Why does my 6 week old scream like he is distressed?

Question

Since my baby has been born he cries like he is terrified when ever I leave him alone, or place him from his bassinett to his crib. I thought it might be the mobile. But even today he did it again withme standing there with rubbing his head while in the crib. It frightens me because he could be laying there looking around, or sleeping and in an instant later his arm fly up and and he shrieks like someone is hurting him. He does it sometimes at night too sleeping in the bassinette. Does anyone know why he does this?

I wanted to add that he is not in the crib or bassinette all day.

Answer 1

It is the vast open space of the crib that most babies do not like. Remember, they came from a warm close nit place only six weeks ago, it is a big adjustment for them.

I would swaddle the baby tightly before placing her in her crib, and don't wait until she is fully asleep. Put her in there when she is drowsy; this helps them get used to the environment. Also, they do not get as frightened because they are not waking up somewhere else from where they fell asleep.

Try the swaddle and a pacifier for the crib.

Good luck

Answer 2

There are several options that you need to consider in your childs crying. First, by now you should be noticing that your child has a different cry for different needs. Not all babies are the same in how they do this, but there is always a distinct difference between hunger, tired, lonely, dirty, and gas. When your child starts to have fits as you are describing, try to see if you can associate this cry with anything specific, and try to keep record of what helps calm him.
If you are formula feeding your child, he will be more predisposed to having gas issues. It can be extremely painful, which would explain a very sad and serious cry that would go with it. Start using mylicon drops with feedings to help reduce gas inside the belly. They are highly effective and have no side effects with the exception of more frequent passing of gas and slightly wetter bm's.
At night make sure to leave atleast a night light on as a comfort measure for your child. They do not understand when they can not see anything, and it can cause the child to panic.
And finally, this may just be the personality of the baby. Some babies don't cry, some cry alot, some only cry every now and then but in a dramatic fashion. If you take care of your child, keep it well fed, change it regularly, and watch for thrush and other little issues that can affect a child you should be ok and your child will grow out of this stage in the next 3-4 months.
PS: it is tempting to use a pacifier, but most doctors recommend waiting until atleast the third month to help prevent dental problems later on. it is also suggested that the constant use of a pacifier can increase cholic/gas problems in a baby.

Answer 3

Everything is new to your baby and crying is the only way he knows to let you know something is wrong. Some babies are overly sensitive to everything. A change in temperature, a change in light, a change in noise or knowing that you are away from him is all it takes to send him into distress. Some babies startle very easily and in turn, the startle reflex scares them, too. If all of his basic needs have been met, he is fed, burped, clean diaper, and dressed similar to you, then he may benefit from being "swaddled". To us adults, it may seem too confining (especially to those of us who have claustraphobic issues), but some babies receive comfort from this and like it. Wrap your baby tightly in a lightweight receiving blanket or a flat crib sheet so his arms and legs are close to his body. You can buy special swaddling blankets with velcro. Your baby may also benefit from being worn against your body in an infant carrier. No need to worry about spoiling him. He has spent a significant portion of his life close to you and may just need a few more weeks or months of that closeness before he is ready to explore the world around him. As your baby grows and his system matures, he will become more comfortable with this new place he has been placed in.

Answer 4

Sorry, but babies that young are not meant to be put down. I know that you need some time to get dressed, bathe, use the bathroom, etc. No one will berate you for letting baby scream while you brush your hair and gulp down a cup of coffee. Aside from that baby needs to be held all the time. Use a sling, so your arms can be free for housework, light exercise, or eating an entire chocolate bar while sobbing over a greeting card commercial. Put that bassinet on the curb; your baby needs you. If you meet these early needs, he'll grow out of them and become independent and loving. I had a friend who cared for her boys this way, and they are tough, rough, bruised-up boys who love their Mama!

Answer 5

One word honey, Colic. It is awful, it seems like there is nothing in the world you can do to make them stop crying so that leads to you crying. Am I right? The best thing for that is a OTC drug called Milicon Drops (not sure how its spelled) and put his little tummy over your shoulder and try to leep burping him. All it is is gas it will get better but until then thats all I know to do for him. Now for you, go outside or lay on your bed with your face in your pillow and scream just as loud as you can several times if need be. Good Luck sweetie I feel for you but U can do it/

Answer 6

Babies like to be held. Mine will scream when he isn't being held.
Or, it could be gas. Babies digestive systems have a hard time digesting formula and sometimes breastmilk because their systems are just not used to it. My doctor told me to give him Mylicon 10 minutes before feeding him. You can buy the generic brand which is the same stuff, just 1/3 the price.
Also, babies jerk a lot when they are that young. Especially when they sleep, which is something that I am sure you have witnessed. This scares them and they wake up. My son would not sleep well at night, waking up constantly. I know they say to not let them sleep on their bellies, but he would not sleep any other way. (I would stick a pacifier in his mouth so he would keep his head to the side.) Plus, he has choked on his own spitup when he would sleep on his back, but on his belly he had no problem.
Just think about you. When you eat something new, it may upset your belly. Also, if you eat and then lay down, they say not to lay on your back, but your belly, because it helps promote digestion. Try new things at nap time so you can watch him and see how he does.
I know they write books that scare you and tell you what to do, but you need to find your own routine and what works well for your child. You know what would be best, just trust your instincts, and screw those who think they know what is best for YOUR child!

Answer 7

My son was like that, he was also a colicky mess, but I got him one of those aquarium things that attchtches on to the side of the crib, it plays music for a couple on min a light s up, all that fun stuff. After a few days of me putting that on he found it soothing and got himself off to sleep. Now my baby she loved soft fuzzy blankets as long as she had one she was fine.

Answer 8

Sounds like gas to me. Or it could be if you feed him formula maybe it's not the right one for him. My son did the same thing so I switched him from regular formula to a soy based formula and did'nt have any trouble after that. Of course making sure you get all the burps out help! Good luck

Answer 9

Because he wants to be close to you? He spent 9 months in constant contact with you, he needs an adjustment period.

Get a sling, or hold him as much as possible. Babies need human contact... its not normal for them to be left in cribs and bassinets all day.


ETA: I wasn't insinuating that you do. It's just that our society gives the impression that thats normal. Thats what i thought babies did before i had my son!

Answer 10

Babies are so used to being snuggled up inside you and hearing your heartbeat that being out in the big, bright world and thinking he's all alone is very scary. I would suggest comforting him when he starts screaming and either co-sleeping or making sure to swaddle him when laying him down.