My 6 week old cries all the time why? Help!!!!

Katie - posted on 05/08/2013

Possibly just a normal developmental stage...

http://purplecrying.info/

What is the Period of PURPLE Crying? The Period of PURPLE Crying® is the phrase used to describe the time in a baby's life when they cry more than any other time.
P = peak of crying
U = unexpected
R = resists soothing
P = pain-like face
L = long-lasting
E = evening
Dr. Ronald Barr, a developmental pediatrician who has likely done more studies on infant crying than anyone in the world, came up with the phrase the Period of PURPLE Crying. His idea was to explain this phase to parents of new babies so they would know it was normal and they would be encouraged that it would come to an end.
The acronym PURPLE is used to describe specific characteristics of an infant's crying during this phase and let parents and caregivers know that what they are experiencing is indeed normal and, although frustrating, is simply a phase in their child's development that will pass. The word Period is important because it tells parents that it is only temporary and will come to an end.

Breia - posted on 03/11/2013

Its weird to watch a group of adults go from exchanging helpful advice and opinions to this awkward high school style argument where everyone is just looking to have the last word. And you can tell they didn't really read each other's replies closely. Not that any of them deemed a close reading.

Brittney - posted on 02/20/2011

We had the same problem with my daughter and it turned out she had Reflux. If she arches when she eats, spits up alot, etc you might talk to your doctor. We also swaddled my daughter to help her feel more secure. They sell swaddle sacks at babiesrus that are amazing!

Rhiannon - posted on 02/20/2011

I don't know if the sell it in the states but in britain you can buy a product called gripe water and it will help your baby to bring up its wind i used to put a 5ml spoonful in everyone of my daughter bottles and i didn't suffer any problems with her :) my friend also tried all the colic meds going along with special bottles and the only thing that has helped her little boy is gripe water hope this is of some help.

Also don't let the baby fall asleep in your arms if you can help it, try to get the baby to go to sleep in its moses basket by gently rocking it side to side or lie the push chair flat and push it gently back and forth untill baby is asleep xx

Robyn - posted on 02/20/2011

Thank you Denise so much

Denise - posted on 02/20/2011

Robyn I am so pleased to hear this. I am also really pleased you didn't accept her crying as normal. You knew something was wrong and did something about it.



You have a very lucky daughter and I'm sure if she could thank you she would. I know exactly what you are saying; my children became totally different babies with the correct medication and formula change too. It's just a shame there are so many people who do accept it as normal and their poor babies suffer.



I wish you and your daughter all the best xxx

Robyn - posted on 02/19/2011

Hi y'all just to let you know we went to see pediatrician yesterday and my baby girl had a milk allergy and reflux. Doctor changed formula and gave medication and my beautiful baby girl is a totally different child she is smiling and sleeping so good. Thank you all for all your advice. Moms always follow your instincts if you think something not right more than likely your right.

Carolyn - posted on 02/19/2011

My son from when he was born, would cry all the time. He would he and then throw it up, because he would cry so hard. He had colic, his little tummy would be knotted all the time. Once because he was hungry, then because he had bad gas he could not pass. I would have to swaddle him tight in a blanket & rock him fast. He would fall asleep & the minute I would walk away, he was up crying again. He liked the tight hold & rocking, but not the swing. So we did this for 5 months. Then when he started to get mobile and crawl he was able to handle the gas much better. He was the best child after that, had no further problems. Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do. Mine was a whole bunch of rocking. By the time he was 2yrs old, he would ask me, rock a baby mommy. I loved it! Hope you have the patients to work it out & there is more colic medication now than 27 yrs ago. You can ask your pharmacist for help or pediatrician. Hope this helps, I defiantly feel for you. It was exhausting at the same time, so much love & bonding was formed. God Bless

Denise - posted on 02/18/2011

Colic is a broad term used to describe PAIN in a baby. You need to find the cause of that pain. If you had that amount of pain you would do every thing possible to find the cause of that pain. Babies rely on us to do that for them.

Margaret - posted on 02/18/2011

no i went through it when my daughter was born, maybe she might have colic

Denise - posted on 02/17/2011

Ok, so seriously, you need to reread quite a few posts here and get off your own pedestal. I have no interest in what you think I am doing. I posted here to offer Robyn the support that she wasn't getting from wellmeaning, but misguided advice. I'm not sure why you think I would be interested in attacking people, I have no interest in that at all, My one and only concern is for the poor wee babies that so obviously need help.

Billie - posted on 02/17/2011

I did not only offer for her to soothe her baby, I offered her different ways to soothe her baby AND I said she should see a doctor if she's concerned. Get off the pedestal, you keep posting after people to "show" that you are right. That alone is attacking. And I'm done, I have my own kids to raise.

Denise - posted on 02/17/2011

Oh calm down, I wasn't attacking anyone. If I was going to attack someone I would have mentioned names. There have been plenty of people who have mentioned colic so don't single yourself out. I am here to offer Robyn support, I don't have time to worry about attacking other people. And no I don't know your experiences, just like you don't know Robyns...which is plainly obvious when you told her just to "soothe" her baby. I imagine that was the first thing she did before posting her concerns on here. I'm sure she was after something a little more substantial.

Billie - posted on 02/17/2011

Denise, have you even read my whole posts before attacking me??? I TOLD HER TO GO SEE A DOCTOR IF SHE FELT SHE NEEDED TO MORE THAN ONCE! You don't know all my experiences as a parent and I think you need to pay attention before you attack someone. Just because I don't agree with you doesn't make me wrong, it makes you wrong for assuming you're automatically right.

Denise - posted on 02/16/2011

Seriously, there is NO such thing as Colic. Colic is a broad term given to babies who are in pain. There is always a cause for the pain, and it is up to the parent and Health Care Professionals to determine what it is. It isn't easy as there are many things that can be causing it. But to pass it off as “just Colic” is doing your poor baby an incredible injustice. Like I said before, it breaks my heart when people say a baby in pain is normal (or just colic). Being in pain IS NOT NORMAL.



Good for you Robyn for caring about your child enough to question her crying. Stick to your guns and hopefully you will find the answer sooner rather than later. There are many things that could be causing it; reflux (including silent reflux) or food intolerances which cause terrible stomach/bowel pain. Honestly the list goes on, and I am not for one minute suggesting she may have a serious medical condition, far from it, it could be something mild with an easy solution, but things need to be ruled out…please look into it for your daughter’s sake. There have been studies to suggest that babies with persistent untreated pain go on to have behavioural problems. It is easy to see how this can happen. Imagine being in constant pain, with stressed out parents to boot, and how that can psychologically impact on a developing brain.



I think some people mean well, but if they have no experience with the type of crying you are conveying, then they really do not understand what is going on. All the tried and tested ways of soothing a baby have obviously been done, but I am guessing it is more than just the typical unsettled baby cry. It can be really frustrating when people don’t take your concerns seriously and dismiss it with “it will get better” If there is something wrong it WILL NOT get better, it more than likely get progressively worse. You will not know unless you get your baby checked. If you are unhappy with outcomes, get a 2nd or 3rd opinion until you have resolution. Your baby will thank you for it.

Billie - posted on 02/16/2011

I put "lol" because everyone thinks that because a baby is crying a lot there's automatically something medically wrong. My 1st daughter had colic and she cried constantly, all you have to do is try to soothe them. If there isn't anyway to soothe them and you're worried either go to the doctor or the ER like I suggested in my original post.

Deanna - posted on 02/16/2011

I would say this isn't funny. I don't care who labeled it as such you should be ashamed.

Now for the problem. I would suggest that your baby has colic. In so far as you have said that is what it sounds like anyway. It should work itself out but you can always ask your doctor when you go next.
good luck. I know it is tough but you can and will get through this.

Rebecca - posted on 02/16/2011

try a sling my boy would cry unless he had his head on my chest and was swaddled

Billie - posted on 02/16/2011

lol

Robyn - posted on 02/16/2011

Thank you Denise ..

Robyn - posted on 02/16/2011

Thanks for the advice and for those of you that just said thus is normal you are wrong until you have sat here for 6 weeks listening to this beautiful baby cry don't tell someone that this is normal.

Sakina - posted on 02/16/2011

yes i m 100% whit you Denise. thanks god the singing works with me.

Denise - posted on 02/16/2011

Sakina that is nice and reassuring, but sometimes babies have underlying medical conditons which puts them in incredible pain. I'm sure Robyn wouldn't have posted here if her baby was just doing a little bit of crying. She obviously has concerns which aren't going to be fixed by something so easy. If a baby is in pain, singing to it probably isn't going to help a whole lot.

Sakina - posted on 02/16/2011

my son is 9 weeks, sometimes he cries for no reason i let him cry for 5 mn maximum if doesn't stop, i make sure he is not hungry,wet or cold. just put her down and try to sing to her until she fall a sleep.never let her sleep on you arm she may get use to it, and i think thats why she cries when you put her down.

Denise - posted on 02/16/2011

Unfortunately many babies go undiagnosed with problems because people pass off their distress as being normal. I see it all the time and it breaks my heart. If only people would listen to their instincts and realise there is something wrong. Clearly Robyn has concerns for her daughter and these shouldn't be dismissed as "Normal". Once my children were treated for their various medical problems (at a very young age, as I knew it was not normal) they became the adorable babies they were suppose to be. Yes babies cry and get unsettled, but if you have concerns then get them checked, don't just pass it off as normal. Just because there is a photo of her baby looking "settled at some point" doesn't mean twat.

Billie - posted on 02/16/2011

I honestly think that people are worrying you for no reason. Your baby is being a normal baby, I'm a mother of 2 and I can tell you that this is totally normal. Babies cry, that's what they do. At this age they need to be close to their mother and comforted and some babies need it more than others. They crave closeness. Of course if you're worried you can always speak to a specialist, but just from what you've described I don't see anything wrong with your child. People always jump to conclusions. I see you have a picture of your child so she's obviously content at some point. There are days that I have to do my chores while I wear my newborn in a baby sling because she's just not content unless she's with me, but she falls fast asleep in the sling and she doesn't get upset unless she needs a diaper change or feeding.

Denise - posted on 02/16/2011

Your baby is in clear discomfort. This IS NOT normal. Both my children went through this. One was diagnosed with Ceoliacs, Dairy Intolerance and Eosinophilic Oesophagitis. The other had Gastroparesis. I am not saying your child has either of these, however you must get her checked out, and don't let your GP say it is normal! It does sound like reflux with her crying when she goes to bed. Both my children had severe reflux as well as their other problems and it certainly sounds like that could be one of her problems. Have you tried some infant Mylanta? Please get her seen by a Doctor, and make them listen to your concerns....and get a second opinion if you are not happy!

Billie - posted on 02/16/2011

I was having this issue with my daughter, but I found the perfect combo to help her sleep longer, even though she breastfeeds. (It digests quicker than formula causing them to eat more often) I give her a bath before bedtime (their skin is so sensitive we can only really bathe them every 3 days but between then just use warm water and no soap) then I feed her, and then I walk her around talking to her until she falls asleep. Last night she slept from 10:30pm until 3am!! That's almost 5hrs!!

You just have to find what works for your child. It isn't until they're around 3 months old that they start to learn that they are their own being, until then they love to be attached to us. Most nights my daughter will only sleep at night if I have her cuddled up next to me. I've come to realize that although I may wake up with a sore shoulder, I have to cherish this time with her because I may complain now but once she's sleeping in her own bed full time I'll miss her just like my toddler :(

Jenevieve - posted on 02/16/2011

Brandi Giannetto had the best advise, I thought the same thing she did.Hang in there mommy☺
.

Allison - posted on 02/16/2011

the good news is that it will end. The bad news is that there is probably nothing you can do about it :-(
I'm a mother of 3 and my 9 year old was colicky...just like that. She started to really turn around when she was 6 months old and started crawling. We had a little luck with swaddling and using a bolster when she slept (lying on her side or head elevated). We also decided that we were a bit nervous as first time parents and the baby felt it. Know that it is O.K. to lie your baby down safely in the crib and let her cry for a while so you can have a break! You can talk to your doctor about anti gas drops and changing formulas (assuming she's not nursing). We tried all that...didn't work. Hang in there! Our second child slept all the time, no problem! He LOVED his crib.

Carmen - posted on 02/16/2011

I think everyone goes through this. Don't feel alone. Try swaddling, a noise machine (fan etc, we've bought the baby sleep system CD and have used it for 6 years) letting her cry a little bit as long as you know she's fed, changed and nothing is wrong with her doesn't hurt either. Especially if you're at your wits end. :) hope this helped!

Louise - posted on 02/16/2011

I had this from day one with my daughter even the midwives could not settle her down with a white noise box. it was terrible. She was a really bad eatter only taking a couple of ounces at a time and she would scream all day and night unless carried in her sling. At 10 weeks I could cope no more and I took her to the doctors and even though she was not spitting up her food or had accessive wind she had reflux and was given gaviscon powder for her milk. What a difference within two feeds I had a restful baby that was just a joy. I also was advised to put her on solids which I did and that made a difference to but should be under a doctors supervision.

Make an appointment today because this powder makes such a difference, don't suffer any longer there are things that can be done.

Florence - posted on 02/15/2011

Check for colic.

Jazzlyn - posted on 02/15/2011

Take her to a chiropractor. It sounds crazy but it works. My son was doing the same thing. Within a few visits he was a completely different child. When the chiropractor would hold him upside down by his ankles he was completely leaning one way (like a "C")

Brandi - posted on 02/15/2011

You should buy or check out the DVD "The Happiest Baby on the Block! It has a lot of helpful tips to calm a crying/fussy baby. If the suggestions don't work, you may want to look into what is going on. It is normal for babies to cry but if it is happening all the time, its not normal. Babies need skin-to-skin and need to be held and comforted so I liked that suggestion. You aren't supposed to get a lot done when you have a new baby in the house. Have someone else do the housework so you can focus on the baby!

Kate CP - posted on 02/15/2011

Lactose intolerance is actually very rare in babies. Switching formula can cause severe stomach upset and shouldn't be done lightly.

Margaret - posted on 02/15/2011

This is totally normal, there's probably nothing wrong with your babe. 6 weeks is the max peak for crabiness for newborns because their nervous systems can't process all of the stimuli. Read here:
http://www.lucieslist.com/the-postpartum...

Robyn - posted on 02/15/2011

Thank you all so much

Anastasia - posted on 02/15/2011

A baby of 6 weeks with constant crying is a clear sign of discomfort!!! My daughter acted the same way from birth. First the Pediatrician did not take my concern serious when I told him in hospital I think the formula makes her uncomfortable. So I followed my instinct.

First signs to look out for:

1 Pulling up her legs when you hold her

2 Kicking when lying down

3 It looks likes she in constant pain

4 Reflux

5 She graves a bottle out of her routine – babies drink to suppress the pain. But in fact it makes it worst.

6 Her stool sample is black, hard or

7 She’s constipated- when did she last had a stool diaper?

8. See your pediatrician or phone

9. With colic, she will most likely get a nappy rash of all the acid. Buy soothing cream just in case.

If it is any of the above, I suggest:

1 At your pharmacist asked for colic medicine, before and after feeding

2 Burp your baby, do the bum and back very well. Keep on until she burps. Please don’t tilled your baby!! Inside her is acid that cause the discomfort in the stomach and throat, tilting her only makes it worst.

If she is light blue around the mouth, there is still wind trapped - tap until it comes out

3 Change the formula; she is most likely lactose intolerant. Try soy products. It worked for my daughter. There are gr8t products on the market.

4 When you lay her to sleep, place her in a semi upright position.

5 If she does bring her formula up, wipe her mouth out.

Let’s try this and see how it go’s



The first few weeks are hard on you, follow your instinct and try to remember you have family and friends that would like to help. Make use of that!

EILEEN - posted on 02/15/2011

After you have fed your child ,make sure that you get there wind up by rubbing them on there backs ,plus change there wet Daiper /nappy .Cuddle them or just hum a tune they should then be put back in there Cot /Crib make sure she is laid on her side never on her back or her tummy .. from Eileen in England UK .

Sarah - posted on 02/15/2011

She's still really young and adjusting to life in the big wide world. Try carrying her around in a sling, which will make her feel more secure and swaddle her to help her sleep.

Kate CP - posted on 02/14/2011

She could be teething.

Robyn - posted on 02/14/2011

I am formula feeding ., she is on enfamil gentlease... If she is not eating sleeping are taking a bath she is crying I can't clean house , cook dinner , nothing because she cries every now and then she will lay there and just look around but that to is short lived.

Brandi - posted on 02/14/2011

Are you breastfeeding or formula feeding? What she is eating or not eating can affect how she is feeling. Swaddle baby when she is supposed to be sleeping or before you lay her down. If you wait 20 min. before you lay her down, she is more likely to stay asleep or may sleep longer. There are lots of things you can do but I need more details to help figure out what is going on. I'm a breastfeeding counselor so I deal with questions like this all the time

Terrill - posted on 02/14/2011

I went through this with my son, he just would not sleep even though he was nakered! There are so many things to try but I found that noise really helped. They seem to miss being in the womb, they had the constant noise of your heartbeat and stomach gurgles etc...my son would not sleep unless the hair dryer was on...This went on for about 2 months and while I went through about 3 hairdryers it was much quieter than the vacuum (which they also seem to like!)

Another thing I have discovered with my daughter is that she likes to be continually rocked. We swing her moses basket til she is asleep (hurts the arms but well worth it!) I was totally against a dummy BEFORE I had kids but I found it to be a miracle worker as my daughter has a constant need to suck. She is only 9 weeks so can't always find her thumb so the dummy is a great alternative. Good luck!

Tyrae - posted on 02/14/2011

Does she have reflux (spitting up a lot)? Are you burping her enough after feedings? (If not, she could have gas built up in her belly which causes babies lots of pain). I would talk to the doctor about her crying. They could give you ways to help her reflux, even medication that could help.
Also, holding her in an upring position 20+ minutes after a feeding can help reduce reflux.