Screaming Baby

Updated on May 12, 2009
T.S. asks from Fort Worth, TX
9 answers

Hi Ladies. Does anyone have experience with a newborn who hates to be put down and screams when she is put down? My 4 month old daughter is a sweetie, but when I put her down she screams so hard that her voice (cry) gets hoarse... :-( She does not like her swing much or the car seat. Not sure what I can do to help her, and it is really very upsetting. I also have a 16 month old son, so I obviously cannot hold her all day. He needs me too. Oh, she also is not a fan of being in a sling... Any advice would be appreciated. (No medical reasons right now that we know of. She is on meds for reflux.)

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C.R.

answers from Dallas on

Hi. My son had reflux too. I tried two different drugs before finding any relief. We ended up using a liquid form of Zantac that made a HUGE difference in his behavior. It was flavored a very strong peppermint flavor but in time he didn't care because it helped him feel better. ") Being upright with the tummy not being bent is the most comfortable position to be in for her. It's very painful for them. Most of the time they have an ulcer in their esophagus and when the fluid is running up it gets more inflamed until it heals with meds. I would bug the crud out of the doctors until something works. Also look into a crib sling called a Tucker sling that keeps them in a more upright position while sleeping. We have one and it HELPED so much when he was little!
Best Regards,
C.

More Answers

J.R.

answers from Dallas on

You HAVE to get a book called The Happiest Baby on the Block. It was my life saver!! My daughter was the same way at first-one quick thing that helped immediately was when she gets really worked up from crying while laying down, swaddle her with her arms in and lay her on her side. The book talks about the flailing arms making things worse for them. The first time I tried this, it worked right away. It's amazing!

It also got better once I could put her on her play mat. It has this flashing musical star over her, among other things, that she loves. Try a play mat.

Let me know what happens for sure! Good luck!

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C.T.

answers from Dallas on

Try a bouncy seat. Both my children loved it. My last baby cried a lot and loved to be held, too. There isn't much you can do while she is so young except hold her, but it will get easier. I feel for you. It can be so hard being a mom to a new baby, especially when you have other children that need you, too. Congratulations on your new daughter!

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

try some prebiotics. could make a big difference with her tummy......which could be the reason she doesn't want to lay down.

http://www.shaklee.net/healinghappens/product/20057

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T.M.

answers from Dallas on

I would have the pedi. check to see if there isn't something else going on or the meds aren't workinhg. Otherwise, sounds like you have a high needs baby. I have one too! The Baby Bjorn is the only relief I found (some newer ones have better back support)and I use a backpack carrier also. I go for a walk to put her asleep then leave her in the stroller untill she wakes up. Good luck. This too shall pass. As far as your son is concerned, remind him of what a big boy he is and ask if he can help by handing you things. Babies love to be helpers. A big thank you is so rewarding.

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P.G.

answers from Dallas on

Other than making sure nothing else is bothering her besides reflux, not sure what it could be.

I use the ergo baby carrier for my little guy - you can wear them on the front or back (check out their website). My boy is now 2 years old, 36lbs/39inches and I can still carry him in the ergo when I need to.

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E.K.

answers from Dallas on

My first two are 12 months apart. I wore my second in a Baby Bjorn and carried my first on my hip for a lot of time each day of my second's first three months (my first was very jealous of my second). I have never had good luck with a sling and I would imagine that I wouldn't want to be all squished like that if I had heartburn! I have an Ergo baby carrier too and like it more than the Bjorn. The Bjorn is fast and easy to put on but really starts to hurt my shoulders and back once the baby gets heavier (like maybe 16-18 pounds). If you can try out a new front or back carrier, it might help. You can find them used on eBay (the Ergos, that is) and I always see Bjorn and Snugli brand at places like Kid to Kid and Once Upon a Child. Look for something with really padded straps that has a lot of adjustment options so you can get the baby sitting in just the right spot. Good luck!

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T.D.

answers from Dallas on

My daughter had really bad acid reflux too. What saved us was the bouncy seat with vibration. When the baby sits in it with the vibration on it shakes all those tummy bubbles out and makes the tummy feel better. Try it, my daughter slept in that thing all night some nights!

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C.R.

answers from Dallas on

I agree with Jessica. Some babies are "high needs" and when they are laid down those little arms get to moving cause a sense of insecurity. Our pedi told us about that with our son, and he said that if he starts to move his arms a bunch to just gently fold them across his chest for a minute. Sure enough, that would calm him down really fast. So we started using the swaddle, he was swaddled for a while until he started undoing it every time, even in his swing or bouncy chair we would swaddle him.

Good luck!

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