Toddler Cries Alot

It sounds to me like something is physically bothering him alot. The ear infections make sense since the pressure can be worse lying down. Also, he may have food sensitivities - my older son did and was just not a happy baby. In hindsight, it was a reaction to dairy (and somewhat to gluten).

It could also be that he's just a baby that has a high need for closeness to his parents. My younger son is that way. The thing that worked best for us was to use a baby backpack in the house - and when we were out and about. We had two - one in the house and one in the car. In the house, you can cook, clean, etc. while carrying him around. It made a world of difference for us. A bonus is that after a little while up there, he may be fine to be on his own for a while. My younger son enjoyed it so much that he would go to the closest and want me to vacuum very often. We figured out to use this when were were out and about with my oldest son because we were spending more time carrying him that he ever spent in a stroller. As a result, my kids were almost always happy when we were anywhere. We used to get complements on how happy and well behaved they were. They tolerated confinement so much better up there because they could see everything - that kept them busy - they could see faces rather than knees.

Good luck - these days will pass faster than you might ever imagine!

Sounds like he is not getting basic needs met on a consistent basis. Sounds insecure. Can you set your alarm and let him just sit in your or your husband's lap for a while before getting going? Do you need a re-acquainted time at pickup from daycare where you sit and hold again before getting in the car? He may not want to talk as much as he needs to be held. Try meeting his reassurance needs first and see if he doesn't feel safer, better, assured you're going to spend however much time it takes to let him know you love him. It's hard to work and have little ones, even teenagers. I've done it and it just takes more than we ever know. It's a full time job to be a mom, but so many of us have to work these days. Good luck and prayers for you.

earache? teething? I would see pedi to rule out anything physical.

When you say crying, do you mean wah wah I'm in pain or hungry infant crying or are you talking about whining? If it's the pain crying I'd take him to the pediatrician and rule out ear infections and sinus infections, since he's not talking yet. If it's whining (makes you want to shake them off your leg, but you feel guilty) - just ignore it. "Use your words. Then give him the word". When he uses the word, he gets what he wants.
Good luck
S.

Is he sleeping enough? My daughter sleeps 12 hours every night and wakes up in a great mood. Any less slepp than that and she will wake up fussy. All kids are different, but maybe he needs more sleep??