Why won't my baby stop crying?

Question

She hasn't been sleeping! For 3 nights now she wakes up about every 2 hours and screams like she i in pain. She won't nurse or let me hold her. After about 10 to 20 minutes of straight crying she falls back asleep. I gave her some tylenol just now so I can hopefully get some sleep tonight. What should I do if she cries all night again tonight?

she is 9 months old

Answer 1

Maybe she has reflux? Does she do this during the day at all or does she spit up a lot or is it just in the middle of the night?

I've heard baby's can also have night terrors - not sure how old your daughter is but maybe do a search on night terrors and see if it sounds like what she is doing. I know for those that being comforted is really all you can do.

Otherwise I'd call the doc cause there could be something wrong and she's trying to tell you something.

Good luck. Hopefully its nothing too bad.

Answer 2

Since she isn't wanting to nurse, my first few thoughts were these: Could it be she is constipated? If her tummy feels full to her then she won't eat any more until she feels hungry, and constipation in an infant can do that as well as cause pain/discomfort. Warm dry towels placed across her tummy/abdomen area with her laying on her tummy can help ease the pain, and comfort her. With her crying straight for such a long time, then falling directly asleep, makes me think that all she knows is that she hurts and is probably still hurting when she finally wears out from the constant screaming and falls asleep. If she wakes up and automatically starts the screaming all over again, then something is definately causing her discomfort/pain. Have you consulted her pediatrician yet? If not, I would do so immediately. If that doc can't be reached now, take her to the ER. Chances are it's nothing 'serious', but wouldn't you rather be safe than sorry? Trust your instincts, no one knows your child better than you...you say she's in pain, then go with that and get her help for whatever her problem may be--be it gas, constipation/bowel obstruction, or even intestinal flu or something.

I truly hope she feels better soon, and I hope you get to rest easy soon as well!

Answer 3

Tylenol should only be used to bring down a fever. It sounds like gas to me. I know it seems like a long time but 10 to 20 minutes of crying really isn't long. Are you feeding solids too close to bedtime? Maybe it's the formula or new foods that have been introduced. Teething? Abnormal BM's?
Check with the pediatrician anyway.

Answer 4

it could be a number of different things. she may a have a belly ache. she might have colic. she might be fighting her sleep. you should call the pediatrition in the morning. most likely they will want you to bring her in or will have the answer and give you advice over the phone.

if she starts crying tonight you should call the nursery at the hospital. tell them how old she is and what the problem is. there is a good chance that they will be able to help you. my baby is 3 months old and i still call the nursery in the middle of the night when something is wrong with him. they encourage me to call anytime i have any questions or concerns about nursing. the great thing about calling them is that they will give you advice over the phone unlike the nurses in the ER.

Answer 5

She is probably colicky. get after dinner mints and put a couple in a warm 4 ounce bottle of waterand shake it until they are dissolved. Peppermint helps the gas. Ok now if she wakes up again wad up a recieving blanket or a towel put it on your lap and lay the baby's tummy on that or a warm water bottle that will help soothe the gas pains too. Good luck to you sweetie. I hope you get some sleep.

Answer 6

Check to see if she has GER (Gastroesophageal Reflux). My daughter has it.... onset since she was 2 weeks old- same symptoms. It peaks around 4 months, then recends. My wife has been frustrated for months.

Read this:

http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t106004.asp

The docs will put her on meds (my daughter's on Zantac, liquid) if she has 2 of the 3 problems:

Not gaining weight
In pain, or seems to be in pain
Vommiting (not spitting up) after most feedings

This is an example of what people used to call "Colic."

Good luck

Answer 7

How old is your baby? Have you tried swaddling her...you know, wrapping the blanket around her like she is a burrito? Have you tried a passifier? I nursed both my kids and they both had binkies...don't be too concerned about nipple confusion unless your baby is brand new...Also, try for a burp. Both my kids were extremely gassy...Watch some of the stuff you are eating too. Some things make the baby's tummy more upset. Are you able to go to a nursing support group? That was extremely helpful for us. Check with your local hospital...Good luck!

Answer 8

Sounds to me like your baby girl is having colic. Or that she has gas. Either way since she won't nurse, go see your doctor or midwife right away. Both colic and gas can be helped.

Look at it this way; if you had lots of gas or if you were in pain, you would be grumpy too....only thing is that you could then tell us you were not feeling well. Baby girl can only tell you this, by screaming....

Answer 9

You may want to take her to the health department just in case it is something serious. Tylenol may not be best solution if this is something serious. If you have money issues, there are always ways to get your baby checked out with having to pay. Please take her and get her checked out so that it is nothing serious. If this is your first child, then go to health center as soon as you can. Hope everything goes well.

Answer 10

Babies do not cry for nothing. She must be in pain. It could be gas. Good luck! I have heard tell of people having to drive around in the car to get a baby to sleep.