3 Month Old That Hardly Sleeps!

Updated on April 25, 2008
A.L. asks from Crown Point, IN
39 answers

My son just turned 3 months old and has been having trouble sleep for the past 10 weeks. The 1st 2 weeks we were home from the hospital he was an angel! He slept all the time and hardly ever cried, then all of a sudden he started being really fussy and crying all the time and not wanting to sleep (except for when he is held). This has been going on for weeks. It seems like he wants to be constantly held. I can get him to sleep in my arms, but the minute I lay him down he is wide awake and beings to scream. He will sleep for 15-45 mins. at a time and then be awake for hours. The doc. tells me that there is nothing wrong with him....i think that he thinks i'm exagarating and doesn't understand the severity of the situation. No one is getting any sleep at my house and my boyfriend and i have NO time to ourselves or to spend with eachother. He seriously cries for about 10 hours a day and the only time he isn't crying is if he's eating or being held. It's to the point where noone wants to babysit him for me beacuse they know all he will do is cry. Everyone tells me that he is to young to be spoiled alreay and some people say maybe it's colic- i just don't know what to do...please help before i lose my mind!

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M.M.

answers from Chicago on

i know this is going to sound terrible, but have you tried letting him cry it out at all. when my son was the same age we had a very similar problem. i started just laying him down in his crib (in his own room) and just let him cry. I wouldnt let him cry any longer than about 4 minutes, but this seemed to work.

when he is going down for bed, try setting a night time routine. use that lavender nighttime lotion..it might help??

don't worry!! pretty soon he will start eatin cereal and that will knock him out :) GOOD LUCK AND HANG IN THERE! you will get through it! putting up with no sleep and a constantly crying baby just makes you a better and stronger mama!

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A.E.

answers from Chicago on

My son was the same way. He would scream as soon as he was laid flat. He had acid reflux. His only two symptoms were crying all the time and hiccups. There are many, many symptoms of acid reflux. He never spit up more than average. My son was 2mos when he was diagnosed and only needed medication until he was 5mos. Some babies grow out of it, thankfully.

Like others, I recomend Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, and The Happiest Baby on the Block.

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C.M.

answers from Chicago on

Deep breaths, deep breaths! I was there not solong ago and I cried all the time, postive that i was messing it all up. My daughter had mild acid reflux and letting her sleep on an angle or on us helped. And SWADLE! I have a new book to recommend- it's Elizabeth's pantley's "The no-cry sleep solution." It will explain the basic sleep patterns for the different ages and how to work them through it. When I implemented jst a few suggestions, my daughter doubled her length of time asleep. The Healthy Sleep habits happy child book says much of the same, but includes a crying method that I didn't support for the frist 7 months- but it did help us get back on track after an ear infection. WAY to young to be "spoiled." Hylands colic tablets worked wonders as did the little tummy's gas stuff! INVALUABLE!

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C.S.

answers from Chicago on

A., this may sound stupid, but trust me, it works. Place a vacuum cleaner under his crib and let it run. I had an old electrolux that worked wonders for my son. If that doesn't work try a different formula. It sounds like he might be colicy. My last son was and for the first year all he did was bawl...about drove me around the bend. My doctor kept telling me it wasn't that bad. He should have been there. I was 29 and this was my 3rd child so I knew something wasn't right. You might try the new gas drops they have out on the market also. They didn't have those things back in 83 when my son was born...we just had to live thru it. Try those things, I am sure one or the other will help.

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S.B.

answers from Chicago on

I had a problem with my second child beginning a week after he came home from the hospital. It ended up being caffiene in my diet. You didn't mention if you were nursing or not but if you are try eliminating things from your diet until you find the culprit (my son didn't like it when I ate garlic either). If you are not nursing try to remember that when you think you can't take it anymore your angel will be on to something new for you to fret about. In the long run you'll remember much more of the good. Good Luck!

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P.B.

answers from Chicago on

My son was similar. He ended up having reflux. We often slept sitting up in a chair and holding him upright. We also propped his bassinet up a bit by laying a couple towels rolled up under the top part of the mattress.

One suggestion is to take him to another doctor to get a second opinion. I know it's hard to make any changes when you're sleep deprived, but a second doctor made a huge difference in our lives.

Don't worry about spoiling him. He's far too young. He's just trying to let you know his needs.

Someone suggested the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. It's definitely worth reading. I didn't agree with everything in the book, but when my son was about 10 months old it was exactly what we needed!

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T.T.

answers from Springfield on

Hi there! I too had a baby that wouldn't sleep well unless he was in bed with me. I was told to keep bundeling him in the blanket like you do with a new born and to make his sleeping space smaller. To do this i used two bath towels and folded them in half then rolled them up like you would a sleeping bag. I then placed them under his sheet far enough apart that I could lay him between the two of them. This cured his problem the first time I tried it. The reason he slept so well in my bed was because he was snug and secure and his bed there was a lot of empty space for his body to move around in. I am sure the reason your little one is crying so much is because he is just exhausted, hopefully once he gets some good sleep he will become a happier baby! Good luck!

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L.R.

answers from Chicago on

If the doctor says he's normal, then just carry him around. This is a blessing, not a bad thing. Why do you say you and your boyfriend have no time to yourselves? You can read, watch TV, go to a movie, cook, talk, take a drive, all with a baby in your arms (or in a car seat, obviously). Spoiled is not a concept at this age; attention is a legitimate need. One doctor I had described this as "not having her act together" and the result of an immature nervous system. Believe me, they do grow out of it, and you will miss the constant warmth of a baby in your arms before you know it. Get creative, cart the kid around everywhere and have some fun with it. And any babysitters should know that you expect the same from them.

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N.S.

answers from Chicago on

I feel for you! It sounds like colic to me. My 2nd daughter was fine when she came home for the first few weeks but then just was not happy! She cried a lot, not quite 10 hours a day, but enough. Maybe he has gas, try Mylicon gas drops and that may help. It did help somewhat with our daughter. I also have seen colic tablets and gripe water for colic but never used them because I didn't know about them until after the colic was over. I know it seems like it will never end, but if it is colic, it will so just hang in there. If you and your boyfriend can take turns so each of you at least gets some peace and time to yourself, even if it is just an hour, that will make a huge difference in your patience level. Good luck and hope something works for you!

K.L.

answers from Chicago on

Two things. Firstly, get Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg. It'll help A LOT. Next, when a baby is suddenly cranky or labeled colicky, it's worthwile to take him/her to a chiropracter. My hubby and I go to Mainstreet Chiropractic in Plainfield. Wonderful people. We've had our baby there, gentle and we trust them. My husband's asthma has even improved since seeing Dr. Stuck! The birth process can be hard on a baby and sometimes will cause a sublexation--the pain of which the baby cannot communicate to you and so a chiropracter can examine baby and if necessary, do a very gentle adjustment to put things back in order and relieve any pain or discomfort. Good luck and God bless you! You WILL get through this... :D

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D.M.

answers from Bloomington on

A.,

Hang in there -- things WILL get better. In my experience, what you are describing is normal. All three of my kids spent the first two weeks of their lives sleeping like angles. Then, once they hit two weeks old, two of them went through a rough spot until they were about 3 months old. They acted just like you described, crying most of the day if they weren't eating or being held. A few tips of advice for dealing with the crying: 1. if your boyfriend or mom or a friend are willing to sit for the baby for even 1/2 hr a day, take them up on the offer and get away. . . you need it for your own sanity! 2. if the baby likes riding in the car, take him for long drives, just to enjoy the peace. I used to go through a drive through, get a coffee or a big Diet Coke, and just drive around! 3. have you tried wearing him in a sling or baby carrier? that would soothe my colicky babies -- even though you're still technically "carrying" him, at least you can have your hands free to do other things 4. it IS okay to just let him cry for short periods of time. when you're feeling frustrated and you're alone with him, put him somewhere safe (in the crib, strapped into a swing or bouncy seat) and just walk away. sometimes I would just sit on the front porch . . . and even though I could still hear the crying, I was at least able to get a grip on my frustration before returning back to his side.

I hope that some of these ideas help. Most importantly, be assured that it won't last forever . . . the toughest three months are behind you (as far as crying/colic go)!

Good luck,
D.

p.s. A GREAT book to read on the topic is "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby" by Dr. Marc Weissbluth . . .will give you lots of great tips on how to start to develop sleep cycles and habits for your little guy, now that he's old enough!

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A.R.

answers from Chicago on

Good Luck!! I had the same problem with my son until he was 20 months old! He would only fall asleep in my arms and IF I was able to put him down he would sleep for 30 mins. The doctor never seemed concerned about. He just told me I had to find a way to make it work. I was one night's sleep away from taking him to Children's Memorial Sleep Disorder Clinic in Chicago. I finally got it under control with help from Dr. Ferber. There is a great book that I owe my life to called 'Solving Your Child's Sleep Problems'. There are many different methods in the book to try. I'm sure it probably doesn't work for everyone, but it was a God send for me.

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A.A.

answers from Chicago on

My second little girl is 9 1/2 weeks old and I have been experiencing exactly what you described with your baby. She was a great sleeper the first two weeks and after that she will only sleep when she is held. I have spent some time reading up on this because I also worried that something is wrong, especially because my first baby wasn't like this. From what I have read and from what my pediatrician said this really is normal for some babies. I just borrowed a book from the library called "The Happiest Baby on the Block" and it really is informative for babies like ours. The basic idea is that some babies are born feeling like they needed more time in the womb and so by trying to recreate that environment we can keep our babies happy. What I have found to work with my baby is carrying her around in a Snugli. She will sleep in there for a couple hours straight when nothing else will work (and believe me, I tried everything!). Some days I feel a little annoyed to have my baby strapped onto me everytime she needs a nap but I keep reminding myself that they are only this little and helpless for a very short period of time and it really is a precious time period. I am preaching to the choir here but try to enjoy this. From what I have read, your baby should start to mature and be more able to sleep on his own in the next month or so.

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L.

answers from Chicago on

Hi!
I feel your pain. Doe he spit up a lot?? My baby has reflux and cried constantly until we got her meds worked out right! As someone else said she had to sleep sitting up too.

That may not be your baby's problem, but it made me think of my daughter! Have you tried a cozy swing like the papasan one or a papasan chair. My daughter slept in that chair until recently(6 months old) b/c it was just the right angle for her.

Just some thoguhts--I hope you feel better. Being a mom is tough, but they do get bigger!

L.

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L.G.

answers from Chicago on

Have you considered that your baby might be reacting to the milk? I had a premie baby who I breastfed and fed milk based formula to for 6+ months before I realized that the baby was so gassy from the lactose in the milk. I was told multiple times by my pediatrician that my baby cannot be allergic to my milk (I even gave up dairy products but it didn't change her behavior) but as soon as I tried Soy based formula, my baby was unbelievably calm. We also tried all the pre-digested formulas but they still contain lactose. The only thing that worked was the Soy. You might want to try it and see if it helps. Good luck...I've been there and know how hard it is when nobody seems to understand or care about your issues.

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M.C.

answers from Chicago on

Have you tried swaddling him tight before putting him down? My daughter is two months old and wouldn't sleep unless I held her until we started swaddling around 6 weeks. Now she sleeps for good long stretches (from 6 to 8 hours) at night. I use the miracle blanket (you can find this online) which helps because she can't get out of it. I swaddle her and then rock her to sleep, then put her down. I also recommend the book Happiest Baby on the Block. Good Luck!!

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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

Try Healthy Sleep Habit; Happy Child by Dr. Marc Weissbluth and The Happiest Baby on the Block by I think it's Dr. Karp? The sleep book is fabulous, and since he's already crying, you shouldn't have trouble letting him cry to sleep and three months is the youngest they recommend it. The Happiest Baby book is about how to soothe a baby that's crying. I just read it with this my fifth and I could kick myself because I heard about it a long time ago and just didn't get it. You can get them both from the library and then decide if you'll use them enough to buy them. Good luck! It does get better ;) Even colic goes away around three months, it's like the magic age!

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M.H.

answers from Springfield on

My oldest son did the same thing. Just a couple things that sometimes helped us: 1) try laying a blanket on the floor with another blanket close by. once baby is asleep in your arms, get down to the floor and lay him on the blanket WHILE STILL KEEPING YOUR BODY IN CONTACT WITH HIM. VERY slowly ease off a little while grabbing the other blanket and pulling it up over him. I always kept one hand on his little head and gently pulled it away last. I know this seems nuts, but it really worked. My son seemed to startle easily, and this made an easy transition without him noticing it so much. 2) Try letting him sleep in his infant carrier. I would buckle him in and put him on the floor right next to my bed, or place the whole carseat inside his crib. Sometimes this was the best sleep he had in weeks (me too). 3) Relax and put in a good movie. Get cozy with your little guy and enjoy him for a couple of hours. Everybody says it, but it is SO TRUE - they grow up so fast. Mine will be 13 next month, and the last thing he wants right now is to cozy up with mommy on the couch. I MISS IT!

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J.R.

answers from Chicago on

A.,

I feel your pain,... i really do. i havea few bits of advice for you. some of it you may not be quite ready to hear, but here goes.

I have lived by the book 'what to expect the first year' for all 4 of my kids. they have all been different babies! This will help you, if for nothing else,.. to help you understand your new baby and why he is the way he is.

also, I can't stress this enough, and this is the part i think will be hard to receive - dont walk into your doctors office complaining that your baby wants to be held all the time. all babies want to be held - they've been in your close comfy uterus for 9 months... this world is big, so your doc may dismiss this complaint, as just that, a complaint that you are just not accustomed to how much time babies sneak from our lives. And frankly.. babies are a lot of work, you find new creative ways to do things with one free hand, leaning to one side and back a bit so baby's head doesn't flop backwards when he's up on your shoulder - i can now make a PBJ sandwich with one hand - my husband says it's amazing because my 12 yr old can't seem to keep the peanut butter on the bread with BOTH hands! HA! Go to your doctor with details; does baby have high pitched screams straight away (they don't build into screams, but start off that way)? inconsolable even when you are holding him? is it only when baby lays flat that he's screaming? spitting up a LOT (by that I mean frequency, not necessarily quantity cuz it always looks like more than it really is) pulls in his legs and screams?

My son had acid reflux - i had told my doctor about my suspicion because he fit the classic textbook symptoms to the "t" - she said ok, call if it gets worse - it did, we gave him medication and it did the trick. we still couldn't lay him flat on his back, but i was able to get more than 2-3 oz. in him at a time, his vomiting slowed, his spitting up was less severe, and the high pitched screams almost went away. I can't say he was a dream baby... cuz he's high maintenance (even still) :) But at least he was happier - we didn't see his first smiles until he was about 12 weeks - because he just wasn't happy... he didn't feel well, the acid reflux was painful for him.

also, it's not too early to start practicing some self soothing techniques for him... baby steps though, i wouldn't push him too much at this point, but definitely get a book on this - i see 'happiest baby on the block' recommendd a lot, though, I have not had personal experience with this so see what somebody else says.

I agree that your situation is a stressful one - i was doing the zombie walk for a whole year with my son (while pregnant mind you).

So to recap... read that book i told you about - it's really like a reference book than an actualy 'read' so you can read as little or as much as you want in a sitting and get what you need from it. Get a good, highly recommended sleep book, and learn to communicate with your pediatrician - they see a LOT of patients - he/she is busy and so you need to be more concise, with details. she's not likely to take 30 minutes to discuss and troubleshoot with you... my last appt with my ped., i got about 7 minutes of her time... how long did your appt. last?

Anyway, I do apologize if I have sounded harsh... I truly do not mean to... I wish I could come by myself and see what you're experiencing... to help guide you.

you and your boyfriend will experience such a tremendous change in your relationship... you will find your way back to eachother if you're committed... but understand this new little person needs you both... and his needs have to be met. I hope you find balance there.

best of luck to you... feel free to PM me - i'm no expert, but i have had 4 very different kids and they've given me a lot of experience.

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B.F.

answers from Chicago on

he probably really likes the warmth - try laying him in a boppy pillow - it snuggles him & props his head up... this worked great with both my girls. you aren't supposed to put it in their crib, but i did - i needed the sleep at night & this was the only thing that worked. good luck.

T.B.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,
Hang in there- things will get better. My motto when my son (now 8 months old) was 2-5 months old was "this too shall pass". I do agree that seeing a chiropractor can help. Here is what we tried:
-chiropractics- didn't help too much with fussiness, but it did help a hematoma he had on his head from birth heal, and helped him carry his head straight instead of to one side
-Happiest Baby on the Block- good book with good suggestions. Have you tried swaddling him? This REALLY helped our son sleep better. We just stopped swaddling him this month, he loved it so much.
-Have you tried giving him a paci? Our son did somewhat better with a paci for a while. We stopped using it at 6 months, but it did help him sleep better.
-Dr. Sears' Fussy Baby book- has some great suggestions including letting them take naps in a swing (if they will fall asleep there), as well as wearing your baby in a sling. Have you tried that? My son would usually fall asleep in the sling and I could still go about getting things done. If you have not tried it yet, you might want to. Since your baby likes being held, this might be a great way for him to feel close to you, but also keep your hands free. :)
-In the end, our son just got better with time. It was a VERY hard time for us, but it will get better. Do what you can to take care of yourself and rest when you can. Try different things to see if they work. Make sure there is nothing else going on for your baby medically that can be corrected.

Oh, one last suggestion is Gripe Water and Hyland's Colic Tabs- both available at Whole (Paycheck) Foods.

Good luck to you....

T.

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L.B.

answers from Chicago on

I would take him to a chiropractor to be evaluated. He may have some restrictions in his spine that are actually hurting him. Sometimes a difficult delivery causes problems in the infant that around this time cause uncontrollable crying. A good website to find a chiropractor in your area is icpa4kids.com
Let me know if you have further questions.

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M.E.

answers from Chicago on

My cousin's baby was like that, however she did sleep well at night. It could just be your babies personality. If he wants to sleep while being held I would invest in a nice baby sling then he can sleep while you can get things done. A sling allows the carrier to be hands free and it will give the baby a sense of comfort and closness. Look up attachment parenting. Also try co-sleeping. Doesn't necessarily mean sleeping with you but put the baby in a bed right next to you. You can't spoil him, he obviously needs something and might be more needy than other babies.

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E.N.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.-
My daughter also wanted to be held all the time when she was a newborn. The second she fell asleep and I put her in her crib, she would wake right up. I am a new mom and was convinced I was doing it wrong. Nope, she woke up for everyone who tried. I put my glider in front of the TV and just sat with her all day. I even ate with her in my arms. Needless to say, I was going crazy. A friend of mine suggested putting her in the little carrier thingy that she had given to me for my shower gift. I didn't think to wear that thing around the house! I was able to clean up around the house and get some laundry done. I am a firm believer that a baby cannot be spoiled before 6 months. Remember, your son was in the perfect environment for 9 solid months and now he's out trying to figure this out...just like you! Right around 4 months my daughter finally started taking regular naps in her crib. I moved her bassinet out of our room and she began sleeping in her crib at night too. One thing that I found was that she liked to sleep on her side. Try that. I know you are probably feeling frustrated, but believe me, it gets soooo much better. My daughter is now 12 months and sleeps like a champ. As for you and your boyfriend, put your son in a sling and cuddle with your man on the couch...or better yet, the weather has been so great, go for a walk. Your son will love it. That way, you two can talk and you can connect while getting some exercise. I know another poster mentioned getting a swing. All of my friends would tell me how their babies would nap for hours in their swing. My daughter hated it. Of course. :o)

Hang in there! Hardest job in the world is being a mommy and you're doing great!
E.

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T.A.

answers from Chicago on

My daughter was exactly the same way from birth and would only sleep ON us. Well come to find out she had acid reflux, the silent kind. She was not a big spitter-upper however showed signs of colic due to this. Look up signs of reflux to see if this could possibly it. I felt horrible b/c no wonder she cried all the time! Once we got her on Zantac she slept through the night! We did also take her to the chiropractor as she stated that helps with reflux/colir. She did sleep in her bouncy at night for weeks as well as in her crib on a wedge. We also invested in a sling. The best money ever spent! I could not get anything done or go anywhere b/c we just could not put her down. Check them out! Good luck. I know just how frustrating that can be. One day you are going to look back and wish he would cuddle with you!

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

Read "How to solve your child's sleep problems" by Dr. Richard Ferber. And REALLY read it (don't skim). You will regain your sanity. I got it from a friend when my 1st baby was 4 months and doing the same thing - it did WONDERS for her and me (and my husband).

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K.T.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,
This is more normal than you think. Your newborn will sleep for the first couple of weeks when he comes home from the hospital, then he will "wake up". There is nothing wrong with him wanting to be held all the time at this age, he is still an infant, you absolutely cannot spoil him. As someone else mentioned, this is known as the 4th trimester.
The Happiest Baby on the Block will be invaluable for you.
I cannot recommend it enough for both you and your boyfriend.
You sound like you could benefit from an in-home consultation as well.
I am a certified Happiest Baby on the Block Instructor, as well as a RN.
There are simple ways you can soothe your baby and yourself, you just need to
learn them:-)
Good luck!

K. RN BSN CCE
Owner, Baby Feat
www.babyfeat.net
###-###-####

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C.W.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried a pacifier? My daughter did the same thing. First everything okay and then at about 2 weeks she wouldn't stop crying. After two days seriously non-stop crying I couldn't take it anymore and - after my conviction that I would never do it - got her a pacifier. The second she had it there was silence, PRECIOUS silence. It's not easy to wean from the pacifier later on either (I weaned her at 8 months), but to me it was worth it.

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B.V.

answers from Chicago on

I also recommend the books "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" and "The Happiest Baby on the Block". The first book worked great for both my kids and the second was wonderful for my son who had colic. Since your baby is 3 months old, if it is colic, the good news is that you are almost out of the woods with it. I know how terrible it can be, we were pulling our hair out. But I'm telling you, these books really helped. Hang in there, in a couple months you will begin to be very happy with your little one and will be amazed at the difference. Your almost there!!

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A.C.

answers from Chicago on

A.,
My advice is to get a Hotsling.. it is great. Your son will feel like he is being held but your hands are free. It keep him close to you, he can feel your warmth and hear your heartbeat.
Also, If you want him to sleep through the night I will tell you what I did and it worked, but I am just warning you you may not like it. When my son was three months I had to go back to work and he was up all the time and wanted to play at 2 every morning. My aunt told me to do this and it really works.
When your baby is hungery during the day let him cry for 15 minutes. I know this sounds awful... you can hold him or just sit in the same room with him for 15 minutes and then feed him. Everytime during the day let him cry 15 minutes. At night when he wakes up to eat just feed him right away. Not only does this teach him how to soothe himself but it also get his clock on a daytime awake and night asleep schedule. I would however only do this if you baby if reflux free and healthy. Trust me I know it sound completely awful but within a weekend I was getting atleast a couple hours of sleep. Since he cries all the time already it wouldn't hurt to try. If you do let me know how it goes. Wish you the best of luck.

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M.W.

answers from Chicago on

Get the book "Happiest Baby on the Block" It helped my family when our daughter had colic.

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B.D.

answers from Chicago on

To me, it sounds like his belly hurts.....does he need to be burped more often or maybe a formula reaction? When my son was young and his belly was full or air and he was upright against my body, his belly was warm and he was content. When he was laying down, it was a bigger area of air in his belly.
My neice had a lactose problem with her formula that gave her gas and colic. She needed to be held to keep her little belly warm. After going to goats milk and vitamins -later to soy, she was fine.
All the best.

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V.C.

answers from Chicago on

I recommend the book Baby Talk. It teaches you how to get them to sleep and eat according to your schedule, not the baby's. I have 2 kids, and I raised both of mine based on the information in that book. You may also want to ask your doctor about iron. I don't know if you're nursing or bottle feeding, but if you're bottle feeding, he may be on a formula with too much iron which can cause Constipation. They make low iron formulas for babies who need it (like mine did). If you're nursing, make sure that your baby is getting enough milk. He may be crying because he's hungry. I agree, 3 months old is too young to be spoiled, but it's not too young to learn a pattern. More than likely, there is a REASON he's crying so much, though. You could call the lactation nurse at the hospital where you delivered, too. Good luck!!

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D.M.

answers from Chicago on

I have received abundant advice & wisdom from experienced & sucessful parents Michael & Debi Pearl. THEY HAVE An easy to navigate website that is filled with their advice on different topics such as yours. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU CHECK THEM OUT at nogreaterjoy.org. (make sure you type .org to get to the correct site). I had the same situation with my children & their methods worked when I stayed commited to doing it! I now also know a number of families that have raised their children by the Pearl's advice & they are the best children you have seen anywhere. You can't go wrong checking them out.
nogreaterjoy.org
D.
God bless.

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D.R.

answers from Chicago on

Hi A.,

Your baby is supposed to cry and want to be held. That's normal! It can be very scary to be a baby, you can't walk, talk, or explain to anyone what you need. It is typical for the first week or two after birth for the baby to sleep and sleep. But after those first few weeks, all bets are off. Who knows if you will have a day time baby, a night time baby, a day/night time baby etc.

A baby is just that, a baby. They need to be babied. They have the rest of their lives to sleep alone and soothe themselves back to sleep.

As for you and your boyfriend, you are going to have to get creative... it is going to take time, be patient with yourself. It took nine months to grow the baby, and he's only been born for 10 weeks! I know it seems like an eternity but try to look at it (if you can) from your baby's point of view.

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S.N.

answers from Peoria on

I went thru this with my second child. My mom said try cereal. So I did the rice cereal in the morning and lunch and dinner...It was great! He was just not satisified until his little tummy was full! 45 min naps turned into 2 hrs and sleeping thru the night came easy. Now he is 15 and 6'2, 140lbs! My pediatrician at the time said no food hes fine just ciolicky....just formula...I am so glad I listened to my mom. I also had a friend go thru it with her first. She tried the cereal and he was great! Some kids are just eaters earlier than others. Sounds easy but it works!

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D.H.

answers from Springfield on

My oldest had acid reflux. She would scream the instant you laid her down and could cry for hours. Holding and feeding were the only things that made her happy. Does your son spit up? Does he seem gassy? If so, I'd guess it is reflux and there is medicine for it. It will make him like a new baby.
If it isn't reflux (or your doctor won't check)keep taking him to the doctor or find a new doctor. Something is wrong. There isn't any reason for a child to have to cry that much if they are not in pain. Don't like to be that blunt, but my doctor spent 4 months telling me the hell I went through was normal & I finally had to take my daughter to a new doctor who had her tested and better in 2 weeks. She is 3 and we still live with the reflux and the habits that it started in those first four months.
Find a good carrier and strap him in. At least you will have your hands free to eat and do basic things and he will be happy.
Good luck - and trust your mommy senses, they know more than your doctor about your baby.

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J.E.

answers from Chicago on

hold him, are you breast feeding or formula? get him on alimentum or nutragamin and he will be a new baby again
J. if BF then take outmilk and wheat eat chichken and fruit and veggies and see how he does no milk/dairy what so ever
J.

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S.M.

answers from Peoria on

Sometimes the first 3 mo is called the 4th trimester. Remember that he spent 9 mo inside of you and is just starting to adjust to the outside world. Many babies only want to be held, that is their way of making sure they stay alive! Do you have a sling you could carry him in. Many mom's find that strapping the baby on and going about their day makes for a calmer infant. That way the baby is close to you at all times, he's close to the breast and doesn't have to cry to get his needs met.
It's very challenging having a new baby. Most new parents (or even veteran parents) don't get much time to themselves or with their spouse. Could you try laying down with him and then when your sure he's alseep get up or keep him sleeping close to you like next to you on the couch or in a bassinet in the same room. Have you tried a swing or swaddling? What about your diet, could he have an intolerance to a food you are eating? It will eventually get better.

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