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High-demand babies are little ones who keep the adults who care for them very busy. Likewise, they are active, curious and surprising.
High demand babies are actually the majority. Almost all children are very demanding in some aspect. However, that name is reserved for young children who most frequently and intensely need the help of adults.
Some pediatricians think that instead of calling them that, we should talk about high needs babies. The truth is that this corresponds to the little ones who most insistently demand the support of those who care for them.
It is important to be clear that high-demand babies they do not have any anomaly and that this condition is not a disease. It just has to do with some specific traits that require a little more dedication on the part of the parents.
What are high demand babies?
High-demand babies are a category coined by American pediatrician William Sears. He noted that his fourth daughter demanded more attention if she was compared to her siblings. She cried more easily when released and only calmed down when she was close to her mother’s chest.
In general, this expression defines babies who need more affection, contact and attachment. They manifest that need as every baby does: crying. This is a feature that can puzzle parents, but really shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
High-demand babies have a different personality than other babies; that’s it. They demand more dedication from parents because they are more sensitive than usual and perceive their surroundings more vividly. These little ones have more intense affective needs.
Characteristics of high-demand babies
According to Dr. William Sears, babies in high demand they have 12 characteristics that define them. It is possible that not all the little ones in this category meet these traits, but most do.
1. intense
High demand babies put much more energy into everything they do. They cry heartbreakingly, laugh uncontrollably, eat voraciously. For them there are no middle ground.
2. Hyperactive
In this case we are not talking about a disorder, but about a way of being. These babies are quite active and need a lot of stimulation from their environment. They are curious and always willing to experience something new.
3. Absorbents
High Demand Babies Are Always Requiring Their Parents. They seek attention, caresses, words, food, play and everything else they can think of. Adults may find being with them exhausting.
4. Increased need for food
These babies ask for breast milk more often than others. They don’t always have an appetite, but they seek the breast because this gives them comfort and security. The suction makes them feel comfortable and calm. Their lactation lasts longer and they have a slow weaning.
5. Demanding
High demand babies have no patience. If they want something, they expect it to be given to them now and not later.
They very clearly insist that they be given what they ask for. Parents come to feel that it is never too fast or too fast for them.
6. Multiple awakenings
These babies have a sleep lighter and wake up easily. They open their eyes as soon as they hear a small noise or feel minimal discomfort.
It is usual that they only manage to fall asleep if they are in the arms of their parents. In general, they need less sleep and wake up more often.
7. Dissatisfaction
These little ones always want more. No matter how hard their parents try to please them, they are going to ask for something extra.
Also, as we have already noted, they want everything right away. This could be frustrating for parentsThey don’t understand what else they need to do to make themselves feel good.
8. They are unpredictable
These babies love novelty. They do not easily adapt to any routine.
If they liked something yesterday, they may not be interested in it today. They seek variety, discovery and new experiences. Strict habits are not his forte.
9. Hypersensitive
These little ones are very easily startled.. They are impressionable and are very attentive to everything that happens in their environment. Likewise, they pay close attention to the emotions of others, which makes them very empathic.
10. They need continuous contact
This is one of the most characteristic traits of high-demand babies. They need to have continuous physical contact with their parents or with those who care for them.
They want to stay in arms all the time. However, they also require those who carry them to move.
11. They do not comfort themselves
Most babies do not comfort themselves, but instead demand adult attention. However, most can also stay alone for a while in their crib or in their stroller, without this causing them a problem. High demand babies do not.
12. Very attached
These types of babies have great problems separating from their mother. Likewise, they do not get attached to other people easily.
If they are carried by someone they don’t know, they will most often cry. Even when they are crawling they want to be close to their parents.
What can be done with high-demand babies?
It is important to cope with high demand babies, learning to know them and accepting them as they are. The best thing parents can do in these cases is not to blame themselves or try to change their little one.
These babies need help learning to tolerate frustration. This is not achieved by using negative expressions like “I can not anymore” either “this is unbearable”. It requires a lot of patience.
It could be very helpful to follow these tips:
- Use portage: some device to keep them charged, without this limiting or overwhelming parents.
- Take care of the sensitivity of your skin: the fabrics they use should be soft and light. They have a highly developed touch and get upset when textiles are not comfortable.
- Take precautions with language: they are very sensitive to words, comments and rejections.
- Strengthen your autonomy: these babies learn fast and they like it. If properly stimulated, they will explore on their own.
- Find Guidance: If the situation is too overwhelming for parents, it is best to seek the advice of a child psychologist or pediatrician.
It is not appropriate to give in to all the requirements of high-demand babies. Although special care and availability must be taken towards them, this does not mean that what they want is done.
It should be remembered that they are normal children. More sensitive, active and attached, but normal.
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