Need encouragement please....
Krista123105
member
DS has been extremely fussy for weeks now. DH and I are out of ideas...he doesn't take regular naps (but he's exhausted), and he cries constantly.
We've tried everything we can think of, and nothing works consistently. When he finally does nap, after hours of crying, he's only asleep for 30-45 minutes at a time, which isn't enough for him.
I've considered some of the more common possibilities - teething (doctor said he doesn't see any evidence of teeth actually coming in), reflux (he doesn't spit up very much, which I've read is a major indicator of reflux), etc.
Before I really knew about AP I bought "The Baby Whisperer", but her theories now don't fit our parenting methods. She seems to be more parent-led than baby-led, but at this point I'm desperate. My poor little boy cries for hours, and I don't know how to help him. I don't think there's anything medically wrong with him, since he just checked out fine at his 4-month checkup. I'm not even sure of the point of this post, other than to maybe get some ideas from you ladies that I haven't thought of. Suggestions, opinions, ideas, encouragement...anything you can provide would be appreciated. TIA!
Re: Need encouragement please....
I'm sorry. DS was similar at that age, and even now at 16 mos only takes 30 minute naps. Nothing helped - routine, diet change, trying to extend his naps,etc. Nothing.
I went through a few weeks around 3-4 months where I nursed him constantly, because it was the only thing that soothed him.
Have you had his ears checked? My younger brother was a screamer until they finally thought to check his ears, and lo and behold, chronic ear infections.
Hang in there.
I don't have much advice, but just wanted to say that my DD went/is going through something similar. I think it may be that they are getting more alert and aware of their surroundings, so napping just doesn't sound like much fun right now. Also, at about this age their frontal lobes are developing and so much stimulus can make them upset easily.
DD used to be a great napper and now she takes 30-45 minute naps too...oh and most of the time we have to rock her for about that much time to get her down too. It could be just a passing phase. We can hope so anyway. One thing that helps is to wear her for naps and sometimes she'll sleep longer. Also, we've been trying to wake her up in the morning at a particular time and get her down at night around around a certain time and this has helped get her to sleep a little better.
Sorry, but I know how you feel...it can be really exhausting! HTH!
It's part of their huge growth spurt at this time and it sucks. But it will pass and get better.
In the meantime, have your doc check out his ears and check for reflux. Babies don't have to spit up to have reflux (just google silent reflux and see if any your baby displays any of those signs.)
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