What do you do with a 7-month old that just wants to be held all the time?

Hold him, he is a baby and babies are insecure, especially since your baby hasn't had to stable of a life up until now. He will grow out of it and be very independent, but until then hold him. Get a baby carrier. I tried the sling baby carriers, the strap on ones, and the wrap type carriers. The wrap was my favorite because it distributes the weight evenly and feels better on the back.

Not knowing the circumstances of the child's removal from his home, my first concern goes to his possible neglect. He's now in a home where he is held. Hold him. You should be proud, you're having a highly positive affect on him. At the same time, you dont want to turn him into a demanding child, so find a balance. You can still give attention, communicate and play with him without having him in your arms. Show him how. You've done a great thing. Don't let it cause regret. Don't treat him necessarily like you would your own children because he most definitely has not had the same childhood experiences.

You answered your own question. My first child was very clingy like that, I ended up with Carpel Tunnel in my wrist from holding her all the time, my second child I learned not to pick the child up for everything also. It's unbelievable how smart a baby is- your baby knows when he cries, Mommy is going to come & pick him up. Break him FAST, otherwise your wife will not have a life, without a kid on her hip.

I'm saddened by your question. It's great that you've taken in a foster child, but you need to treat this infant as though it was your own. What would've your wife done if one of her own three children (if they're hers) was clingly? Teach the baby to be self-sufficient (which is not possible for a 7 month old) or give him all the love and attention he needs?

Who knows what this poor baby has gone through to be placed in foster care?! Tell your wife to invest in a sling so she can get housework done while giving the baby what he needs.

Hold him think about the situation he doesn't know you for all he knows he could be some where else tommorow you have to give him time to adjust during this period he is naturally going threw seperation anxiety. All baby's go threw this. So hold him and give him all the love he needs after he learns to walk he won't care about being held as much.

Awww, you guys are 'godsent' for this baby. It's really great that you are giving him a loving home. I agree with investing in a sling. I have 7 mo. old twins, and my sling is my life saver sometimes. I would also suggest a johnny jump up that hangs from the door frames. They can be moved very easily from room to room, and used in any door frame (with ledging of course). While mommy is doing her chores, he can dance and jump all over the place, and see that mommy isn't very far.....I love to sing to mine, so it works great for keeping them occupied, and letting me get things done. Don't quit holding him completely, it sounds like he needs lots of loving. There's always a time to show some love.....Hang in there mom and dad, I'm sure once he adjust to the family, things will flow great for you.

The best thing for you to do right now is to let the baby gain your trust. If holding him is what he wants please hold him. After awhile he will trust you enough to where he can play alone. I bet you anything he is scared. I feel so sorry for the baby. And when your not holding him talk to him to let him know you are still around and your not leaving. Thank you for taking in a baby, I wish there were more people like you.

It sounds like he is just insecure. I would put him in a baby sling and just keep him with me. Also instilling a set nap time is important. Put him in the crib and the same time every morning (around 10ish maybe) and leave him there until he falls asleep and takes a decent nap. Soon he will stop screaming and use the time to play in his crib. Hope this is helpful.

If you find the baby something he might be interested in like a toy. Maybe he will be having more fun and not remember about you holding him.

Oh, and please, don't show any resentment towards the child. They sense that!!! and that can make them act even more negative when u're with them. Have a little patience. If you know u cant handle another child, give it back. Someone else with the understanding and patience and time will take of him.