DS won't settle for DH

[Megan]

This is been going on since DS was about 3 months old. DH was working funny hours for about 4 weeks and was never home at bed time so I did the night time routine every night. Ever since, DS won't settle for anyone but me and it is really starting to wear me down. He's breastfed, and so the only time DH spends with him is in the early evenings to do his bath and have a short play with him before he is hungry and tired again.

Is this a normal phase? He's been like this for almost 3 months and I feel like I'm losing my mind. He is always attached to me feeding or being settled. If I pass him to DH when he's tired he screams the house down.
I think it's also getting to DH too. He wants to help and gets upset that DS doesn't want cuddles from him.

Here we go again. DH is trying to cuddle/rock him to sleep and once again, it's not working so off I go.

[Snacks]

I'm sorry
I think that babies like what they're used to. If your DS is used to Mummy settling him then it might just be that having Daddy settle him feels a bit wrong...
Or, it could be a personality thing. As his mum, you really are your DS's rock. If he's a bub that doesn't do well with anyone else (my first DD was just like this - really wouldn't settle for DH) then that might be the way it is for a while until he's a bit older. FWIW, these days DD absolutely adores playing with DH, loves spending time with him, but if I am home, I still have to put her to bed - there's no one like mum
It's such a tough gig, being a mum. Hugs to you, mate. Keep going with the bathtime and the playtime with Daddy, and do something special for you in that time (so no housework, LOL!). HTH a little.

[Megan]

I had a feeling it might just be the way it is! I do go and do my own thing during bath time - but bath time seems to over in a flash! lol
I guess I'm just really feeling it at the moment as he's up a few times at night still, then I'm on my own all day and when I really just want a break in the afternoon it doesn't happen. We'll start him on solids soon and I'll get DH feed him dinner and then do bath time. Hopefully before too long that will also lead into bed time.
He starts swimming in a couple of weeks with DH too. But now I'm a bit concerned if he gets upset while in the pool that he wont be able to calm him down.

[kelebek]

Your little one is still so young and if you have been the one to do most of the settling lately then this is the routine he is use to. It isn't going to be like this all the time.

While I am DS main carer and I did the settling thing until DS was about 12 mnths DP took over and is now the king of putting DS to bed. Give it time, do it slow and DS will get use to your DH.

[Catastrophic]

We're having that issue as welll my DD is 8weeks old (she started young) But a very ise lady rote me something that i'll share with you...

"Then understand that Miss DD is suffering some really major pain (she has reflux) that will sort itself out but naturally she turns to Mum because that person is her strongest bond. She doesn't always settle quickly with you but you are the person who will take that time to see her settled. This is not a reflection of DF as her Dad but the normal response of Bub and Mum's relationship. Even the other day in the office I usually pride myself in my grannie abilities but I had no way to meet

It makes sense as your his full time carer... I hope that made sense

[Snacks]

I had a feeling it might just be the way it is! I do go and do my own thing during bath time - but bath time seems to over in a flash! lol

Oh, I know what you mean! Time off goes so darn quickly (plus in this household bathtime is shorter when daddy's on duty, LOL!)

He starts swimming in a couple of weeks with DH too. But now I'm a bit concerned if he gets upset while in the pool that he wont be able to calm him down.

They will be fine. There might be occasions when your DS gets upset and takes some settling. But he will be fine because your DH will be there for him. It will give your DH the opportunity to be the carer and persevere through it - a great bonding opportunity for them both.

[Erin_25]

2.5yrs on my son loves to only go to me if upset or wakes at night, DH is away often for work so i've done it sooo much. But having said that, that's only when he know's I'm there!! if it's just him & DH he is FINE! he know's how much we both love him & that we are both here for him & when he is just with DH he is no worries. I have left them for a couple days at a time at 8months & again afterwards no problem.
I think it's great your DH is doing the swim lessons & it will be no worries. They just love us mummies too & seem to know when we are around.