If you notice that your baby needs you a lot, you probably think he is in high demand. High Demand (AD) babies have some common characteristics: they are demanding, intense, they demand attention, they want new stimuli constantly, etc.
But if you have doubts as to whether or not your baby may be in high demand because he is still very small, there are some characteristics that may indicate that you are dealing with a High Demand baby. Remember that it is its own idiosyncrasy and that you must accept him as he is. When he is older, these characteristics that now exhaust you will do very well for him.
Some features:
- It does not adapt easily; has difficulty adopting a sleeping pattern and can also be unpredictable in eating and defecation patterns.
- Very active; even during sleep, it moves all over the crib.
- He does not like being isolated or confined in a crib, car seat, or baby carrier.
- Very sensitive to touch and grip; He does not like to be left on the ground or left alone; needs the physical attachment of being held (on the other hand, some very needy babies don't like to be touched; diapers are out of place for these babies).
- It is not very adaptable; does not like being passed around and does not accept substitute care easily
- You cannot calm yourself if you are upset
- Does not like a lot of noise or stimulation (A day at a busy mall can result in a crying night as the baby tries to recover from too much stimulation. Alternatively, some very needy babies seem to need additional stimulation and are happier outside the home.)
- Cries a lot, often wakes up from naps crying a lot. If your baby shows a strong tendency toward these traits, she is probably on the high-need end of the scale.