Category: Q&As

My Baby Cries Every Time I Put Her Down

Published : Sep 21, 2025
By Dr. Ana Aznar

“Help – my baby cries every time I put her down. She’s 6 months old and has been doing this since 1 month old.” 

Mother putting her baby to sleep on a bedside baby crib. Woman bending forward over a crib to check her sleeping baby.

Babies are born with their own temperament. This means that some babies are easier than others. Some babies have easy temperaments: they don’t cry much, feed well, sleep well, and tend to be content. Other babies have more difficult temperaments: they cry a lot, do not sleep and feed as well, and are more irritable. So, this could be a factor explaining why she likes to be held. It is very possible that she simply likes to be close to you because next to you she is more relaxed and calmer. Also, keep in mind that that babies find it difficult to self-soothe and find it difficult to put themselves back to sleep from being held to being in their cot. 

I know very well that having a baby that only wants to be held is exhausting. So if possible, ask other family members or friends to give you a hand with her. Maybe the baby won’t go with them, but they can give you a hand around the house, so you have less on your plate. Also, if you are feeling overwhelmed try not to be alone with the baby a lot. Go for walks with a friend, join a local mum and baby group, or simply sit with the baby at a café. I know that this is tough for you, and I feel for you.

I hope this information helps. 

Love, 

Ana 

Dr Ana Aznar 

Related articles: 

When Does the Clingy Stage End?

My 11-Month Is Very Fussy, Is It Normal?Lullaby Songs and When They Work

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments
Cristo
2025-07-29 12:20:59
Amazing, thank you so much for this blog.
Pia Satrustegui
2025-04-25 07:23:36
Hola Ana,
Qué fantástico artículo y que buenos consejos. Ha sido de una gran ayuda. Un abrazo muy fuerte
Dr. Ana Aznar
2025-03-31 19:41:20
Qué ilusión tu mensaje, Pia! Gracias a tí por leernos.
Pia Satrustegui
2025-03-28 10:13:56
Querida Ana,
Maravilloso artículo sobre la serie Adolescentes y consejos de gran ayuda en una etapa tan complicada de nuestros hijos , tan desprotegidos frente a las nuevas tecnologías.Es una ayuda tremenda para nosotros. Muchas gracias
Armani
2025-03-06 09:31:35
This is ethically wrong and I don't think it's worth the damage it will ultimately cause to the relationship. And the issues it will cause for the one being spied on. Just don't do it.
Meghan
2025-02-07 21:26:19
Is there a printable version of the article? I am a school based mental health professional and would like to share it with parents.
J
2025-02-03 10:52:04
This is such a great writeup. I think too often we get caught in a rutt of trying to categorise everything. Our daily lives are kind of dictated by categories and labels, certainly in a digital world.

I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.

Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.

Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.

Again, great writeup!
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-13 12:51:46
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Ana
Robert Eisenbart
2024-09-10 00:43:07
Great Article! I'm a retired FNP. Years ago I taught a STEP program to parents via family court cases. I now have a daughter and her man disciplining three children 4, 8, and 10. The 10 year old has ADHD and my personal diagnosis is she's also Oppositional/Defiant. I believe the OD came from harsh discipline. All they seem to do is punish and threaten physical punishment. They say positive reinforcement didn't work however they tried it for about 2 months and then went back to punishment. I can't reason with them as "they are the parents"!! is all I hear. They all live with me and have since the oldest was about 2. Sadly I can see the other 2 developing issues like anxiety and aggression as well. Trying to show them another side of adult supervision when I have them but frustrating.
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-02 20:48:07
Really glad you found it useful! Thank you for being here and for your comment.

Ana
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-05-17 09:55:58
Hi Donna,
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Donna
2024-05-17 09:49:36
Love Zara’s ways of teaching for both parents & kids! Also so helpful. We want more!! (Please!) :D
Ana Aznar
2024-05-08 07:24:31
We are glad you found the content useful! Many thanks for being here.
Ana
Cristoj
2024-04-09 18:20:19
Great article!!!
Are you enjoying our blog?
Sign up to the REC Parenting newsletter

Registered in England & Wales. Company No.13460950. Registered office Salatin House, 19 Cedar Road, Sutton, SM2 5DA, United Kingdom

Important information about cookies
This web portal uses its own and third-party cookies to collect information that helps optimize your visit. Cookies are not used to collect personal information. You can allow its use or reject it, you can also change its settings whenever you want. More information is available in our Cookies policy.
These cookies help make the website usable by activating basic functions such as web browsing. page and access to secure areas of the website. The website cannot function properly without these cookies.
Statistical cookies help website owners understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and providing information anonymously.