My six month old child hates me?

Question

I am so frustrated. I am so in love with my baby girl and she is just driving me crazy. She hits me almost the entire time I am feeding her, when I hold her she pushes with her hands, knees and feet, if she doesn't get what she wants when she wants it she squeals, screams, moans, groans, whines....She whines constantly. She use to just play under her activity mat by herself for awhile at a time. Now you can't put her down for more then ten minutes without her whining the whole time. She wants to be sitting, standing, doing everything independently all the time. I just want to snuggle with her sometimes and she just won't allow it. Sometimes at night she falls asleep while I am feeding her and that is the only time that I can hold her for awhile. Is this just a stage? She is teething a little. Should I prepare myself to have a little monster on my hands? My MIL says that my husband was just like her when he was little and he drove her nuts. GREAT!

Just for some background info. I am married. Me and my husband do not argue, the baby sleeps in her own crib, she eats just fine, she takes good naps throughout the day. It is just her attitude that concerns me. Thanks for any advice you may have.

Answer 1

It sounds like you're doing everything right.....

I think she's just trying out all of her new sounds, physical capabilities, and newfound independence.  Remember that when she hits YOU, it doesn't occur to her that it's affecting you.... she probably just likes how it feels to her hand.  The games during dinnertime are exactly that - because you keep playing them with her.  A started giving my daugher Stage 2 foods mixed with formula in her bottle  (with a Y-cut nipple) because of the same thing to be sure she was getting enough food.

She's probably bored with her activity mat.  How long has she had it?  Time to try an exersaucer?

Baby Tylenol helps with the teething.  Also a Gummi strip on the top of the crib rail lets her chew on that safely.

Can you take her outside for rides in the stroller?  A change of scenery would be great for BOTH of you!

Please stop taking anything she does PERSONALLY.  It isn't about YOU anymore, and especially to a baby!  Her "attitude" isn't directed at you.... it's just how she's expression herself and her place in the world.  

Maybe you're snuggling at the wrong time?  Seriously!  I know it's hard to shift your paradigm about the cuteness of "babies" but this is an individual person you're dealing with, and since she's got a "pistol" for a "papa", she obviously comes by it honestly!

Have you been to your 6 month checkup yet?  What does the pediatrician have to say?

Answer 2

She might be teething, my kids acted the same way when they were.

Answer 3

That just sounds like normal baby behavior. It can be frustrating, yes.. but nothing out of the ordinary.  

Answer 4

I have a 1 year old my self and she is the exact same way most of the time. Being independet is a stage that all babies have to go through in there lives.

I think that you should give them there space for a while and give them attention when they want it.I would also encourage that you play with her when she eants to do things by herself that way you are still with her and bonding with her.

I think when she gets older she will want to cuddle with her mom and be with her all the time.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Answer 5

Some kids just do this type of activity as they are searching for their independence early in life.  This does not mean she hates you, she loves you to pieces but right now you re standing in the way of her getting what she wants most.  Maybe you can do somethings like lay near her mat and talk to her or sing to her or play with her.  Things that don't involve holding her or securing her...you may find that this calms her down somewhat.  Teething will also make babies act differently.  Just go with the flow and once she starts walking, you will be surprised how often she wants up and to be carried and snuggled close again.  Good luck

Answer 6

My 9 month old does all the same things yours does. It does bother me but I guess we should be happy they are independent and not clinging to us all the time. I think they are smart and they just have a lot to learn and figure out. My friends baby is the same age and just sits and doesn't move yet or anything and even though it would be easier I am proud of my baby for being more outgoing.

Answer 7

Some kids just aren't touchy feely... maybe this is coming out in her personality early.

My daughter does kick and push and "pat" while eating, but it's not because she doesn't want it or she doesn't love me. She's just learning to do different things with her different limbs! :) So, yes, it may just be a stage, also!

Hope it gets better! Good luck!