Crying Baby - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Naked Communist · 12-09-2005, 11:55 PM

Hi everyone. I'm a new mom and I do mean NEW - I never babysat growing up and my only experience with a baby was one afternoon with my nephew. But I'm learning fast and so far my son has been a blessedly quiet baby.

But, now every night around 8 PM he starts crying. Nothing I do will keep him from crying. Pacifier works for a minute or two and then he spits it out and cries. I've tried rocking him, singing to him, putting him in his swing, etc. This has been going on for the last 5 or 6 days. He's happy as a clam all day until around 8.

Is this colic? Is there anything I can do - any suggestions? My hubby works from 5 PM to 5 AM (military) and I'm home with the little one every night and I'm at my wits end. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Psycho Dad · 12-10-2005, 04:33 AM

He starts at 8. What time does he stop? Is this a 15 minute cry, or an hour? Sometimes a few minutes will sound like an eternity.

And how new? Is he three days old, three weeks or three months?

Sorry that this doesn't seem like any help, but there is more information that folks will need to help you I think.

And do you live on base? Even if not I believe that there may be military resources that you can tap into for help. See if there are support groups, mother's day out ype activities, etc. There are others out there that are going through, have been through or will go through these and other issues. Good luck.

ShaniFaye · 12-10-2005, 05:31 AM

My daughter did this for two straight weeks when she was about 5 weeks old. She'd start at 4 and scream for 2 hours every single day.....she was fine right before and fine right after. the first few days I did everything I could think of to get her to stop, and then my mother told me something that an old doctor had told her with me....she was expanding her lungs...there wasnt anything wrong with her, as long as I made sure she wasnt feverish or needed changing or hungry that I should just put her down in her crib and let her go at it. That was very hard for me to do but I did. I'd put her down she'd scream and when she was done she'd be by happy little amanda again.

Its NOT easy to listen to but if your baby is starting it at the same exact time every day and it lasts the same amount of time it sounds like the same thing.

Hash_Browns · 12-10-2005, 01:45 PM

Shani sounds like she has pretty much said what I would have said.

About the putting baby down and walking away. It sounds harsh, and a lot of people will disagree with this tactic (you will make your own decision, you're the mom not any one of us) but sometimes this is what it takes. If you get to the point that you start freaking out and don't know what to do, the last thing you want is to have the baby in your arms. They have an amazing ability to feed off mommy's energies and your stress could actually make her feel worse (please don't blame yourself, this isn't whats causing it, it just amplifies it for some sensitive and intuitive babies.) After you've put him down and calmed down a bit, you can always pick him back up and try to comfort him again. Whatever happens don't be discouraged. You and baby will be fine. If it is colic, I've read and been told it will only last until about the 3 month mark, which seems like a long time now, but once it's over you will realize it really wasn't. My youngest is 3 months old and the time has flown by.

If you are breastfeeding, then this next part probibly doesn't apply. However, if you are breastfeeding and drinking cows milk, you might want to consider cutting it out for a few days and see if it helps any. Some babies have a hard time with dairy when breastfeeding. This however doesn't soundlike it's a digestive reaction, but more like colic as its the same time every night.

I've also been told that putting baby on a soy or lactose-free formula will help decrease the stress on his digestive system, as many babies have a hard time processing cow's milk protiens. My first daughter was on a low iron formula, second on soy and my third is on regular simalac with iron. The advanced stuff seems to make babies more gassy, even the nurses at the hospital agreed.

My other favorite item for all three of my babies was Mylicon gas drops (or any store brand, the name brand can be expensive). Here's a good link for you to check out too:Mylicon Drops I love babycenter for information, but I did have to learn to make my own decisions and follow my gut.

Someone once also said Gripe water was good for colicy babies. I have no hands on experience with colic, but you could also look into that to see if it might help his little tummy.

Take him to a pediatritian for his well baby checkups and talk to him about different formulas and what you could change to help make you and your baby more comfortable while going through this stage.

Last but not least follow your gut. You may not be experienced with other babies, but this one is yours, and you are going to know if something isn't right. If you don't get the answers you think you needed to hear, take him to see someone else and ask again. Make your doctor listen to your questions and give answers, that's their job...

If ever you just want someone to listen while you vent, rant and freak out, you are more then welcome to e-mail me, or aim: sunflwr079. I hope this helped, and I hope you and baby will find peace soon!Gripe Water

rlynnm · 12-10-2005, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hash_Browns

My other favorite item for all three of my babies was Mylicon gas drops (or any store brand, the name brand can be expensive). Here's a good link for you to check out too:Mylicon Drops I love babycenter for information, but I did have to learn to make my own decisions and follow my gut.

I used mylicon for my premie baby for her first few months. It saved me from some sleepless nights. It helped quite a bit but she seemed more comforted when I held her against my skin. It seems she was comforted by eihter the sound of my heartbeat or just the warmth from the warmth of skin itself.

Also if you're bottlefeeding, it might be the type of bottle/nippe set up you have. Certain ones are more prohibitive of excess air being taken in when the child suckles on the nipple. ....

sexymama · 12-10-2005, 11:05 PM

It is old school to believe that baby's are expanding their lungs. Lungs are organs, and do not expand or grow stronger with use. My mom use to tell me the same thing. She thought I was spoiling my babies and making them week by responding to their cries so quickly. But they are happy and well adjusted and healthy children now.

Sometimes babies just have fussy periods. I know our baby did. Every evening around 6:00 he would fuss and/or cry for up to an hour or two. Whenever possible I would walk him, rock him, hold him, sing to him -- assure him that I love him and want to meet his needs. However, when I started to stress, I would hand him off or put him down. It is much better to leave him to scream alone, then for me to abuse him (never came close -- don't worry!) It seems that our baby went through that until he began moving around more.

The basic message -- it is normal, don't worry, and handle it the best way you can (including taking care of yourself in the process.)

BTW -- you may consider getting the book, What to Expect the First Year. It has excellent pieces of information in it, including how to deal with fussy periods.

Also -- congratulations!

Naked Communist · 12-11-2005, 11:01 PM

Thanks for all the advice. He's almost 3 months old and is crying for 2 - 3 hrs every night. But tonight was better - only crying for about 1/2 an hour. I've been using the Mylicon - it's great. I can tell his gassy cry and this one is different.
But hopefully (finger's crossed), tonight will start a trend of less crying. I've been letting him go at if after trying to soothe him. I hate doing it, but I agree that holding him when I'm stressed or angry is not a good idea either. It would help if I had someone to hand him off to - but if the hubby's at work, then it's just me. We haven't really made any decent friends here and I don't have any help. Sigh. Miss my sis (hi, Medusa99!)
I did try the skin-to-skin contact and he seems to like that. I've tried singing too and he responds to that fairly well. But sometimes he is just inconsolable. Thanks again for the suggestions.

rlynnm · 12-12-2005, 12:01 AM

Things get better with time, just keep that in mind. You and your little one will be catching up on sleep soon! Keep us posted..

ShaniFaye · 12-12-2005, 04:32 AM

I wished I'd had stock in mylicon when Manda was a baby hehehe

It may be old school sexy mama, but since then I've been told the same thing more than once hehehehe whatever it was, she is none the worse for wear

Derwood · 12-12-2005, 09:01 AM

3 months is where my daughter is, and though she's not as consistently fussy as your child is, this is certainly a time of some "frustration" on a baby's part. Sometimes their brains have developed a bit quicker than their bodies, and they get upset that they can't move around like they would like to. Chances are that as soon as your baby can roll over on its own, the fussiness will take a sharp decrease.

highthief · 12-13-2005, 01:26 PM

My 13 month old has been crying all day - went to the quack, went to emerg - still crying.

Fuck.

rlynnm · 12-14-2005, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highthief

My 13 month old has been crying all day - went to the quack, went to emerg - still crying.

Fuck.

What quacks say?

highthief · 12-15-2005, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlynnm

What quacks say?

Hurry up and wait, basically. Seen 4 quacks now, including the family quack, and 1 said "cold" (wrong), 1 said "Not sure, but something is going on, go to emerg for testing" (great idea but emerg ain't playing ball) and 2 say "unknown viral infection affecting stomach" (may be right but damn, she hasn't eaten in 5 days - just liquids). At least, this morning, while she is still cranky - she woke up without fever. Hopefully things are on the mend. We'll see.

TotalMILF · 01-03-2006, 11:45 PM

Yikes! I sympathize, totally. My son has been fussy for seemingly no reason lately as well, but to a lesser degree, and I think it's because he's going through a growth spurt (he's 6wks). Same thing happened a few weeks ago, come to find out he grew 2.25 inches in 3 weeks... Anyways, I gave him some tylenol infant drops and half an hour later he finally got to sleep. He's been snoozing for about 2 hours now... looks like an angel:-)

I hope you figure out what's making him fuss.

rlynnm · 01-05-2006, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highthief

Hurry up and wait, basically. Seen 4 quacks now, including the family quack, and 1 said "cold" (wrong), 1 said "Not sure, but something is going on, go to emerg for testing" (great idea but emerg ain't playing ball) and 2 say "unknown viral infection affecting stomach" (may be right but damn, she hasn't eaten in 5 days - just liquids). At least, this morning, while she is still cranky - she woke up without fever. Hopefully things are on the mend. We'll see.

Not totally helpful are they?

How is the little tyke doing these days?

12-09-2005, 11:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
Naked Communist Upright Location: the armpit of the Great Southwest	Crying Baby Hi everyone. I'm a new mom and I do mean NEW - I never babysat growing up and my only experience with a baby was one afternoon with my nephew. But I'm learning fast and so far my son has been a blessedly quiet baby. But, now every night around 8 PM he starts crying. Nothing I do will keep him from crying. Pacifier works for a minute or two and then he spits it out and cries. I've tried rocking him, singing to him, putting him in his swing, etc. This has been going on for the last 5 or 6 days. He's happy as a clam all day until around 8. Is this colic? Is there anything I can do - any suggestions? My hubby works from 5 PM to 5 AM (military) and I'm home with the little one every night and I'm at my wits end. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks __________________ We are ensnared by the wisdom of the serpent; we are freed by the foolishness of God. ---------------------- ...inside the museums infinity goes up on trial. Voices echo "this is what salvation must be like after a while"...

12-10-2005, 04:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
Psycho Dad Mulletproof Location: Some nucking fut house.	He starts at 8. What time does he stop? Is this a 15 minute cry, or an hour? Sometimes a few minutes will sound like an eternity. And how new? Is he three days old, three weeks or three months? Sorry that this doesn't seem like any help, but there is more information that folks will need to help you I think. And do you live on base? Even if not I believe that there may be military resources that you can tap into for help. See if there are support groups, mother's day out ype activities, etc. There are others out there that are going through, have been through or will go through these and other issues. Good luck. __________________ Don't always trust the opinions of experts.

12-10-2005, 05:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	My daughter did this for two straight weeks when she was about 5 weeks old. She'd start at 4 and scream for 2 hours every single day.....she was fine right before and fine right after. the first few days I did everything I could think of to get her to stop, and then my mother told me something that an old doctor had told her with me....she was expanding her lungs...there wasnt anything wrong with her, as long as I made sure she wasnt feverish or needed changing or hungry that I should just put her down in her crib and let her go at it. That was very hard for me to do but I did. I'd put her down she'd scream and when she was done she'd be by happy little amanda again. Its NOT easy to listen to but if your baby is starting it at the same exact time every day and it lasts the same amount of time it sounds like the same thing. __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

12-10-2005, 01:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
Hash_Browns Psycho Location: Right behind you...BOO!	Shani sounds like she has pretty much said what I would have said. About the putting baby down and walking away. It sounds harsh, and a lot of people will disagree with this tactic (you will make your own decision, you're the mom not any one of us) but sometimes this is what it takes. If you get to the point that you start freaking out and don't know what to do, the last thing you want is to have the baby in your arms. They have an amazing ability to feed off mommy's energies and your stress could actually make her feel worse (please don't blame yourself, this isn't whats causing it, it just amplifies it for some sensitive and intuitive babies.) After you've put him down and calmed down a bit, you can always pick him back up and try to comfort him again. Whatever happens don't be discouraged. You and baby will be fine. If it is colic, I've read and been told it will only last until about the 3 month mark, which seems like a long time now, but once it's over you will realize it really wasn't. My youngest is 3 months old and the time has flown by. If you are breastfeeding, then this next part probibly doesn't apply. However, if you are breastfeeding and drinking cows milk, you might want to consider cutting it out for a few days and see if it helps any. Some babies have a hard time with dairy when breastfeeding. This however doesn't soundlike it's a digestive reaction, but more like colic as its the same time every night. I've also been told that putting baby on a soy or lactose-free formula will help decrease the stress on his digestive system, as many babies have a hard time processing cow's milk protiens. My first daughter was on a low iron formula, second on soy and my third is on regular simalac with iron. The advanced stuff seems to make babies more gassy, even the nurses at the hospital agreed. My other favorite item for all three of my babies was Mylicon gas drops (or any store brand, the name brand can be expensive). Here's a good link for you to check out too:Mylicon Drops I love babycenter for information, but I did have to learn to make my own decisions and follow my gut. Someone once also said Gripe water was good for colicy babies. I have no hands on experience with colic, but you could also look into that to see if it might help his little tummy. Take him to a pediatritian for his well baby checkups and talk to him about different formulas and what you could change to help make you and your baby more comfortable while going through this stage. Last but not least follow your gut. You may not be experienced with other babies, but this one is yours, and you are going to know if something isn't right. If you don't get the answers you think you needed to hear, take him to see someone else and ask again. Make your doctor listen to your questions and give answers, that's their job... If ever you just want someone to listen while you vent, rant and freak out, you are more then welcome to e-mail me, or aim: sunflwr079. I hope this helped, and I hope you and baby will find peace soon!Gripe Water __________________ Smile It makes people wonder what you're up too! Last edited by Hash_Browns; 12-10-2005 at 01:50 PM..

12-10-2005, 11:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
sexymama My own person -- his by choice Location: Lebell's arms	It is old school to believe that baby's are expanding their lungs. Lungs are organs, and do not expand or grow stronger with use. My mom use to tell me the same thing. She thought I was spoiling my babies and making them week by responding to their cries so quickly. But they are happy and well adjusted and healthy children now. Sometimes babies just have fussy periods. I know our baby did. Every evening around 6:00 he would fuss and/or cry for up to an hour or two. Whenever possible I would walk him, rock him, hold him, sing to him -- assure him that I love him and want to meet his needs. However, when I started to stress, I would hand him off or put him down. It is much better to leave him to scream alone, then for me to abuse him (never came close -- don't worry!) It seems that our baby went through that until he began moving around more. The basic message -- it is normal, don't worry, and handle it the best way you can (including taking care of yourself in the process.) BTW -- you may consider getting the book, What to Expect the First Year. It has excellent pieces of information in it, including how to deal with fussy periods. Also -- congratulations! __________________ If you can go deeply into lovemaking, the ego disappears. That is the beauty of lovemaking, that it is another source of a glimpse of god It's not about being perfect; it's about developing some skill at managing imperfection.

12-11-2005, 11:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
Naked Communist Upright Location: the armpit of the Great Southwest	Thanks for all the advice. He's almost 3 months old and is crying for 2 - 3 hrs every night. But tonight was better - only crying for about 1/2 an hour. I've been using the Mylicon - it's great. I can tell his gassy cry and this one is different. But hopefully (finger's crossed), tonight will start a trend of less crying. I've been letting him go at if after trying to soothe him. I hate doing it, but I agree that holding him when I'm stressed or angry is not a good idea either. It would help if I had someone to hand him off to - but if the hubby's at work, then it's just me. We haven't really made any decent friends here and I don't have any help. Sigh. Miss my sis (hi, Medusa99!) I did try the skin-to-skin contact and he seems to like that. I've tried singing too and he responds to that fairly well. But sometimes he is just inconsolable. Thanks again for the suggestions. __________________ We are ensnared by the wisdom of the serpent; we are freed by the foolishness of God. ---------------------- ...inside the museums infinity goes up on trial. Voices echo "this is what salvation must be like after a while"...

12-12-2005, 12:01 AM	#8 (permalink)
rlynnm Psycho Location: so cal	Things get better with time, just keep that in mind. You and your little one will be catching up on sleep soon! Keep us posted.. __________________ The hardest thing is to be honest with yourself, especially if that means completely redefining the world you've come to know. Don't look too hard, I'm right in front of you.

12-12-2005, 04:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	I wished I'd had stock in mylicon when Manda was a baby hehehe It may be old school sexy mama, but since then I've been told the same thing more than once hehehehe whatever it was, she is none the worse for wear __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

12-12-2005, 09:01 AM	#10 (permalink)
Derwood Who You Crappin? Location: Everywhere and Nowhere	3 months is where my daughter is, and though she's not as consistently fussy as your child is, this is certainly a time of some "frustration" on a baby's part. Sometimes their brains have developed a bit quicker than their bodies, and they get upset that they can't move around like they would like to. Chances are that as soon as your baby can roll over on its own, the fussiness will take a sharp decrease. __________________ "You can't shoot a country until it becomes a democracy." - Willravel

12-13-2005, 01:26 PM	#11 (permalink)
highthief Junkie Location: Ontario, Canada	My 13 month old has been crying all day - went to the quack, went to emerg - still crying. Fuck. __________________ Si vis pacem parabellum.

01-03-2006, 11:45 PM	#14 (permalink)
TotalMILF Delusional... but in a funny way Location: deeee-TROIT!!!	Yikes! I sympathize, totally. My son has been fussy for seemingly no reason lately as well, but to a lesser degree, and I think it's because he's going through a growth spurt (he's 6wks). Same thing happened a few weeks ago, come to find out he grew 2.25 inches in 3 weeks... Anyways, I gave him some tylenol infant drops and half an hour later he finally got to sleep. He's been snoozing for about 2 hours now... looks like an angel:-) I hope you figure out what's making him fuss.