>If I continue to pick my baby up, and not teach him how to 'cry it
>out' & comfort himself during the day - am I setting myself up later
>for a lot of problems, IE: clingy child with social problems?
Quite the opposite, actually. Babies whose need for touch, comfort, and
attention from their mother (and/or other primary caregivers) are NOT met
early
on are MORE likely to be clingy and shy later, because they are not as
secure
in their mother's love. Think about it -- isn't it logical that a child
would
cling that much harder to something he isn't sure will be there when he
wants
it?
Hold him as much as he wants now, and you will most likely see him blossom
into
a social and independent cuss of a toddler. ;-) At 5 months, he's still
a bit
too young for Ferberization anyway, even if you do believe in its
benefits.
As far as how to get things done that can't be done while holding him,
there
are a number of things to try. Your carrier or sling is a valuable tool;
use
it as much as you can. Try a backpack or other carrier that can be worn
on
your back, which you can use in many situations where a front carrier
would not
work. Try putting your baby in a high chair in the kitchen near you while
you
cook; being higher and closer to you, and hearing you talk to him about
what
you're doing, may keep him content much longer than if you put him down in
another room and walked away. Some moms swear by swings, exersaucers, or
Baby
Einstein videos.
Also, if possible, get some help! Have a sympathetic friend come over or
hire
a neighborhood pre-teen to hold and play with the baby for an hour or two.
Get
takeout instead of cooking, hire a housecleaner, whatever it takes until
you
get through your family crisis. Also make sure that Dad (assuming he is
in the
picture) is on the same page with you when it comes to not letting your
baby
cry; he should be picking up as much of the slack as possible while you
are
dealing with the crisis.
Holly
Mom to Camden, 2.5 yrs
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