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Colic in a newbie to my daycare.

Kelsey - posted on 09/22/2009 ( 2 moms have responded )

I accepted a new infant to my childcare and had been meeting with the parents throughout their pregnancy. The morning they dropped their daughter off they mentioned she gets a little colic in the evenings. By 1:30 she was crying non stop until they came to pick her up (5 pm). I'm not sure I can adequately care for a colicy baby as well as 3 toddlers and my own baby. Has anyone else delt with this situation? I'm thinking I may have to recommend they find another provider.

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Hilary - posted on 09/25/2009

Great suggestions, Sarah! I have also recently started two new infants in my daycare (I wouldn't normally choose to have two infants at a time, but they are both new siblings to kids I was already caring for). Although they are not colicy, it really took a solid 3 - 4 weeks before everyone (including me!) was adjusted. They have just now become more obviously comfortable here, have settled into predictable routines, and we are really enjoying each other! I'm not sure how long you've had this infant in your care, but do consider giving it a generous adjustment period before you assume this is just the way she is. Of course, having said this, I know listening to a baby cry for hours is just about unbearable for me - so hard to know they are upset and there's nothing you can do to help. So, if it is just not feeling right, arrange a meeting with the parents to discuss other options. My heart goes out to you, and good luck!

Sarah - posted on 09/22/2009

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I have not had a colicy baby, but can imagine how stressful that is. It is an adjustment just adding a new one to the mix and then when you add the colic in there too that is HARD. What I would start with first is talking with the parents and finding out if there are certain tricks that might help/work. Would a blanket with mom's smell on it help (if baby does not already bring one)? Also was part of the colic due to being in a different environment and that will improve as she gets adjusted? Is she getting overstimulated (this happens a lot at my house)? There might be things you can do to reduce the overstimulation, or it might be something that they need to look at other types of care to best meet their child's needs. I wish you the best of luck and hopefully things will get better.