HELP!! My Baby Has a New Cry and It Is Ear Piercing!

I too have an 8.5 month old and her cries seem to be evolving. She just learned to scream at a high pitch and thinks it's the funniest thing in the world! Last night she woke up at 1am and just cried and cried and it's completely out of character for her. After a while, we ended up having to rock her back to sleep. She's been sleeping through the night for many months now, so it was a suprise. I'm hoping it doesn't become a routine, but she is teething really badly, so we gave her some infant ibuprofin and finally got her back down. Rubbing her backing, shushing, kissing, nothing would work, especially now that she can pull herself up to sit/stand and reach for you. I can only suggest it might be teething and sympathize!!!

Hello A.,
My son was born with acute esophageal problems which almost led to baby anorexia had the doc not caught it at an early age, so I know a little about feeding problems. In this situation I would definately visit the doc and probably the GI specialist to make sure nothing is wrong. The high pitch scream is usually a sign that something may be wrong. I hope thats not the case. I wish you the best.

If your instincts say that something is wrong then see the pediatrician asap. Trust your judgement. My husband and I allow our 11 month old sleep with us occasionally so if she was have trouble at night thats when I would let her sleep with us so I'm right there if she needs me.

If you had her ears pierced, take out the earrings and see if that doesn't help. I wouldn't be surprised if the stubs of the earrings poked her.

A., I am a mom of one precious little boy and I'm also a RN. First of all, with your child's medical history I would be a little concerned - primarily because this is "new." Definitely have her completely rechecked by her specialist, not the regular pediatrician. Secondly, my little one also went thru the "I'm crying so come pick me up NOW" phase. I am an older mom that wanted to do everything perfectly and cried and wrestled and read over everything I could find about this "letting them cry it out" theory. Personally, my husband and I decided to "love" on our little boy and we "spoiled him." I admit, that first time was out of sheer desperation for some sleep but after that we felt like that was the right decision for us. Our little fella ended up sleeping with us for quite some time and I promise you I wouldn't change that decision for anything. Those are precious memories. Everyone has to make their own decision. Do not feel pressured by anyone, not even that old grandma or mother-in-law that nags you about it. She will only be that little and that squeezable for a short time. Get some sleep and I pray there is nothing more than "Mommy I want you now" going on. D.

1st let me say there is no way a 8-9 month old child is spoiled. 2nd she only knows that to get you is to cry. Never jump to conclusions that nothing is wrong. She isn't able to tell you what is bothering her. Be patient and over time if you attend to her at night, and I mean not taking her out of her room, that she will feel confident enough over a period to go back to sleep.
Children need to know you will be there and you are there and by not going to them when they cry affects that comfort.
Please don't take me the wrong way, now once you show her you are there and walk away than wait 10-15 mins. before going back in her room. each time you go in leave her there and take another 10 mins more. meaning 20-25 mins before going back.
Also, I have a 15 month old and I so understand the no sleep and thats part of it and I prommise it will pass.
Here is some thing I read over and over when those moments came that I just want to sneak into my car for a 20 min nap.
CONSIDER THESE "COMMANDMENTS FOR PARENTS"WRITTEN FROM A CHILDS POINT OF VIEW!
1.My hands are small; please don't expect perfection whenever I make a bed,draw a picture,or throw a ball. My legs are short; slow down so that I can keep up with you.

2.My eyes have not seen the world as yours have; let me explore it saftly;don't restrict me unnecessarily.

3.Housework will always be there; I'm little only for a short time. Take time to explain things to me about this wonderful world,and do so willingly.

4.My feelings are tender; don't nag me all day long(you wouldn'twant to be nagged for your inquistiveness). Treat me as you would like to be treated.

5.I am a special gift from God; treasure me as God intended you to do-holding me accountable for my actions, giving me guidelines to live by, and disciplining me in a loving manner.

6. I need your encouragement(but not your empty praise) to grow. Go easy on the criticism; remember, you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me.

I will probly use this as long as I am raiseing my son. I know it really has nothing to do with your question I just wanted to share this page I read and keep refering to when I feel I am gonna lose it and it has really worked for me.

The book I got this from is God's little Devotional Book for moms. Good stories!
Well sorry I took up so much of your time.
I wish you a lot of luck and just remember she really isn't crying to get on your nerves, I promise.
T.

Hi A.: A couple of things I can share.

First of all, our little ones' cries will change in pitch and tone as they older and grow. Sort of like puberty (in essence, another growth stage.) I would check with the pediatrician, but I am fairly certain her new cry is normal. When my 3year old was an infant, he caught me off guard when his cry changed. I was driving and remember almost wrecking my car when I couldn't console him. Talk about nerve wrecking!! Just expect their cry to continue to evolve as they get older.

Now as to the crying at night thing. I know it's hard but you'll have to condition her to be able to sooth herself back to sleep. It will take time and you will be exhausted in the process BUT just remember, this will not last forever and she will outgrow it. (I remember wanting to punch someone when they told me, "Oh, it will just pass" because I was so tired but just hang in there -- it WILL pass).

I know it is heart breaking to let your baby cry in the other room but you're only training /conditioning her to expect to be picked up. It took me several days of sitting up in bed late at night, listening to the monitor and turning it down to let mine cry but he eventually got conditioned to going back to sleep (he's been sleeping through the night since he was 6 months old -- it took him longer b/c he was a preemie). Just remember - ROUTINE is your best friend. Babies and toddlers feel safer when they can predict what is about to happen (bath time, bed time, dinner time, etc.)

Try this. If you're sure she's ok (not sick, cold, wet, etc.) Go into her room at night when she cries but don't pick her up. Just pat her on the back (and do whatever sooths her -- kisses, whispering "Shh shh shh, it's ok, you're ok, mommy loves you" and walk out for a few minutes. Just contiue doing for a few days (3-4) that until she realized you're not going to pick her up. It's going to take a few days (for her to get the hint) and a stomach of steel to be able to NOT pick her up but if you want her to develop independence (and sleep!) you'll have to practice this "tuff love" technique. Best of Luck! You're not alone -- we've all been there. :-)

just wanted to throw in there..have you thought about acid reflux or something..my son has a g-tube which we don't use now..but the firs year was horrible b/c his reflux was so bad..a lot of crying...and sending formula back up the tube...

my email is ____@____.com if you wanna chat more in detail