How to Stop a Baby From Being Held All the Time

Parents of babies who want to be held constantly often suffer from exhaustion. If your baby tends to scream in these scenarios, it can get really frustrating. Author and pediatrician Dr. William Sears says that attachment parenting is the recommended approach for babies that want to be held. But he also states that there are some points where you simply cannot hold your baby and you need to substitute holding with another method of direct contact or stimulation to combat fatigue. Break the constant holding cycle by incorporating these methods into your daily routine when your arms are tired.

Things You'll Need

  • Beach ball
  • Pacifier
  • Assorted toys
  • Blanket
  • Stroller
  • Vehicle with age appropriate car seat
  • Mechanical swing
  • Classical music discs
  • Sounds of nature discs
  • Recorded womb sounds
  • Recorded heartbeats
  • Clocks
  • Portable metronome
  • Cycling fountain
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Air conditioner
  • Dryer
  • Artificial fireplace
  • Lava lamp
  • Fans
  • Diaper
  • Bouncer seat
  • Television
  • Infant programming DVD discs and videos
  • DVD/VCR player

Instructions

    • 1

      Offer objects that can comfort your baby. If your infant has mastered the skill of standing, you can let your baby roll on a beach ball during active periods. Provide a pacifier, favorite toy or soft blanket when your baby is getting sleepy.

    • 2

      Provide continuous motion by pushing your baby in a stroller or going for a drive. Try using a mechanical swing if your baby weighs less than 25 lbs.

    • 3

      Comfort your baby with the sensation of touch. Place a hand on your baby's abdomen or back and gently rub or pat the skin. You can also sign up for infant massage classes in your area to learn how to calm your baby with massage techniques designed specifically for infants.

    • 4

      Create a stimulating environment. When you want your baby to wind down try playing classical music, sounds of nature, recorded womb sounds or heartbeats. You can also keep audible clocks in every room or move a portable metronome to whatever room your baby is in.

    • 5

      Sing soft lullabies to your baby or put a cycling fountain in the house. Run the vacuum cleaner, air conditioner or dryer. Enhance visual stimulation by turning on an artificial fireplace or a lava lamp. Turn on any fans you have in the house and point them out to your baby.

    • 6

      Initiate play by encouraging your baby to explore. Wrap a vibrating or humming toy in a diaper or a blanket and set the toy off in front of your baby.

    • 7

      Purchase a bouncer seat with interesting toys and mirrors on it to provide entertainment. Position the bouncer in high activity areas in the home or near a window facing the street so your baby can watch the traffic.

    • 8

      Purchase light toys and fiber optic toys and show them to your infant. You can also put on television shows or videos that are recommended for infants and babies. Check your local television listings and infant toy stores for highly rated programs.

    • 9

      Interact with your baby by making silly faces and playing peekaboo.

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