why so fussy?

Jennifer - posted on 05/22/2012

my son did the same thing. it ended up he had terrible reflux. so seeing the doctor is a great step in finding out what's bothering him. hang in there!

Elizabeth - posted on 05/22/2012

It is most likely colic the other advice you have gotten should help but it could also be an allergy to dairy which most formulas have you may need to switch to soy if the other formulas don't work first. I have twins one of them had all the same symptoms I put him on good start from gerber then he was fine now he drinks rice milk. He also has a lot of sound and touch sensory issues which made him cry all the time we didn't figure that out til he was 2 so be aware of that most drs won't even talk about that. If the baby is only crying after eating it is colic.but if it is crying all the time it could be sensory perception. Then swaddle they like that and quite music no loud noises get a bouncy seat that has vibration my son slept in that for 2 months only use vibration for short time twenty min on and off.when I put him in the crib we used a bopp y pillow
To sleep in until he was rolling around it keeps there head elevated so they don't get the reflux.

Elizabeth - posted on 05/22/2012

It is most likely colic the other advice you have gotten should help but it could also be an allergy to dairy which most formulas have you may need to switch to soy if the other formulas don't work first. I have twins one of them had all the same symptoms I put him on good start from gerber then he was fine now he drinks rice milk. He also has a lot of sound and touch sensory issues which made him cry all the time we didn't figure that out til he was 2 so be aware of that most drs won't even talk about that. If the baby is only crying after eating it is colic.but if it is crying all the time it could be sensory perception. Then swaddle they like that and quite music no loud noises get a bouncy seat that has vibration my son slept in that for 2 months only use vibration for short time twenty min on and off.when I put him in the crib we used a bopp y pillow
To sleep in until he was rolling around it keeps there head elevated so they don't get the reflux.

Jennifer - posted on 05/22/2012

TEETHING !!!!!!!!

Martha - posted on 05/22/2012

Definitely agree with Neva Jarvis. Both my kids were colicky. Everyone said it wouldn't happen a second time, and it did. (If, indeed, it is just colic). My experience is that colic has nothing to do with their stomachs. It really is a way for them to shut out the stimulus of the world. My kids were wide awake and looking around from day one. Never those sleepy newborns we usually think of. "Happiest Baby on the Block" does a good job at explaining the situation, but doesn't necessarily make things easier. But information goes a long way to relieving the stress. I would strongly suggest getting someone, a family member, a friend whom you can trust to give you some relief. It does seem to magically get better after 3 months. My kids were still fussy babies that always wanted to be held, but the incessant crying bouts stopped. They naturally want to be near mom. It can just be very stressful to be needed all the time, and needed by someone you can't seem to please, especially if this is a new experience for you. Have faith that this shall pass, get help and know that, in time, you will know the joys of the gift of your children too.

Scarlet - posted on 05/22/2012

Hi Alicia, he may have colics try gripe water its sold in the pharmacy and its a natural remedy which works awsome for fussy babies or it also my be reflux which has to be treated be his Dr. My 3 week old was just diagnosed with it and now he's on heartburn meds. Hope this brings some relief and helps. Good luck

Jessica - posted on 05/22/2012

have you had him checked for reflux or colic? Our youngest (we have 2) was the same way when he was that age and at his 2 month check-up we asked about reflux. They put him on ranitidine (baby zantac) and he was a whole other child a week later! He was able to outgrow it by the time he was just over 1 year.

Good luck!

Cathleen - posted on 05/22/2012

I would have him checked for reflux, Enfamil A.R. or Similac Sensitive baby formulas will help and you may be able to avoid medication. Sometimes babies tummies can't handle the protein in regular formula, Enfamil Nutramigen or Similac Alimemtum helps with this and is great for colic too! I've been a pediatric nurse for 16 years and after having my twins (full term) my son needed the Alimentum and he was a happy baby in a week and thrived! Swaddling is also a big help, it's vert comforting for infants. Good luck!! You are doing great, just relax and enjoy that little bundle. :)

Sheenu - posted on 05/22/2012

Hi, Its nothing wrong with you. It seems like he may have some problem that he cries so much. May be you can think of get him checked if he has some sort of stomach ache that is bothering him. coz he is so small may be he wants to sleep that time when you spending time with him, Mine was sleeping mostly all the time except feed time, Just one think comes in minds,Does he feel comfortable with someone else at the same time? but don't worry, take it easy. x

Michelle - posted on 05/22/2012

also remember babies can also feel if you are upset or stressed too, maybe take a breather for a bit while someone else holds baby so you can de-stress for you and the baby's sake. Just a little tip that helped me a lot. good luck mama. :)

Ellyn - posted on 05/22/2012

Probably is is colic I would try a drop of beano in his bottles if he is bottle fed. it helps alot.
I adopted a little girl and she took formula so I would put a drop of beano in with the formula and water and shake it up . It took alot of the bubbles out of the bottles and you can also take some rice or beans dry ones put them in an old sock and tie it off. put it in the microwave for 30 sec at a time until warm wrap it in a towel and hold against his tummy while he is fully clothed you dont want to burn him but the heat may sooth him too.

Bethany - posted on 05/22/2012

Reflux! That's what my little guy did, and finally I got the pediatrician to listen to me. First night on the medicine, he slept through the night.

Stacie - posted on 05/22/2012

He might have acid reflex. Does he arch his back as that can be a sign of acid reflex? Have you tried the 5 S's- sway, swing, sling, sing, swaddle? Try NOT to get overwhlemed by the crying. I know it can be hard. Realize you need breaks. Is there anyone else that watch the baby while you take even just hour to yourself? I know a crying baby can make for very long nights and days. Sometimes I would swaddle my litle guy and buckle him in his car seat next to my bed. I know it sound wierd but I needed sleep and ended up liking sitting up to sleep. In fact, they recommend babies with bad acid reflex sleep inclined. Hand in there. And don't feel bad about asking for help from friends or family. You need to take care of yourself before you can take proper care of the baby.

Stacie - posted on 05/22/2012

He might have acid reflex. Does he arch his back as that can be a sign of acid reflex? Have you tried the 5 S's- sway, swing, sling, sing, swaddle? Try NOT to get overwhlemed by the crying. I know it can be hard. Realize you need breaks. Is there anyone else that watch the baby while you take even just hour to yourself? I know a crying baby can make for very long nights and days. Sometimes I would swaddle my litle guy and buckle him in his car seat next to my bed. I know it sound wierd but I needed sleep and ended up liking sitting up to sleep. In fact, they recommend babies with bad acid reflex sleep inclined. Hand in there. And don't feel bad about asking for help from friends or family. You need to take care of yourself before you can take proper care of the baby.

Jennifer - posted on 05/22/2012

Is your baby pulling up his knees when he cries? If so he has gas and there are a few things you can try to relieve that....one being laying him on his belly across your forearm and keeping his head higher than his belly(have his head by the crook of your elbow) and pat his back. If it just stared and you are going to see your doctor ask about the possibility of the formula not agreeing with him. Both my kids were on formula after nursing and I had to change their formula at least once bc it upset their stomach. Keep him swaddled and close to your heart....do the shhhh sound and gently rock or sway back and forth until you get to your doc. When you are rocking or walking with him take deep breaths between the shhhh sound and as you are breathing relax your muscles. It does get better....my daughter cried for months bc she was over emotional and hypersensitive....you will get there.....have faith!!

Tanya - posted on 05/22/2012

He loves you! It's just that he's a baby. And it's HARD being a baby! His cries are his way of telling you something isn't comfortable. Check his diaper, make sure he's fed, not too cold, not too hot, etc. etc.... Nothing pinching him (don't have to worry about diaper pins these days, anyway!) It is quite possible he is colicky...he has gas and it makes his tummy hurt! Many babies have this. One thing I did is laid the babies on their back and pump their legs up to their tummy and back...not roughly but firmly, just pump them up, bending at the knees, so baby's knees go near his tummy. Then straighten the legs out and do it again a few times. Sometimes you can hear the results. LOL
Some babies like to move around... does he have an automatic swing? Try taking him for a walk in a stroller or just walk him around the house and show him things and talk to him about them. He could also be working on teeth already...one of my sons cut teeth early in his 4th month...so he could actually be feeling some pain there already.
The most important thing is not to get frustrated. He isn't trying to make you mad...he is just in a strange new place with strange new sounds and stimulations and he hasn't learned to handle it yet. If you feel yourself getting upset, lay him down and walk away... get someone else to take over for awhile if possible...I used to hand the baby's over to hubby and go take a hot bath so I couldn't hear anything else for awhile. LOL I'm sure you know it, but it bears repeating....never, never shake a baby!

Emily - posted on 05/22/2012

Is it at a certain time of day that the crying most often happens? If so, it could be colic. Also, google "Period of Purple Crying". Could be gas or upset tummy-- you can try gas drops and/or gripe water and see if that helps. You could also try "The 5 S's" from "The Happiest Baby on the Block" (you can look it up on Google or You Tube). That helped a lot with my third baby. :) If you are breastfeeding, you can examine your diet to see if anything may be making him gassy. If you are formula-feeding, then it might help to switch formulas, maybe even try one of the ones designed for babies with gas problems. I hope you're able to figure it out! I know how stressful a fussy baby can be!

Lynn - posted on 05/22/2012

So sorry to hear this. It is not that he does not like you or you don't make him feel comfortable. It sounds like he may have a really bad time with cholic. That is a lot of gas that he can't get rid of. My girl had it and after 3 months I went in and got some medicine that WORKED. She had a hard time going poop too. You should go in and see the doctor and not wait as long as I did. I will be praying for you.

Amy - posted on 05/22/2012

I had a similar issue. If you are breastfeeding, try cutting all dairy products out of your diet. If you feed the baby formula, try switching to a dairy free formula (like neutramigen). If you are breastfeeding it can take a little while for the dairy protien to get out of your milk. As soon as the dairy was out of my daughters system she was a different baby. All the crying stopped and she was happy. A lot of doctors say its just colic and there isnt anything you can do about it, but based on everything I've read it often is diet related.

Jacqueline - posted on 05/22/2012

Dont know if its been said... Not really going to read all the responses lol. But when my son cried like that... My fiance would swaddle him and SWAY very long SWAYING and the doc gave us the go to put warm towels on his tmmy in case he was constipated, colic, tummy ache etc. After 10 min of swaying it ususally alwys helped and he stop crying. Good luck! I was 19 when I had my first, being young with a baby is hard but at least you have lots of energy for them :) Congrates and Good Luck!

Cherie - posted on 05/22/2012

Alicia, I see that most of the moms here are saying colic and I have to agree. My second child had colic. Swaddling helped some but most of what helped was time. Share the time comforting him with someone, his father, your mother a close friend, just someone. If you don't get away occasionally for some self-time you will go mad. This stage will pass but it will seem like an eternity, just remember, it's not an eternity. Talk to his dr. about some remedies and be patient with both him and yourself. Your relationship with your son will be great and you'll both survive to fight some more.
Hang in there.

Karin - posted on 05/22/2012

Oh my gosh! He loves you, I promise! Is it a cry like he is in pain, or just sad/uncomfortable? What does your doctor think? If it is just discomfort it might be a stomach ache (like gas pains) Some babies cry when the feel the rubbling in their tummies. If it is a painful cry then a doctor needs to see him.

Do you have someone helping you? Important for you to get rest too.

My son was the same. He always cried. I jogged with him in my arms and he settled down. Walking around helped sooth him, but jogging, or hopping like you are skipping rope was even better. When I got tired I sat on the edge of my bed and rocked up and down.

Let me know if this works. Think of him as

Diane - posted on 05/22/2012

Alicia, i promise you you're not the first mum in the world to feel like this. My second was like that and the cause was colic. We tried all sorts of things to help him. There are things you can give him before he feeds or you can add it to his feeds if you're bottle feeding. Try putting him in different positions when you wind him too. i found lying my son along my arm with his arms and legs dangling on either side worked for him but for my daughter it was putting her in a baby carrier facing into me.

I'm not sure where you are. If you're in the UK speak to your health visitor or elsewhere your pediatrician because ther are things you can get which can help make it easier for him.

Make sure you look after yourself too. Sometimes this kind of problem can be a trigger for post-natal depression so go easy on yourself. You're the best mum he could have cos you love him and you want the best for him. Be kind to yourself and if you need help don't be afraid to ask. There is loads of good support out there if you're feeling low and that's pretty normal too!

Kristie - posted on 05/22/2012

sounds like he could have colic. My nephew had it and he was such a grump a lump, now he's over it(been over it for a year or so) he is such a sweet little boy. He could have a reaction to his formula or breastmilk, irritation to tummy. I'd take him to his pediatrician so he could do some tests to figure it out. Hope he gets to feeling better

Amy - posted on 05/22/2012

my son cried alot unless i was holding him. He even Cried then. I found if i sat in a rocking chair and laid him on his stomach across my legs and gently rubbed or patted his back he would calm down and go to sleep. If that didn't work i would give him bubble-b-gone or gripe water and then just walk around with him letting his head lay on my shoulder. Allot of time he wouldn't sleep while laying down i had to be stitting up with him so that he could get more air or something. It wasnt untell he was about 7 or 8 months old that he finally started sleeping good in the bed. He also cried if he was covered, he hated blankets and stuff on him

Ituala - posted on 05/22/2012

Try a warm bath with lavendar oil orcheck w/ his pediatrician to see if he's got cholic (sp?)

Lindsay - posted on 05/22/2012

My son was the same at around the same age. We established that it was Colic. I changed his milk from SMA Gold to Aptimal Comfort (for Colic) and got Colic bottles. It made a HUGE difference and after a few weeks he became much more contented! Good luck!!!

Meryl - posted on 05/22/2012

How about picking him up and singing to him while you rock him gently in your arms.

Taryn - posted on 05/22/2012

my baby was exactly like that, he is probably really colicky so try gripe water, and if he doesnt calm down my trick that my sister in law showed me was turn the shower on hot and stand in the bathroom with a towel wrapped around him for about 10-20 minutes and he will be calm.... if that doesnt work wacuum your floor, and remember stay calm thats how he will be calm .... if hes makin u stress put him in his bassinet for ten minutes and calm ur self down in another room and try again wen ur calm.

Tammy - posted on 05/22/2012

Not to alarm you, but have you had his heart checked out? My son has a heart condition that was diagnosed in the womb and so did not have the problem your son is having, but by reading through heart blogs have seen a trend of babies who are extremely fussy having some heart condition that makes it hard for them to breath or eat. Another issue is that he might have a milk intolerance. My neice does and was nursing, so my sister-in-law had to stop eating or drinking any dairy. That has made a world of difference, little Searria doesn't cry all the time and is a much more happy baby. She is now being transitioned to baby food and soy milk (she's 6 months old now). Colic is another problem many babies have that cause them to cry all the time. Anyhow, I would take her to the doctor and not leave until they ran some tests just for safety sake. Good luck and try to keep calm during all of this. Hugs!

Maria - posted on 05/22/2012

I would try the chiropractor. Babies' necks get torqued during delivery and misalgnment can make them miserable. adjustment is done very gently with fingertips. Colic is often caused by gluten sensitivity/ and or a lack of enough probiotics in the system. Formula is often processed w gluten and is not listed on the label. Gluten is a neurotoxin and can affect behavior, especially in certain people that are genetically inclined to react. Mom may not have had enough good probiotics or in the case of c section, baby did not get any via the birth canal. A good functional neurologist will work with you to get to the root of the problem.

Tora - posted on 05/22/2012

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mora...

Becca - posted on 05/22/2012

Did u burp him?

Joy - posted on 05/22/2012

Oh dear, first get a soother. Pay close attention when he's crying. He might be irritated by diaper, burp, heat-warmth 'sweating', or he maybe sleepy, or maybe u're feeding him d wrong choice. Sometime my 7m baby wants breastmilk instead of d bottle, sometimes she prefers bottle over breast. "she's my Boss" LOL!
Now that he's 7wks, try laying him on his tummy but with close supervision. my baby slept better on her tummy. since 4wk old. always run to baby soother---helps babies become alot more patient. Good luck!

Ashley - posted on 05/22/2012

I am sure you are doing everything you can! Don't get down on yourself. Some babies are just difficult like that.
Do you have tricks for helping him pass gas? Try holding him facing out across your chest (support his tummy along the inside of your arm). Have him lay on his left side - it helps pass gas. I would stand like that with my DD for hours rocking her back and forth. She was allergic to regular formula and needed soy formula and things got better after that. You can also work his legs (gently push them up towards his tummy while you are holding him on his left side. Kind of pump his legs softly and it will help move any gas bubbles).
I also found that have my DD sleep in a slightly inclined position helped with gas and tummy issues - you have to be very careful how you do this - a swing that isn't flat or a bouncer can be great for short naps when you can check on him often.
Ask someone to spell you - sometimes as new Mom's we get so tense and upset that our babies feed off us a little and it is hard for them to settle down. If you don't have someone right now put him in a stroller and go for a long walk.
You are probably doing everything great! Some old pros with four or five kids can still get frazzled when their little one is upset.
We also used Mylecon and that helped our babies to stop crying and sleep!

Erin - posted on 05/22/2012

It gets better! My son would cry and turn red whenever he would have a bowel mouvement. I would lift his legs and make him do little exercises to strengthen his muscle and eventually it got better.
Once you've ruled out hunger, sleep, cold/hot, dirty diaper, you can just rock and hold him.
Also, if it seems to be his stomach try holding him with his belly against your forearm and his head resting on your elbow pit area. It is a position that did wonders for my litttle guy and it is easy to rock them that way.

Rebecca - posted on 05/22/2012

check with the dr he may be colicky.Remember his intestines are just developing ands his belly may be sore.All babies cry. does he eat every two or three hours. Are you nursing?Don't worry you are a great Mom. Check in with your Dr. Babies are challenging they don't develop a schedule until they are about 2 months old.

Jean - posted on 05/22/2012

get him checked for colic or it could be a belly ache

Liz - posted on 05/22/2012

Alicia - I found that the more relaxed i was the more relaxed our son was; easier said than done i know. Babies will cry so try not to get stressed out about it. If you need a moment to gather yourself let him cry a minute in his crib until you are ready to face him calmly.

Some babies just cry more than others; try some gripe drops in his bottle if you are bottle feeding or try a new formula maybe the current formula is not agreeable.

If you are breast feeding watch what you carefully and avoid caffeine. I have tone both breast and bottle and found when i had even a tiny bit of caffeine it was better to bottle feed because he was just too fussy with the caffeine.

Just remember this stage passes and your baby loves you so much he just can't communicate so he is talking to you the only way he knows how.

Laurie - posted on 05/22/2012

Alicia...It does get better. There were days I cried right along with my girl. You have to know that it is ok to put him in a safe place (crib, swing, playpen) and get out of the room to breath! It will get better!!

Becki - posted on 05/22/2012

Hey Alicia! My son cried and cried and cried up until he was 2!! Maybe your son could be colic? I had to put my son on Prosobee formula and it seemed to solve the gas and the crabbiness!

Kayla - posted on 05/22/2012

Mayb he has gas go buy him some gas drops

Sumita - posted on 05/22/2012

He cld be having reflux...my lil one suffered for awhile
before I found out what was wrong.Changed his
formula&he was better.

Cindy Marie - posted on 05/22/2012

Try some gripe water, are you breast feeding or bottle feeding him , Take him to the Dr. to see if he has a problem with cow milk?

Sara - posted on 05/21/2012

it could be mulitply things. he could have a tummy ache try laying him on his tummy on your legs and rub his back and bounce him on your legs, he could also have colic as well he could also feel that you are stressed and scared because you are worried and its upsetting him. talk to his dr as well and get some tips, it never hurts to get help i myself had to do the same thing in a different sitition but had to have help from my sister and mother in law and other people. i hope this helped you

Sara - posted on 05/21/2012

Congratulations, Alicia!! Hold your baby no matter what. That is what he needs. It will help to teach him that his cries are being heard, that he is loved no matter what. My son had a period of that and I thought it was reflux.. It might've been. We got a medicine called Colic Calm that was AMAZING. If you think it might be the tummy then you could try it. I also cut out dairy from my diet, (if you're breast feeding this may help). Also, babies aren't supposed to sleep through the night, so don't expect him to. If you sleep with him you can nurse when he cries to eat, 2-3 times a night usually, without either of you really waking up all the way.
Look at Dr Sears website.. There's some great info on there!!
Good luck:)).

Brenda - posted on 05/21/2012

My oldest child cried constantly for the first six to eight weeks. He had colic. Check with his pediatrician. But I'm betting that is what is wrong.

Carolyn - posted on 05/21/2012

Every baby is different. He may end up being a fussier baby. Just keep your head up and keep trying different things :)

Dawn - posted on 05/21/2012

It gets better. Hang in there. Keep reaching out. Talk to the doctors, both the baby's and your own. Take care of yourself. Remember, you are not alone.

Kirsten - posted on 05/21/2012

Alicia, my daughter was born full term, but she had a slightly underdeveloped nervous system, etc. She had projectile vomiting, she could hit the other side of the living room without even trying. She had severe colic and cried 8 days a week, 25 hrs a day, LOL. Looking back, we discovered that her system was underdeveloped and it actually "hurt" her when we were trying to hold her and comfort her. Her skin hurt. For years, she would make me cut the elastic on her pants sleeves, etc, and I could only buy her socks that had a toe seam, not a top seam. Who knew that while I was holding her and trying to make her feel better, I was just causing her more discomfort.

Take heart, my baby cried non-stop for almost 14 months, but once I figured out what was irritating her, we were both much happier. And, she was the most cuddly, loving baby after that. Know that your son loves you and trusts you, he just is feeling off for some reason. It truly does get better.