My nearly 7 mos old is just wired. Not sure if this is normal, as I have never seen an infant be such a wild child. She is happy, smiley, small/petite. She is calm and happy in her car seat or swing or Bumbo chair or high chair, but when she is held or on a lap for reading...she turns into a spider monkey. She just gets wild, grabbing at you, clothing, glasses, the book, jewelry. She is very happy while she is just wildly flailing at anything that she can reach. If she is returned to a seat (for reading to her and her 2 y/o brother) all is fine, but if she is in your lap she is grabbing ears, pinching and holding parts of your (or big brother's face). Feeding is also a challenge because she loves to eat, but swats wildly, grabs for the spoon...just a voracious eater, but makes it a disaster if you don't pin her arms. Anyone have kids who were like this at this age?
Well I guess her wildness is just the way she is! I have never seen a child like her. She finally started to get more cuddly at 1 year...along time to wait for this mom! She is active constantly, and is very muscular/athletic at age 20 mos. She likes to hang on bars, climb on stuff, and is just amazingly strong for her tiny body. I guess she will just join the circus before she turns 3. She eats like crazy and is very healthy, and the doc is not concerned. I am a little worried about her thyroid as a possible cause, but will check that out at her 2 year appt.
Sounds just like my daughter -- very normal. I don't like to generalize, but first kids and boys contrary to belief are often calm while second children and girls are often more energetic as infants (just my experience of course!). It often changes as they get older.
This is totally normal. =) At this age, they are just starting to realize that their actions have an effect on the world around them and grabbing at things is a great way to explore their little world and to get a reaction! No worries.
Hi there - my son (who is my only child and is now 18!) was like that when he was a baby! My mother used to call him "the worm" - he would try to wiggle and get out of my arms and even be vocal about it. Trying to get away and touch everything. But you know what the worst part was? If a friend or relative that he didn't know very well would take him from me, he would sit on their lap like a little angel, looking so content. But as soon as I'd take him back, he start his worm routine again. So the only thing I can say to you is to accept it! That's the way your daughter is and nothing is going to change her. Be happy she wants to explore and feels comfortable enough with you to be curious. Enjoy her, and good luck!
Hi K. G.
I have not experienced this particular type of wildness but before you start experimenting talk to your Pediatrician. Also, what does the day care have to say about it?
My only other suggestion is at feeding time firmly say NO and withhold the food until she gets the message. She is a cute little baby but is big enough to learn and she already knows what gets you going.
Good luck,
Lee
Sounds like she's exploring, learning about her surroundings, and curious. Let her explore as long as she isn't hurting. If hurting, let her know it hurts...respond with "no" or "ow" and pull her away. Otherwise, talk soothingly as she explores, telling her what she is finding. If it's not forbidden, she will likely satisfy her curiosity and move forward to the next thing, getting past this grabby stage.
She's learning that she can affect her surroundings, how she and others fill space, about spacial relationships--more than intending to hurt or irritate. She's just 7 months old and there's a whole big world out there she is discovering!
Also, some kids like to be held more than others (and some parents like to be touched more than others). When held, it may be sensory overload. I'm not saying this from any well-researched standpoint, just my gut feeling. Just remember that each person is unique (child and adult) and has different needs and desires.
As for eating, can you give her finger food where she controls the speed with which she gets it to her mouth? Or can she handle a baby spoon with the kid grip on it? She may just want to have some control over that...or not. (Ask the day care how they handle feeding with her.) I remember the fun we had with cheerios and peas but I can't remember the age we started that. Our son is 12 now.)
If she's big enough for finger food, give her just a tiny bit at a time. If she eats that bit, then give her more. But don't give her the whole supply of food at once if she just makes a huge mess with it. It may just be a game to her. That being said, I don't think there is a parent who hasn't had to clean splattered food from the walls and crevices of a room more than once when their child was small.
Of course, it's important to know that there is also exploring going on with making the mess. Our son loved to explore the feeling of the different foods--some were soft, some gooey, some slimy, some squishy, some spongy, some scratchy, etc. With a large enough surface on the high chair, and a big lip to stop the food that isn't tossed, it is a veritable playground of textures. Let her explore.
I just took off my jewelry when our son was at his grabby stage. The temptation was removed. Or if I kept it on, I would say soothingly "gentle...gentle" and he eventually got the picture and had his curiosity satisfied.
One of my husband's favorite memories is holding our son so that they were facing each other. Our son would explore the buttons on my husband's shirt, sticking out his tongue in concentration. They could spend countless minutes like this. That memory is indelibly imprinted in my husband's memory banks.
As an aside...We were older parents that worked opposite shifts for years. It was wonderful! We each had quality time with our son that we remember fondly. Just remember to make time for yourselves as a family and a couple as well. It's hard when they're little but it will go a long way in bonding you as a family in later years. Enjoy!
K.,
Sounds like a normal 7 month old to me.
D.
