4 Month Old CONSTANTLY Cries!

When my Daughter would spit up and cried like that I got a Swing, and I padded her upright and she swung and watched cartoons, or Sesame street and she was fine after that.. Then my Son came along and he was the same, I did the same with him.. He also had weak lungs and the Air Force Dr. told me to leave him propped up in the swing all day and night, cause he couldn't breathe when he laid down. He would spit up. But after 3 months in this swing he slept at night, he didn't spit up much any more. He could breathe better.. Built his lungs up and he was good as gold. Slept all night and only spit up when he had a virus or flu or something like that. Swing worked for me 2 times.. Third baby i put her in it right away and she was fine.
Shirley

Try having him sleep in his car seat or bouncer as that will keep him on an incline.

Trying other formula (not just brands but Soy or Nutramigen type ones) may help a lot.

I second the sling idea. They need security and comfort the most at his age. Both of my friend's kids had reflux andZantac helped their pain a lot. So see if the meds the Dr gave her help the baby. If there is not improment, then definitely push them to test until they figure it out. There is no reason for a baby to suffe so much without at knowing why it is happening.

My heart goes out to her.. this too shall pass.

Don't discount the possibility of reflux...even if the baby doesn't spit up much. When my doctor first suggested reflux, I just didn't believe it. But, he was right, and the meds he prescribed helped TREMENDOUSLY. In addition, if the first medications don't seem to help, she should go back to the doc to try something else. We tried 2-3 meds before we got something that worked.

Does the baby get hiccups a lot? This is a sign of reflux and gas. Also, does he have a hard time burping? My son didn't burp well, and I think that buildup is what caused the discomfort.

When he's a bit older, she can try making a Fennel tea (I just buy fennel seeds in the spice section and add about 1 teaspoon of seeds per 1 cup of water (this is a guestimate...I don't measure). This helps with digestion, gas and bloating. Four months might be too young, but if he continues to have troubel.

Hope all goes well!

The two magic words in our home have become "Gripe Water". We had the same issue with our 2 month old. The doctor recommended keeping her upright for about 30 minutes after feedings which does help with the reflux induced spit ups. I found out about gripe water on the internet after doing much research. You can find it at Whole Foods. It's definitely worth a try. My husband and I are still amazed at how this cures her reflux and gas issues.

My son had reflux around 5 months and I thought I was losing my mind. It didn't last too long though after we got medicine from the pediatrician. However, when ever my husband would "swaddle" either of my sons, they slept peacefully for hours. It's amazing! I couldn't seem to do it as tight as he did and whenever they worked there way out of the swaddle, they cried. It worked wonders for us, have her give it a try.

Have they tried switching formulas? That might work....I think he's too young to really be "working it". Also, try putting a blanket or pillow under his mattress, so he's not laying down flat...that helps keep the heartburn, etc. to a minimum!

Good luck!

T.

As you stated the Dr. says he has acid reflux, Did the Dr. Prescribe amything for the pain/burning(Mylanta, Zantac) or/and there are a few things that she can try. My youngest son had acid reflux from 7 wks until 15 months.

Here are a few tips that can alleviate the pain:
Use Dr Brown's bottles
Feed Smaller quantities more often (switch from 3hr to 2 or 2 1/2 hrs)
Let baby sleep in car seat or bouncy
At least recline 45min-1hr or more if possible after each feeding
Burp often(at least 2-3 times during feedings)
Hold baby upright during feeding
Swaddle w/receiving blanket
pacifier (helps stomach contents down)
Consult Pediatric GI specialist

If you have any other questions or concerns please DO NOT hesistate to contact me.

____@____.com

I know it's a rough journey but this too shall pass!
Good Luck and God Bless
M.

There's TONS of different things to try ... depending on if it's a matter of if he wants his momma OR he is in fact uncomfortable from the acid reflux.

If he wants momma .. she should try and comfort him ... a 4 month old often just needs closeness ... I HIGHLY recommend a pouch or sling (www.goo-ga.com).

For reflux - do what the doc recommends ... but laying flat on his back is sure to cause some pain ... try propping crib mattress slightly up (put a towel or something UNDER the mattress). I KNOW it's not 'safe' for them to sleep on their tummies .. but my middle child was sooo bothered by gas and such, that the ONLY way she slept was on her tummy .. I HATED to put her on her belly - but it was the only way she'd sleep - so maybe try that?

I'm sure you'll get TONS of advice - there are soo many things to try ... hope it works out for her and remind her they are a baby for such a short time and try and endure the difficult period - it will soon pass and this will just be a memory!!!! :-)

Hi Bobbie,

A friend of mine had a baby with colic. She took him to her chiropractor. He barely touched the baby it seemed because he was so gentle and the colic totally went away at that time. So maybe a chiro could help with reflux in a baby as well.

Also, it could be a formula issue. And you already have great advice on the reflux so I won't speak to that.

Hope this helps!