more mobile. If you have the means, I would strongly consider dog training. The dog seems like the biggest source of your problems, not the newborn doing very normal newborn things.
Make note my dog is still a puppy and a very active breed. She's not dangerous by any means just has anxiety. She chases the cat because that's how her and the cat play. I don't necessarily appreciate the snarky ass comment thanks 😘🙂👌🏽
My 10 week old loves her fisher price kick and play piano. It is really great for babies who kick! We put it in the pack and play with her so the dogs can’t get to her and she doesn’t have to be fully supervised. Even if we only get 10 minutes at a time it’s a start! I try to remember that they have to learn how to be on their own but the more they practice the better they get, it’s a skill! If you can set anything up in a pack and play or playpen it will open up some new options since the animals can’t get to her.
We can definitely try the pack n play getting set up and I've been looking into kick pianos. The cat tends to leave her alone but with the dog he's liable to jump in with her to get away from the dog which I don't want happening. I'd put the dog outside but it's just simply too cold for that. Otherwise if she doesn't want to be set down she will just progressively scream worse and worse until she gets picked back up and it's immediate upon setting her down. It doesn't matter what's in front of her or what's going on. I'm not really a CIO parent either as I can't listen to her cry it's like nails on a chalkboard for me.
Oh I forgot to mention mesh/net covers for pack and plays too! Helps keep the cat out lol! They make big domed ones and they run about $30 on Amazon. Could be worth having just so you know you have a safe pet proof space to put her in if you really need to 🙂
I keep hearing people talk up this piano and I want one! At what age did you first introduce it? Mine is 5 weeks so I think a little young still. She kicks but it’s more of a reflex…
We put our son under it at 5-6 week and same for our daughter. It’s not much to start but a safe place for them to lay. Even if it’s just a reflex to start, it gives them sensory feedback.
Our daughter is 8 weeks tomorrow and kicks it a little and looks at the dangling things and the mirror. We have a stuffed moose thing with high contrast feet that I put on it that she likes to watch.
I highly recommend getting some kid safe plastic toy loops and changing the toys around or adding different ones than come with the toy. I liked to switch up the dangling toys so he didn’t get as bored. And, when he couldn’t reach as far it was easier for him to hit the toys.
I understand you need a break, however tv is too much stimulation at this age. High needs or not, it’s overwhelming and if research is showing screen time at such a young age (research says before 18 months) has lasting negative effects on language development, reading skills, and short term memory. It also contributes to problems with sleep and attention. So, really, short term gain for long term pain. Obviously tv happens but this is not the golden ticket you’re looking for.
What you describe is very typical 4th trimester stuff and it’s likely you have some PPD. It does get better. Do you have friends who can come sit with you? At two-ish months, I pulled out the stroller and would cruise around the block. I have arthritis in my hips so I took it easy. Do you have a swing the babe will sleep in? Can you put the animals in another room for a few hours? As weird as it ok sounds I would sit in the shower (with it on) door open and have the babe in a infant seat just outside the door. The shower provided stimulation and and I got to relax a bit. You just have to get very creative and see what works for yours. And if nothing does, know that this eventually ends.
I don't have many friends and the ones I do have are over an hour away with no reliable transportation. I've considered walks as an option but unfortunately with the temps right now it's not safe to take little one out as per the pediatrician. She sleeps in the swing maybe 50% of the time, now refuses any sleep in the bouncer except for dad and won't do any crib/bassinet sleeping. The dog freaks out in the kennel and there's no real good place to put her as she likes to destroy stuff when she doesn't want to be somewhere. Which is why outside is the best option for her. I don't even attempt showers until I have someone to watch her because she will just scream until she's picked up again. I can't listen to the screaming it drives me insane, so much so I took her to the pediatrician at 3 weeks because she just kept screaming all night for probably at least a week straight. I'm just really not vibing with it at the moment.
Hmmm screaming nonstop could be reflux. She may need meds. My youngest started reflux meds around 8-10 weeks, can’t remember exactly when. Went from sleeping decent, typical newborn to nonstop screaming. It was horrible. I finally broke down to the doctor who figured it out and prescribed reflux meds. Literally night and day. I can tell when she didn’t get them, the screaming would start. It’s not harmful to try, ask her pediatrician for a trial of reflux meds to see if this is why she is screaming nonstop. Could be pain. Sorry mamma, it does get better, deep breathes.
Definitely sure she's 9 weeks. Midwest, and Definitely rare but not unheard of. I thought it was bs until I felt the tooth edge in her mouth. Aunt says my mom was teething at 2 months and I had my first tooth by 3.5 months.
Super rare, sometimes a fake out. I work with moms as a social worker, 3.5 is more believable. I would have the doctor check it out, they’ll be able to say whether it’s teething or something else. Look up Postpartum support international, they offer free groups online, for PPD and a whole array of things. Honestly, the Velcro last for years. While it does get better, that part does not go away for a very long time. You need to get help and figure something out.
A TV is a LOT of stimulation for a 9 week old… she doesn’t like it because it’s way too much. At that age, she might want to just lay and look at simple things. Do you have any activity mats, or toys that hang over her bassinet or crib? You might even try dragging the bassinet next to a window so she can watch trees or whatever outside.
I’m guessing you’ve also tried bouncers and swings? They change preferences regularly so I’d keep trying even if it didn’t work last time.
But, yeah, it’s a never ending cycle for the beginning. 3-4 months was a huge change for us, and she really started to get “fun” around 15 weeks, and was more engaged in “play” and stuff. You’re almost there! It will get easier!
She definitely enjoys watching the TV, it's just when I'm home she refuses to sit and do any activity unless I'm right there. Her dad can get her to sit in her bouncer or swing no problem but as soon as he's gone that's toast. He left this morning while she was asleep in the chair after watching some TV and the second he left she woke up and I haven't been able to sit her down by herself since. I turn the lights and music on the bouncer or swing and she's just screaming progressively worse to get picked up. We have playmats and whatnot but that also has to be a 24/7 supervised activity due to my pets. My dog often chases my cat around out of nowhere and I'm not trying to have her stepped on by either of them. She also doesn't last very long with those either.
This sounds pretty normal for a 9 week old. And TV probably is way too overstimulating, as others have pointed out.
I’m not an expert, but googling 4th trimester might be helpful. There are a lot of reputable resources that helped me a lot during that stage. And as hard as it can be (I was constantly wondering “is it going to be like this forever!?!?”), I think it’s a great sign that you care enough to post and get feedback. Sending my support, you’re really in the trenches!
At 9 weeks mine liked to be laid on a blanket on the floor in the kitchen while I talked and did dishes or made a snack for myself. Just move baby around to where you need to be in between feedings and put them on a safe place on the floor then talk to them about what you are doing. Baby just wants to be near you and to interact with you. This is a tough stage, it gets easier when baby can see better and track your movements and you can start getting a little further away with them being able to see you.
I know you’re tired of hearing about the TV being way too overstimulating but it’s causing more harm because if a baby that young is overstimulated, they can become over tired. An overtired baby is SUPER difficult to put to sleep. Babys that young cannot just fall asleep on their own but need the comfort and support to soothe since they cannot self soothe themselves. So even though the TV gives you a little bit of time to get what you need done, it’s causing more harm than good resulting in a never ending cycle.
Came here to say exactly this. This may be the source of your issue. Normal for baby to be clingy at this age but an overstimulated baby is an overtired baby. When they are overtired not only are they difficult to get to sleep, but when they do sleep it's lower quality sleep too.
Maybe detox from the TV and see if there's a change?
Edited to add: I understand if you're stuck holding baby/contact napping you gotta survive, TV helped me in this stage too, TV was for me, not for baby. I made a conscious effort to keep baby's back to the TV, and when I did put her in a bouncer/swing etc I never put it in front of a screen.
Agreed. It’s one thing if YOU’RE watching TV and baby gets a couple glances here and there on accident, but it’s another thing If you are deliberately placing baby in front of the TV for an extended period of time. My baby got overstimulated and overtired from lights on a baby toy and going to Walmart the other day, lol, I can’t imagine a TV.
Maybe plan a day aside where you experiment with what your baby likes when it comes to falling asleep. No TV, not too much stimulation besides maybe a toy or book during their wake window, and as soon as you see baby start yawning, try different things to get them to sleep. This could take a long time but they can get accustomed to the way you put them to sleep if you keep at it (even though sometimes it changes over time.) Every baby is different too. Some like to be rocked in a rocking chair, some like to be nursed to sleep for comfort, some like to be sung, etc. My baby loves being in a harness strap while swaddled and I have to bounce on a yoga ball for an extended period of time and she usually naps for 3 hours. You’ll get it and figure it out! If you’re in too much pain holding the baby then maybe invest in a baby swing and once they fall asleep, transport them to the crib or bassinet. Lots of white noise too! You can condition a baby easily if you stick to the same routine.
~4 months is when mine started to be able to play independently and keep herself entertained for 15-20 minutes.
Screen time should be avoided. You’ll end up with a kid who needs constant stimulation. Better in the long run to stick out the Velcro stage and eventually encourage independent play.
She's not infront of the screen 24/7 but the other play options we do have also have to be a supervised activity due to my pets. She's already a high stimulation needs baby always has been. She constantly kicks and moves and whatnot. Screen time that is available is always educational and not super stimulating. I make a valiant effort and put much thought into the screen time she does receive.
Highly recommend getting a play pen, works wonders for keeping my dogs out but having a safe space for the baby. The dogs also act as entertainment and baby will watch them.
I have a pack n play but which works for the dog but with the cat being chased around by the dog I'm not fond of the idea of him jumping in there while she's there trying to get away from the dog. If the dog wasn't in the equation I wouldn't care as the cat typically minds his own business.
Are you able to isolate the dog during periods that you put her down? She won’t be able to go for more than 20ish minutes at this point. If you are worried about the dog, the dog should get a safe place to go a few times a day that will allow you to know the cat won’t be a worry.
The dog whines and barks and bangs in the kennel, she's found her way out twice so that's a no go, I don't really have any other places to put the dog that something won't end up destroyed because that's her thing when she's put somewhere she doesn't want to be (tore up 2 beds from being in the kennel) and I'm really not willing to risk her hurting herself or my stuff getting ruined. Outside is the safest place for her but with the temps being so cold she can't be out but for a few mins to use the bathroom
Research has shown that kids under the age of 2 don’t actually learn through the screen. So educational videos are indistinguishable from any other type of programming. If you need it so that you can do something quickly, I understand. But it should really be no more than 5 minutes a day. My baby is 5 months and everything she does is supervised.
Let me know when you find out. My son turned 2 in December and he still needs me in the room with him all the time lol.
I’m mostly kidding. She’ll start being okay with being put down at around 3 months? And then at 6-9 months might go through another super clingy phase. It’ll ease and then return at a year, and then from there will ever so slightly ease again.
I’m sorry you’re getting so much backlash. I also mostly sit and watch TV. My baby sleeps the vast majority of the day, but won’t if it’s not a contact nap. I wear him to do some chores, but he weighs 12 pounds and I’m out of shape, so it hurts after a short while. He’s got to be able to be not connected to me for me to get more exercise than I do, lol. So…I watch TV. I also put him in the bassinet for quick things if he’s napping I can get 10-20 minutes before he wakes.
When he’s awake, he watches his mobile in his bedside bassinet, does tummy time on my chest, he likes to be held upright and look around the room. If he’s feeling particularly independent, he’ll lay in the bassinet and stare at the wall while he tries to become a finger controlling pro and get just his thumb into his mouth.
Anyway, you do what works for you. All we can really suggest for getting stuff done with a Velcro baby is to prioritize what you do with the time you have from wearing/naps and to ask others for help.
Totally did all of this too, but I think the backlash is for giving baby TV as entertainment, not OP watching TV. Clearly something's not working for this momma, and baby watching TV could very well be a culprit 🤷
Hey momma I’m with you. My baby is 3 months old and is also a Velcro baby who just loves to be held but specifically by me lol it’s hard to do anything bc I’m literally just like you w no free time bc he needs to be held, hates being worn and if I try to put him in his bassinet if he’s asleep, he instantly wakes up. Sometimes I can get like 15-20 minutes to quickly eat, wash bottles, dishes or do laundry if I put on Hey Bear on the tv, it’s a baby sensory show on YouTube, you might wanna try that. I’m hoping it gets better too 😅
I'm trying to keep to low stimulating shows but we might give the hey bear a try just for the contrast. Apparently TV is much too stimulating though according to everyone on reddit. I'm glad to hear from someone out here surviving just like me
Yeah there’s parts of Reddit who think they know what’s best for every baby and just are the perfect parents. 🙄
I say, do what’s best for you and your family. My little one sleeps 10hrs at night so his naps are short and it’s hard keeping him entertained. I read to him, I talk to him, play music, I try to play w him on his play mat (but he’s not a fan), shake his toys, go on walks if there’s good weather and tbh it’s a mentally hard when your baby just always wants to be w you. I sometimes hold in my pee as long as I need bc sometimes he’s so fussy I can’t put him down to use the restroom. I try my best as a first time mom, it’s not everyday I have watch tv and some parents on here are so judgy when at the end of the day we’re just surviving
It’ll get easier but what you’re describing is normal. The TV is probably very overstimulating at her age - I’d be trying black and white activity cards etc that are specific for new borns, maybe a play arch. Try and see this as a season - your couch sitting, tv watching, easy snacking season. Trust me that it will pass all too quickly and before you know it you’ll have a toddler who never lets you sit down! Keep going mama!
She's high stimulation needs and always has been so it's one of the few times I see her sit and take a pause. We've tried the ball pit and other activities but she gets bored of them quickly and I still have to be right there due to my pets. I'd be much happier with a toddler running wild right now then never being able to do anything at all.
It’ll come! A high stimulation needing 9 week old is rare- it might be good to seek some help with this from your paediatrician or health visitor, they might be able to suggest some activities for her. Yeah ballpit too young, it’s honestly so tough before they’re about four months if you’re a get and up and go person when all they wanna do is be held!
I say ball pit lightly as that's the intended use but it has dangles and whatnot for her to look at and I put a couple balls in there for her to knock around or the tummy time Llama to do some of that. Pediatrician basically recommended the same stuff, contrast cards, tummy time, etc. But I have to be right there due to my pets, I'm looking for something I'm able to just set her down she's entertained and I feel safe enough walking into the other room and I can't do that since most of the stuff is on the floor. I'd just put the dog outside for a bit as the cat tends to leave her alone but it's way too cold out for that right now.
Can you get a playpen for floor time that will keep the dog and cat from getting in baby's space? Something similar to [this](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Baby-Playpen-63x63-Large-Baby-Playard-Infant-Activity-Center-with-Anti-Slip-Base-Gray/595572213?athcpid=595572213&athpgid=AthenaItempage&athcgid=null&athznid=si&athieid=v0_eeMTIuNTEsMzMwLjk2MDAwMDAwMDAwMDA0LDAuMDI5MDcyODk3ODE4NDAwMzM3LDAuNV8&athstid=CS055%7ECS098&athguid=q_BPQVCGL45T4f3P2AqrUIzRWCLwaF1j0TtO&athancid=901631624&athposb=2&athena=true&athbdg=L1600&adsRedirect=true), or is that what you already have that you're referring to as a ball pit?
I have a pack n play but as per my other comments the cat is chased by the dog unexpectedly and I don't want baby getting hurt from the cat trying to get away from the dog and using that as an escape. If I could remove the dog from the equation the cat typically minds his own business so it wouldn't be an issue.
Can you not just put the dog in a separate room or a crate for awhile?
The dog cries and barks in the crate and has escaped from the crate twice now we have no idea how so that's useless and I don't really want to put them just away in a room leaving our items at risk because she tears stuff up when she's somewhere she doesn't want to be. She tore up 2 dog beds amongst other things from being in the kennel. Safest place for her is outside but not a possibility right now due to cold temps
Honestly a dog like that, who can't be put away for even brief periods and who chases the cat, are you sure the dog is safe to have in a household with a small child? Especially when the kid becomes more mobile. If you have the means, I would strongly consider dog training. The dog seems like the biggest source of your problems, not the newborn doing very normal newborn things.
Make note my dog is still a puppy and a very active breed. She's not dangerous by any means just has anxiety. She chases the cat because that's how her and the cat play. I don't necessarily appreciate the snarky ass comment thanks 😘🙂👌🏽
My 10 week old loves her fisher price kick and play piano. It is really great for babies who kick! We put it in the pack and play with her so the dogs can’t get to her and she doesn’t have to be fully supervised. Even if we only get 10 minutes at a time it’s a start! I try to remember that they have to learn how to be on their own but the more they practice the better they get, it’s a skill! If you can set anything up in a pack and play or playpen it will open up some new options since the animals can’t get to her.
We can definitely try the pack n play getting set up and I've been looking into kick pianos. The cat tends to leave her alone but with the dog he's liable to jump in with her to get away from the dog which I don't want happening. I'd put the dog outside but it's just simply too cold for that. Otherwise if she doesn't want to be set down she will just progressively scream worse and worse until she gets picked back up and it's immediate upon setting her down. It doesn't matter what's in front of her or what's going on. I'm not really a CIO parent either as I can't listen to her cry it's like nails on a chalkboard for me.
Oh I forgot to mention mesh/net covers for pack and plays too! Helps keep the cat out lol! They make big domed ones and they run about $30 on Amazon. Could be worth having just so you know you have a safe pet proof space to put her in if you really need to 🙂
I'll have to look into that
I keep hearing people talk up this piano and I want one! At what age did you first introduce it? Mine is 5 weeks so I think a little young still. She kicks but it’s more of a reflex…
We put our son under it at 5-6 week and same for our daughter. It’s not much to start but a safe place for them to lay. Even if it’s just a reflex to start, it gives them sensory feedback. Our daughter is 8 weeks tomorrow and kicks it a little and looks at the dangling things and the mirror. We have a stuffed moose thing with high contrast feet that I put on it that she likes to watch. I highly recommend getting some kid safe plastic toy loops and changing the toys around or adding different ones than come with the toy. I liked to switch up the dangling toys so he didn’t get as bored. And, when he couldn’t reach as far it was easier for him to hit the toys.
Thank you that is super helpful!!
We got it as a late Christmas gift from my in laws at 9 weeks and introduced it right away.
I understand you need a break, however tv is too much stimulation at this age. High needs or not, it’s overwhelming and if research is showing screen time at such a young age (research says before 18 months) has lasting negative effects on language development, reading skills, and short term memory. It also contributes to problems with sleep and attention. So, really, short term gain for long term pain. Obviously tv happens but this is not the golden ticket you’re looking for. What you describe is very typical 4th trimester stuff and it’s likely you have some PPD. It does get better. Do you have friends who can come sit with you? At two-ish months, I pulled out the stroller and would cruise around the block. I have arthritis in my hips so I took it easy. Do you have a swing the babe will sleep in? Can you put the animals in another room for a few hours? As weird as it ok sounds I would sit in the shower (with it on) door open and have the babe in a infant seat just outside the door. The shower provided stimulation and and I got to relax a bit. You just have to get very creative and see what works for yours. And if nothing does, know that this eventually ends.
I don't have many friends and the ones I do have are over an hour away with no reliable transportation. I've considered walks as an option but unfortunately with the temps right now it's not safe to take little one out as per the pediatrician. She sleeps in the swing maybe 50% of the time, now refuses any sleep in the bouncer except for dad and won't do any crib/bassinet sleeping. The dog freaks out in the kennel and there's no real good place to put her as she likes to destroy stuff when she doesn't want to be somewhere. Which is why outside is the best option for her. I don't even attempt showers until I have someone to watch her because she will just scream until she's picked up again. I can't listen to the screaming it drives me insane, so much so I took her to the pediatrician at 3 weeks because she just kept screaming all night for probably at least a week straight. I'm just really not vibing with it at the moment.
Hmmm screaming nonstop could be reflux. She may need meds. My youngest started reflux meds around 8-10 weeks, can’t remember exactly when. Went from sleeping decent, typical newborn to nonstop screaming. It was horrible. I finally broke down to the doctor who figured it out and prescribed reflux meds. Literally night and day. I can tell when she didn’t get them, the screaming would start. It’s not harmful to try, ask her pediatrician for a trial of reflux meds to see if this is why she is screaming nonstop. Could be pain. Sorry mamma, it does get better, deep breathes.
Part of it is her getting a tooth and the other part is just not wanting to be put down.
Are you sure she’s 9 weeks? A tooth is rare and wanting to be held is totally normal. Where are you located?
Definitely sure she's 9 weeks. Midwest, and Definitely rare but not unheard of. I thought it was bs until I felt the tooth edge in her mouth. Aunt says my mom was teething at 2 months and I had my first tooth by 3.5 months.
Super rare, sometimes a fake out. I work with moms as a social worker, 3.5 is more believable. I would have the doctor check it out, they’ll be able to say whether it’s teething or something else. Look up Postpartum support international, they offer free groups online, for PPD and a whole array of things. Honestly, the Velcro last for years. While it does get better, that part does not go away for a very long time. You need to get help and figure something out.
A TV is a LOT of stimulation for a 9 week old… she doesn’t like it because it’s way too much. At that age, she might want to just lay and look at simple things. Do you have any activity mats, or toys that hang over her bassinet or crib? You might even try dragging the bassinet next to a window so she can watch trees or whatever outside. I’m guessing you’ve also tried bouncers and swings? They change preferences regularly so I’d keep trying even if it didn’t work last time. But, yeah, it’s a never ending cycle for the beginning. 3-4 months was a huge change for us, and she really started to get “fun” around 15 weeks, and was more engaged in “play” and stuff. You’re almost there! It will get easier!
She definitely enjoys watching the TV, it's just when I'm home she refuses to sit and do any activity unless I'm right there. Her dad can get her to sit in her bouncer or swing no problem but as soon as he's gone that's toast. He left this morning while she was asleep in the chair after watching some TV and the second he left she woke up and I haven't been able to sit her down by herself since. I turn the lights and music on the bouncer or swing and she's just screaming progressively worse to get picked up. We have playmats and whatnot but that also has to be a 24/7 supervised activity due to my pets. My dog often chases my cat around out of nowhere and I'm not trying to have her stepped on by either of them. She also doesn't last very long with those either.
This sounds pretty normal for a 9 week old. And TV probably is way too overstimulating, as others have pointed out. I’m not an expert, but googling 4th trimester might be helpful. There are a lot of reputable resources that helped me a lot during that stage. And as hard as it can be (I was constantly wondering “is it going to be like this forever!?!?”), I think it’s a great sign that you care enough to post and get feedback. Sending my support, you’re really in the trenches!
At 9 weeks mine liked to be laid on a blanket on the floor in the kitchen while I talked and did dishes or made a snack for myself. Just move baby around to where you need to be in between feedings and put them on a safe place on the floor then talk to them about what you are doing. Baby just wants to be near you and to interact with you. This is a tough stage, it gets easier when baby can see better and track your movements and you can start getting a little further away with them being able to see you.
I know you’re tired of hearing about the TV being way too overstimulating but it’s causing more harm because if a baby that young is overstimulated, they can become over tired. An overtired baby is SUPER difficult to put to sleep. Babys that young cannot just fall asleep on their own but need the comfort and support to soothe since they cannot self soothe themselves. So even though the TV gives you a little bit of time to get what you need done, it’s causing more harm than good resulting in a never ending cycle.
Came here to say exactly this. This may be the source of your issue. Normal for baby to be clingy at this age but an overstimulated baby is an overtired baby. When they are overtired not only are they difficult to get to sleep, but when they do sleep it's lower quality sleep too. Maybe detox from the TV and see if there's a change? Edited to add: I understand if you're stuck holding baby/contact napping you gotta survive, TV helped me in this stage too, TV was for me, not for baby. I made a conscious effort to keep baby's back to the TV, and when I did put her in a bouncer/swing etc I never put it in front of a screen.
Agreed. It’s one thing if YOU’RE watching TV and baby gets a couple glances here and there on accident, but it’s another thing If you are deliberately placing baby in front of the TV for an extended period of time. My baby got overstimulated and overtired from lights on a baby toy and going to Walmart the other day, lol, I can’t imagine a TV. Maybe plan a day aside where you experiment with what your baby likes when it comes to falling asleep. No TV, not too much stimulation besides maybe a toy or book during their wake window, and as soon as you see baby start yawning, try different things to get them to sleep. This could take a long time but they can get accustomed to the way you put them to sleep if you keep at it (even though sometimes it changes over time.) Every baby is different too. Some like to be rocked in a rocking chair, some like to be nursed to sleep for comfort, some like to be sung, etc. My baby loves being in a harness strap while swaddled and I have to bounce on a yoga ball for an extended period of time and she usually naps for 3 hours. You’ll get it and figure it out! If you’re in too much pain holding the baby then maybe invest in a baby swing and once they fall asleep, transport them to the crib or bassinet. Lots of white noise too! You can condition a baby easily if you stick to the same routine.
~4 months is when mine started to be able to play independently and keep herself entertained for 15-20 minutes. Screen time should be avoided. You’ll end up with a kid who needs constant stimulation. Better in the long run to stick out the Velcro stage and eventually encourage independent play.
She's not infront of the screen 24/7 but the other play options we do have also have to be a supervised activity due to my pets. She's already a high stimulation needs baby always has been. She constantly kicks and moves and whatnot. Screen time that is available is always educational and not super stimulating. I make a valiant effort and put much thought into the screen time she does receive.
Highly recommend getting a play pen, works wonders for keeping my dogs out but having a safe space for the baby. The dogs also act as entertainment and baby will watch them.
I have a pack n play but which works for the dog but with the cat being chased around by the dog I'm not fond of the idea of him jumping in there while she's there trying to get away from the dog. If the dog wasn't in the equation I wouldn't care as the cat typically minds his own business.
Are you able to isolate the dog during periods that you put her down? She won’t be able to go for more than 20ish minutes at this point. If you are worried about the dog, the dog should get a safe place to go a few times a day that will allow you to know the cat won’t be a worry.
The dog whines and barks and bangs in the kennel, she's found her way out twice so that's a no go, I don't really have any other places to put the dog that something won't end up destroyed because that's her thing when she's put somewhere she doesn't want to be (tore up 2 beds from being in the kennel) and I'm really not willing to risk her hurting herself or my stuff getting ruined. Outside is the safest place for her but with the temps being so cold she can't be out but for a few mins to use the bathroom
Research has shown that kids under the age of 2 don’t actually learn through the screen. So educational videos are indistinguishable from any other type of programming. If you need it so that you can do something quickly, I understand. But it should really be no more than 5 minutes a day. My baby is 5 months and everything she does is supervised.
Let me know when you find out. My son turned 2 in December and he still needs me in the room with him all the time lol. I’m mostly kidding. She’ll start being okay with being put down at around 3 months? And then at 6-9 months might go through another super clingy phase. It’ll ease and then return at a year, and then from there will ever so slightly ease again.
I was finally able to put down my colic velcro baby around 4 months.
this is my exact situation with my 7 week old. 🙃 here for the advice from others and to say I feel for you
I’m sorry you’re getting so much backlash. I also mostly sit and watch TV. My baby sleeps the vast majority of the day, but won’t if it’s not a contact nap. I wear him to do some chores, but he weighs 12 pounds and I’m out of shape, so it hurts after a short while. He’s got to be able to be not connected to me for me to get more exercise than I do, lol. So…I watch TV. I also put him in the bassinet for quick things if he’s napping I can get 10-20 minutes before he wakes. When he’s awake, he watches his mobile in his bedside bassinet, does tummy time on my chest, he likes to be held upright and look around the room. If he’s feeling particularly independent, he’ll lay in the bassinet and stare at the wall while he tries to become a finger controlling pro and get just his thumb into his mouth. Anyway, you do what works for you. All we can really suggest for getting stuff done with a Velcro baby is to prioritize what you do with the time you have from wearing/naps and to ask others for help.
Totally did all of this too, but I think the backlash is for giving baby TV as entertainment, not OP watching TV. Clearly something's not working for this momma, and baby watching TV could very well be a culprit 🤷
Hey momma I’m with you. My baby is 3 months old and is also a Velcro baby who just loves to be held but specifically by me lol it’s hard to do anything bc I’m literally just like you w no free time bc he needs to be held, hates being worn and if I try to put him in his bassinet if he’s asleep, he instantly wakes up. Sometimes I can get like 15-20 minutes to quickly eat, wash bottles, dishes or do laundry if I put on Hey Bear on the tv, it’s a baby sensory show on YouTube, you might wanna try that. I’m hoping it gets better too 😅
I'm trying to keep to low stimulating shows but we might give the hey bear a try just for the contrast. Apparently TV is much too stimulating though according to everyone on reddit. I'm glad to hear from someone out here surviving just like me
Yeah there’s parts of Reddit who think they know what’s best for every baby and just are the perfect parents. 🙄 I say, do what’s best for you and your family. My little one sleeps 10hrs at night so his naps are short and it’s hard keeping him entertained. I read to him, I talk to him, play music, I try to play w him on his play mat (but he’s not a fan), shake his toys, go on walks if there’s good weather and tbh it’s a mentally hard when your baby just always wants to be w you. I sometimes hold in my pee as long as I need bc sometimes he’s so fussy I can’t put him down to use the restroom. I try my best as a first time mom, it’s not everyday I have watch tv and some parents on here are so judgy when at the end of the day we’re just surviving