Fussy Baby-Help!

I have a five month old and own a restaurant. I take my baby to work and work 12hour days 6 days a week. Point being, I do lots of baby lugging. I have a baby bojorn but it unconfortable so I was reading about this wrap called a Moby wrap...turns out its just 5yards of stretchy cotton material. I bought five yards at walmart for $5. Make sure to get one that doesnt fray. Go to the moby wrap website(google it) and follow the intructions. Very easy. I got it the first time. Its super comfy and because it uses your sholders it doesnt hurt your back. I am new to this website but I think we live in the same town. I am more than happy to help you in person or give you advise on how to use it over the web. I know its hard to hold them all the time but letting them cry could make you crazy. Besides, dont feel quilty for picking him up. He wants you to love on him and why not, their only babies for a while. My baby loves the wrap. Can stay in it for hours. My husband was wearing it playing redneck golf. Very funny.

Good luck..
If you live in Belton, we own Backyard BBQ. Stop by if you need help with the wrap. I am thinking of teaching an aerobics class where everyone can wear their babies. I think that would be fun.

If he ends up with tubes, you'll end up with a new kid!

In case he's giving you more "drama" than illness, you're going to have to get tough. I think the biggest sanity I've
had in raising my four children is that they have learned to entertain themselves.

If he isn't crawling yet, he might be frustrated that he can't get around and be by you like he would like to. One thing you will learn quickly is that even when a baby/ toddler is playing alone, they seem to play within about a 3-5 foot radius of you. It is great because you can get things done and still be in their company.

My suggestion is to pick him up console him and then put him right back down at your feet with a toy for him to play with. Repeat this several times if he keeps crying when you put him down. If he gets into a total melt down, go put him to bed and let him cry it out.

KEEP CALM when you are doing this. If you are stressed out, he'll get all stressed out. Understand that he is just doing what works. I remember in my earlier years of mothering getting so frustrated, sometimes to where I would be scared that I would snap.

Don't get on a guilt trip. He's just learning that he can be near you and be happy without being in your arms and that you are the boss and the repetition will teach him. It may take a few days, but he'll get it.

Just roll with the punches. He's full of a lot of surprises in future. He is also going to get really fun in just a few months when he starts walking and communicating and you realize that he understands so much of what you say!

Enjoy it, it goes fast. BUT you need to be the boss NOW or you have a lot of long days ahead of you!

I echo the advice to find a good baby carrier.
You can find ring slings a lot of places (me, ebay, craigslist)
I have heard lots of moms very pleased with their Moby-style wraps.
Your baby needs you for nourishment - physical and emotional, a carrier seems to be the easiest way to take care of baby and your day.
Welcome to Motherhood!

K. H, mama to
Catherine, 4y
Samuel, 15m

First let me say, ear-tubes are a miracle! They will solve a lot of your problems. Our son is on his second set and he is sick so much less often because of them.

Second, if his crying is change of behavior from normal, that's a que that maybe he has an ear infection etc. We used to know because our son would start to wake up in the middle of the night...two nights of that and we'd be off to the doctor.
Good luck!

I would invest in a good carrier that way he is held and at the same time your hands are free.

Welcome to my world. I have one almost 9 months old. He is the same way. Born 10 days early. (I was induced b/c the cord was wrapped around his leg cutting off his nutrition.) He is just now starting to out grow this and spend more time in the floor etc playing. Just hang in there, it will get better. Mine is great at daycare or with his dad, etc. but the second he would see Mom, he would start crying and screaming. Just a little spoiled and needs the extra Mommy love. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Get someone you trust to keep him for the day so you can get a break and house clean without packing around baby.

I went through a similar situation with my son. He also had chronic ear infections (now 3 and 3 sets of tubes) and wanted to be held constantly. One doctor finally told me that I had to "let him go" and get some relief for myself. It was extremely difficult to do, but after about a week of letting him cry and play on the floor he started to adjust. During that week I felt like the worst mom ever! The end result is that he began playing a little by himself (of course we still had mommy and baby time) but I also most importantly got to keep my sanity! He will still know that you love him and you will actually find you are a better mom because you are getting some time for yourself to get things done. When things are done your mind is clear to focus entirely on your baby.