Our situation is a little unique ( to say the least ). We have a 12 1/2 month old and 2 2 month olds. One of the little ones sleeps wonderfully and is a content and quiet baby. The other needs constant nurturing, won't sleep for any lengthy period of time and is able to be quickly calmed but only when held. Obviously, giving any one baby more attention than another is nearly impossible with 3 infants and 2 parents. Any suggestions to make the "loud" one sleep more would be greatly appreciated.
2006-11-17 07:15:10 · 11 answers · asked by Eric B 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I have 10 month old twins. It was really important to have them on the same schedule. Here are some things we did:
1. Swaddle, swaddle, swaddle. It made such a difference. We stopped swaddling briefly at 6 weeks and it was a nightmare. Once we started swaddling again they both slept longer and better. Try the Swaddle Me by kiddopotomas if you don't have it already.
2. Bouncy seats. My babies were constantly in their bouncy seats. We didn't bother with the vibrations (they didn't like it). It worked best when they were in the bouncy seat on the floor in front of the couch and I could use my foot to bounce the seat. They loved that motion and it easily soothed them leaving my hands free to deal with other things. (I was even able to wash dishes while bouncing one with my foot)
3. Baby slings/carriers. I loved my Bjorn.
4. Babies cry. It's okay. :-) The best advice I ever received was from another twin mom. She had twins plus 2 singletons. Her advice was "If they're crying you know they're breathing." Alot of people worry abour responding quickly to a baby's cry for fear of developing security issues. The good news is that twins are generally more secure to begin with because they are twins. (according to my pediatrician and according to a family member with a PhD in Psych.)
Good luck and hang in there! It really does get easier. :-)
2006-11-17 07:38:39 · answer #1 · answered by Ali D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither of my babies ever played alone at this age. My 3 year old still expects my attention when I am not working/he's home from daycare. The only time they spent alone was when they go to bed at night. Why not buy a comfortable sling or carrier so you can keep him with you while you clean or whatever? Or put him in a high chair and talk and interact with him while you cook. Do you have a family member/neighbor/SO who could watch him while you take a shower or just get some time off if you need it. This is an age where kids are developing a healthy attachment to you, I would worry a lot more about a child who was content being alone at this age.
2016-05-21 23:18:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in the same boat. My twins were born 8 days before my older son's first birthday. At about 2 1/2 months old one of twins started this constant crying, and only wanted to be held. The swing and the vibrating bouncy seat worked ok for some short relief, we also would put him in the car and drive and then leave him in his infant seat to sleep once we got home. We usually put the seat in the crib so he wouldn't be disturbed by the other kids. Eventually things got really bad with constipation and tummy aches. We took him to the doctor and he was diagnosed with GERD and acid reflux, and a mild soy/milk allergy. We changed his formula to Nutramigen, and the doctor put him on zantac. Within a week the change was significant. They told me that a good sign of acid reflux in a baby is stiffening and arching backwards. If any of this may sound like it could be your child i would take him/her to the doctors. We ended up seeing a pediatric GI for almost 9 mo. Today he is 16 months old, drinking whole milk and we have been off of medication for almost 6 months.
2006-11-17 08:19:50 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes the best love is tough love and if you have tried everything to make the baby as comfortable as possible (fed, burped, changed, rocked, sang to) then maybe you just need to let that baby cry. It is obvious that the baby has gotten use to being held, so now the baby must be broken out of that. It will be difficult to listen to your child crying, so try standing in the room with them and patting them after putting them down, and if the child doesn't fall off to sleep then let them cry. I know this may sound mean or wrong and be like torture for you, but eventually the child will cry themselves to sleep. Talking to the baby and patting them if they cry assures the baby that you love them but this is what's best. This usually takes a few nights, but eventually the child gets the point. Kids are smart and since they can't talk well they cry to communicate what they want, and the baby has realized when I cry someone comes and picks me up, so it is simply a matter of reshaping that behavior. Children do what parents let them get away with. So tough love may sometimes seem tough, but it works.
2006-11-17 07:34:10 · answer #4 · answered by TRUTH HURTZ 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Baby carrier!
The need to be held is a very real need for a baby, and I doubt you can change it without hurting her sense of attachment and trust which can have a deep impact on his/her future.
I recommend a wrap because although it has a steep learning curve it is better for your back and you can carry two babies in it at the same time.
You should read some Dr. Sears. He had a high need baby like yours and it may make you feel better and be more accepting of your situation and he has some great tips for coping.
www.askdrsears.com
2006-11-17 07:33:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you cant sleep than I would let them sleep in bed with you. It is almost unheard of that a child could be crushed by your movements, the body is aware of the childs presence even in sleep (the same way you realized were the bed ends and dont fall off). In many cultures it's very normal.
I dont think a vibrating seat would work (my baby sister was the same way) because it's not the motion but the closeness that they crave. but be aware that by giving in you will be re-inforcing the childs behavior. Good Luck!
2006-11-17 07:27:10 · answer #6 · answered by veggie-girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a vibrating bouncy seat. To an infant those feel just like being held because of the vibration.
2006-11-17 07:16:52 · answer #7 · answered by CelebrateMeHome 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Anything that vibrates or swings. For the first part though you will have to let them cry.... If you pick them up every time you are teaching them that they should be held every time they cry. So I suggest putting the baby in a swing and let them learn a little independance.... never too young to teach that.
2006-11-17 07:21:51 · answer #8 · answered by Crystal D 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If the fussy one needs carrying, then carry her! Try using a sling or baby carrier - it frees up your hands for the other little ones.
2006-11-17 07:45:08 · answer #9 · answered by chicchick 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try a sling. I love mine! You can hold the baby a lot and still get stuff done.
2006-11-17 07:20:14 · answer #10 · answered by AerynneC 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋