I joined this site hoping to find help for what I feel is becoming a desperate situation. I have 2 boys, an almost 2.5 yr. old and my younger one who just turned 11 months. I am a SAHM. The older boy has always been a delight and I can even deal with his changes since turning 2. But my 11 month old son has been difficult from the day he was born. I keep thinking he will outgrow all the crying- but he does not. He has been to the pediatrician (more than once), been tested for food allergies, etc.--- there is nothing medically wrong with him and I never believed there was in the first place.
He just recently started sleeping through the night-- incredible since he woke up crying sometimes 5 times a night. But during the day, he is constantly upset. I make sure he is fed enough, sleeps enough, is warm/cool enough, has a lot of play time, etc. He is content playing with his brother at times. And if he cries and has his pacifier he usually gets better. But I hate relying on the pacifier. Most of the time, he just wants me. He wants me to hold him standing up (and even then he will sometimes cry), has major separation anxiety (including if I leave the room), cries in his high chair most of the time, and I could go on and on. Then all of a sudden if I distract him or he is in his playroom he is totally fine and smiling unless of course I leave. I am also trying to teach him to feed himself and give himself water (as he has never done either). He cries so much- I end up crying at least once a day and it is putting so much stress on my younger son and at times on my marriage. Any advice greatly appreciated.