Don’t let yourself go crazy. How to tame a high need baby?

Don’t let yourself go crazy. How to tame a high need baby?
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Some children may have higher expectations than others. This is usually due to temperament, environment and many other factors. Parenting is difficult, especially when a toddler sets the bar high

Behavioral tendencies such as separation anxiety, aversion to naps or car rides, or problems falling asleep on their own make caring for a toddler exhausting. Check how to cope with it!

How to recognize a particularly demanding child?

Are you wondering how to recognize a child with high needs? Such a toddler often has

difficulties falling asleep and may be unpredictable in their eating and defecation patterns. He can be very active, even moving around in his crib while sleeping. Here are a few more characteristics typical of extremely demanding children. Consider whether you can attribute them to your little one.

  • does not like to be isolated or confined in a crib, car seat, or carrier,
  • is very sensitive to touch and holding; doesn’t like to be put down or left alone – needs the physical contact of being held (on the other hand, some babies don’t like to be touched – swaddling is not for them)
  • not very flexible; doesn’t like to be looked after by someone other than a parent,
  • can’t calm down if upset,
  • doesn’t like a lot of noise or stimulation; a day at a busy shopping mall may result in a night of crying as the child tries to recover from too much stimulation,
  • some challenging babies seem to need extra stimulation and are happier outside the home,
  • cries a lot and wakes up frequently.

Learn to read your baby’s signals

It is important to respond to your baby’s signals and be flexible to your baby’s needs. Adapt to your child. Don’t try to meet unrealistic expectations that may be set by friends or family members

Take care of yourself

Young parents easily recognize themselves in the scenario: “My baby needs me so much, I don’t even have time to shower.” It’s natural to put your child’s needs first, but that doesn’t mean you should always put your own needs last.

You cannot raise a happy child if you are exhausted. It is important to be kind to yourself when you are caring for a child with unique needs. Remember to take care of yourself as well.

You are experiencing intense parenting, facing more challenges than the parents of the sleepy young child next door, but you are entitled to rest. Come to terms with the fact that your little one has more demands than others. Accept that your toddler is more active, sensitive, or persistent than others.

Meet your toddler’s needs

Find out what makes your child behave the way he does.

If he stops crying when you pick him up from his crib, he’s probably letting you know he needs a cuddle.

Sometimes toddlers don’t like certain fabrics. You may have to try several carriers to find one that your baby likes. Take some time to learn about his likes and aversions.

Ask for help

Don’t be shy about asking for help. You need rest and companionship. Find someone you trust. Remember that your child may cry when you leave the house. Therefore, find a caregiver who can handle it and comfort them.

If possible, remain calm. Even though you feel overwhelmed, be patient and positive. Take care of yourself, rest when your baby sleeps, eat well and try to exercise when you can. Consider who can help you care for your baby.

Consult your pediatrician

If your baby is crying a lot and you don’t know why, you should ask your doctor to rule out health causes. A baby with colic tends to cry for four hours a day for the first four months – then the discomfort begins to subside.

A baby with an ear infection may fall asleep on your shoulder, but wake up screaming when lying horizontally in the crib because of the change in pressure in his ear. If your toddler cries during the night, remember to always get up to him. Touch him to see if he has a fever.

Main photo: Helena Lopes/unsplash.com

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