Within the last week, my 5 month old son started crying uncontrollably in the middle of the night. We have tried our usual routine of solutions (reswaddling, pacifier, burping, rocking, and feeding) but nothing seems to calm him down. This hasn't happened before, but now it occurs two, three, or even four times a night. Any help or advice you can offer will be appreciated!
2007-02-27 07:12:55 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
When one of my daughters got this way at about that age, the doctor took her off formula and put her on low-fat milk. That worked--the formula had simply gotten to be too much for her little stomach. So she ate baby cereal and other foods, took baby vitamins, and drank the low-fat milk, and she was fine. Talk to your doctor.
2007-02-27 07:39:44 · answer #1 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider that he could be teething, or have gas.
The swaddling thing is probably not that effective for him anymore. It's for newborns, who are used to the enclosed space of the womb. Keep trying it if you want, but it's not that odd that that wouldn't help.
Try baby Tylenol, Motrin or Advil, or the gas medicine (starts with an "M", I think... I can't believe I can't remember it, when my kids had to have so much of it). If it's been a while since he's had a bowel movement, try using a glycerin suppository (helped with one of my kids).
If you want, try holding him up on your shoulder and walking the floors with him. Or rock him in an upright position (around that age, my kids started disliking being held horizontally). Sing or talk quietly to him.
It may seem cruel, but if you've done all you can, and you're sure he's fed, dry, clean, burped, all that, put him back in his bed. It won't hurt him to cry. It's easy for even the most patient of parents to feel like they're losing control when there is a screaming baby nearby, so if you feel like you're losing control of yourself, put him in his bed and walk away. There's nothing shameful in walking away, especially if you don't know that you can control yourself from any split-second decision that could ultimately harm the baby. I am talking about Shaken Baby Syndrome, and most parents don't have a problem. But if you feel like you're losing control, put him in his crib and WALK AWAY.
Other than that, try the gas or pain/fever meds, perhaps try a humidifier (my youngest got very cranky when he had a cold that he just couldn't seem to shake), a blanket that has slept with mom for a few nights (it'll smell like her), rocking or walking in an upright position, or lay him on his tummy across your knees and gently rub his back.
The thing is, it could be that you're doing everything right, and the kid will still cry. In that case, just know that he's PROBABLY actually okay, and that there are countless parents in the world doing exactly the same thing you're doing.
Good luck.
2007-02-27 15:32:46 · answer #2 · answered by CrazyChick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He could be teething and babies do not sleep well at night during this stage. If he has been sick with a runny nose it could be ear pain. Try giving some tylenol before bed to see if he sleeps better and then you will know it it is due to some kind of pain. Then call the doctor!
2007-02-27 15:23:39 · answer #3 · answered by qpook 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's teething Hylands teething tabs are great too(all natural). Have you tried not swaddling him any more? With my 2 kids after they left the '4th trimester' stage they started to like to sleep just under a baby blanket. It took a night or two of shushing them to sleep and getting them used to it, but once they did they slept much better.
Also have you started solids or anything new to him, sometimes that will upset their tummys or just something new in general throws them off whack for a bit.
2007-02-27 15:23:12 · answer #4 · answered by sekc_alize 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree w/ the one response that he may be teething and in a lot of pain. It's funny how when we lose our teeth at 6 yrs old, they don't hurt to grow in again! Tylenol and Motrin work best. I prefer Motrin at night b/c it lasts for 6 hrs. Of course, consult your pediatrician before giving it to him b/c they'll have to give you the correct dosage for his age and weight. Let him suck on an ice cube wrapped in a washcloth or a teething ring. Good luck and I hope your little one feels better!!!
2007-02-27 15:21:10 · answer #5 · answered by sweet libra 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yikes! he could be teething, try a does of tylenol before bed, also make sure he is comfortable, not too hot or cold, or anything, he might not want to be swaddled anymore either. They like to move around at night. If nothing works, get ahold of your doctor, he could have a health problem.
2007-02-27 15:35:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our grandson did this and would contort his whole little body like in severe pain or possessed or something. Cry uncontrollably, nothing would soothe him. Eventually he would wear himself out and sleep.
If the child is doing this it could be stomach acid, or "erosive esophagitis", what we commonly call heart burn. This just started out of the blue.
Get this baby to the doctor and leave no details out. Mention what I have told you. Bless his little heart :-(
2007-02-27 15:28:54 · answer #7 · answered by Curious 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would contact his doctor, My grandbaby cries from to much air in her tummy, But this does not seem like that. I'd make an appointment soon. Good luck
2007-02-27 15:18:40 · answer #8 · answered by faithhopeclan2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Teething pain... try baby Tylenol or Advil.
2007-02-27 15:15:59 · answer #9 · answered by naenae0011 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TEETHING
give him something cold to chew on to numb the pain
baby's tylenol
2007-02-27 15:20:29 · answer #10 · answered by The Weed Fairy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋