Alternative forms of comfort?

[nourishingmamma]

Help! My son is one of those non-cuddly types and I sense our breastfeeding relationship is coming to an end (sadly, he's only 15mths old so hopefully it's just a phase) and since he doesn't like to be hugged or petted much. I don't know how to comfort a boo-boo, and especially get him to sleep for naps and bedtime any other way!

I'm looking for ideas from others who have non-cuddlers.  I've tried walking him around in the ergo, the sling, and the wrap - no way Momma!  I've tried singing, bouncy walking, etc.  Confession: sometimes I resort to going for a ride in the car for naps.

Even though he's a non-cuddler, I still constantly caress and kiss him, and he likes to sit on my lap as long as I don't get all mushy - then he's outta there.  I'll be so at a loss when he weans!

[mrskingred]

My DS is v. cuddly and affectionate but he does like his head and back being stroked. He also loves his hair being combed -  just combing his hair gently over and over will put him into a trance/sleep. I used this technique often when he was over tired and didn't want to cuddle but was just getting more and more wound up.

Edited by mrskingred - 2/3/11 at 4:00pm

[Oliver'sMom]

My oldest son is not a cuddly child either.  I've found that with him, he wants to be the one to initiate hugs/kisses/etc.  If I go in to give him a hug when "he isn't ready", it usually ends badly.  When he was a toddler and it was time to rest or go to sleep, I would turn the lights down low or completely off and lay in bed and pretend that I was sleeping.  He would sometimes fuss a bit or would play quietly next to the bed, but he would almost always eventually snuggle up next to me and go to sleep.  It just had to be HIS idea and in his own time.

HTH!