9 months - separation angst?

[JordanKX]

DS is 9 months and is going through... Something! I'm SAHM so we're together 24/7. But these past two weeks, especially the past two DAYS, he won't let me put him down. He wants to be On my lap in the middle of the living room surrounded by his toys. Not on the floor with toys, On my lap. If I put him on the floor and walk 2 feet away, SCREAMS. If I go in the other room, oh my goodness, that little crawling man, SCREAMING, chases after me so fast. He tugs on my pants. He bawls, with tears. And he's just started this high-pitched Screech. Very nice.

It's not that I don't have the time to sit on the floor with him on my lap and roll around and wrestle, and it's not that I don't already do nearly all things around the house with him in a carrier... but he's pushing 22+ lbs. And he's a crawling monster. There's really no reason I should have to carry him ALL DAY... Right?

What is going on????

[kismetbaby]

Yep, this is us. The volume button on his screeches is attached to my leg apparently. . .the farther I get away from him the louder they get! And yes, my ds has also just started to use his whiney voice. . .horrible screamy sound. My guy is about 22lbs too and I just can't wear him much (back problems). I don't know how to get anything done around the house now.

I think its just that 9 month thing. They say when they learn to crawl they go through a separation phase. . .being able to get around is cool, but scary too. As if now that they can crawl away from us they realize we can leave them too.

Anyone know how long it lasts?

[Hannah'sMommy]

I hope it doesn't last too long! Our 10 month DD started that around 9 months too. I can't even go from the living room to the kitchen to do a few things without her crawling after me crying. And the pulling on the legs/pants thing drives me crazy most days! Oh well, I've just resigned to not getting some things done when I want to, I just have to sit on the floor (couch isn't good enough) with her while she plays for a little bit. I'm a WOHM, so it's just until my DH gets home and can help out. Sometimes a highchair with a few pieces of cereal keeps her occupied for a little bit. Good luck!

[JordanKX]

It's good to know I'm not alone!!

I did the "puffs" thing yesterday. Not my favorite of food choices -- btw, the back of the puffs container says ONE serving is 90 pieces. Yeesh. Talk about nothing no nutrition air of food.
but it gave me a good 1/2 hour of cleaning the kitchen without him screaming.

[texaspeach]

right there with you. sometimes mama just needs a break.

I've heard that separation anxiety peaks around this age - I just hope it doesn't get worse before it gets better.

[Hannah'sMommy]

You know, I wasn't thrilled about the puffs at first either. But, given that a single serving is so many pieces, I figure 5-10 is no biggie. Especially to give us a break! And, I've noticed a huge improvement in DDs pincer grasp since we started giving them to her a few weeks ago. The downside though, she's started sticking EVERYTHING from the floor into her mouth... including pet hair (and yes, we vacuum almost every day, but with 2 cats and a dog, it's hard to keep up with)!

[leahcas]

My son just turned 9 months and he is completely the same, even when hubby or gma is holding him, once he sees or hears me he starts crying.

Just thought I would share, an alternative to "puffs", I have been giving my little guy Annie's Cheddar Rabbits and bits of fruit leather. The rabbits keep him pretty busy, I just have to keep an eye that he doesn't shove 5 pieces in his mouth at once..... He also likes to play with cooked rice, messy but worth the 20 minute break

[angelachristin]

a few days shy of 9 months here and YEP, same boat since she started crawling a few weeks ago, complete with the leg-and-pants pulling, loud screaches, and crawling after me sobbing "MAMAMAMAMA!" if I dare to take even 2 steps away from her. I hope this stage doesn't last too long, I can't remember how long it went with my DS.