HELP! Screaming baby, but WHY?

JoDoc

Gabriel, one of my 5 month old boys, is screaming. (not at this second) He'll scream like he's in pain or incredibly irritated with whatever we're doing. We've tried Tylenol in case he IS in pain but it doesn't do much. We've rubbed on his gums and had him chew on things and, while he likes it, he'll still scream. He likes when you hold him and walk, but if you sit down he screams. If you put him in his swing, put him in his chair, do tummy time, hold him in your arms in a rocking chair, anything other than hold him and walk, he'll scream. Any ideas? Any suggestions?  

persephonerose

Lurker here, is he any better? Could it be gas?

JoDoc

Not gas.  We have given anti-gas meds too to be sure

PurpleIris30

Breast milk or formula? Sounds like it could be some sort of food intolerance - dairy, soy, wheat, etc. You could try a different formula or do an elimination diet if you are breast feeding.

Or does he show any signs of reflux? Zantac helped our girls, who did both have reflux, but one worse than the other.

persephonerose

@JoDoc I hope you can figure it out soon. Poor little guy.

lowisezo

My twin boys are also 5 months. I have one who is a screamer but it seems he only cries hysterically between 5 and bedtime (which is usually 7/7:30). He's fine if he's being held but the second you put him down he starts up. I'm just hoping it's a phase he'll grow out of. Otherwise I might need some earplugs good luck!

hootie123

Does it happen at a specific time?   My boy does this sometimes in the evening - I really think its gas - so I am doing everything I can in the evening to make sure he gets his gas out - tummy time, belly masage, leg lifts, lots of burping, etc. 

JoDoc

Alright, going to answer everyone here  

Formula feeding, no solids or cereal yet.  No, no certain times of the day.  If we're moving he's fine.  Ok, actually he's fine most of the time, but once he starts his screaming if you pick him up (or he's in his car seat/stroller) and start moving, then he's fine.  No changes in anything...formula, soap, daily schedule...nothing.  I could deal with it better if I knew what the problem was.  I just worry that he has discomfort that I COULD be taking care of and I just don't realize it.  I'll do anything for them, I don't like them feeling bad!  (I understand it'll happen with certain things, but if I can help, I want to)

persephonerose

@JoDoc does it make a difference if he is upright or laying down? Or is it just a movement thing? He wants to constantly be on the move?

I would think you would have noticed signs of reflux before now, but if he cries more when he is laying down or laying flat I would wonder if he is having reflux. 

The only other thing I could think of would be an ear ache/infection or teething. Movement or certain positions might be taking some of the pressure off or distracting him from whatever the discomfort it.

It is so hard at that age. I hope you can figure it out soon.

Rynleigh

As much as you probably don't want to hear it, the very most likely scenario is just a personality difference... he may very well just want to see things and be close to you and be moved around and not be able to communicate it effectively right now, so he screams when you get into a position contrary to his wants... Simon has been this way since probably just about the same age, and it's only started to ease up since he started walking more. He wanted to be held and carried everywhere. If we sat down or even went into the wrong room (i.e. if we went into his room when he wasn't tired, went into our room when he wants food, went into the kitchen when he wants to play, etc) he would scream bloody murder and kick and throw himself backward. It's like he's just incredibly angry that he cannot communicate where he wants to go and what he wants to do, so he just freaks the hell out if we don't comprehend what it is that he wants. Jamie doesn't do it - the worst he does is progressively become more upset if he doesn't get what he needs... but Simon will shriek and lose his mind. No physical issues. No illnesses. No pain. Just a very empathetic, emotional, and intelligent child trying to communicate his wants. It became much easier to tolerate as we realized that and started acknowledging what he needs. It doesn't "spoil" them to try to figure out what they need or want and try to help satisfy that - it helps build trust and help them know that they are being heard so that it doesn't tumble out of control into a rage. 

I'd still take him to an ENT to rule out issues with his ear fluid levels and his throat, but if all else fails, try anticipating what he might be wanting and seeing the world through his limited-language world to see if it helps. 

TobieRose

persephonerose said:

@JoDoc does it make a difference if he is upright or laying down? Or is it just a movement thing? He wants to constantly be on the move?

I would think you would have noticed signs of reflux before now, but if he cries more when he is laying down or laying flat I would wonder if he is having reflux. 

I thought reflux too ... one of my twins was a "happy spitter" until 4.5 months and then the screaming started. It could be that the movement distracts him enough so that he stops screaming ...? Does he arch his back? Have you noticed it happening in relation to his eating (x amount of time after a bottle)? 

JoDoc

Well, he has a bit of reflux(?), he'd spit up if we laid him down too soon after eating.  We've thought teething, but can't feel anything yet.  He will scream and we pick him up and as long as we are walking he's fine.  If we keep him upright but sit down, it's back to screaming.  We don't even have to walk, I guess, as long as we're standing.  I've tried to do as you suggest, put myself in his position, but I just can't figure it out.  I will do anything for them, would gladly take their pain and make it my own, but as a SAHM of 5 month old boys, I need more than 3 hrs of sleep a day. My hubby helps as much in the middle of the night as he can, but I tell him to go to sleep so he's fully awake for his job.  He does an awful lot in the evenings after work though.  

persephonerose

@JoDoc that sounds so frustrating. You said as long as you are standing he seems fine. I know when my son was around 7 or 8 months he wanted to be higher up. If you held him or put him in his high chair which was on a tall kitchen chair (bar style) he was happy. Do you think maybe he just wants a different view point?

It is so hard to guess what they want.

somewhereincali

I agree with teh PP that unfortunately its likely just his personality/thats what he wants.  I also didnt have the chill model of babies who were happy to just sit in swings or on the ground or whatever.  

zazu13

You could wear him in a wrap or carrier to free up your hands. I imagine that is exhausting and yes, you need more than 3 hours sleep. Can you get helpers? I have someone come nearly every day (my girls are 2 mo) for 1-2 hours to give me a chance to rest. Good luck!