My 4 month old baby boy was extremely fussy for the first 3 months of his life. Not sure if he had colic or not, but he was very fussy. Even though he was a pretty good nighttime sleeper, he wouldn't take a nap unless he was being held.
This trend is continuing into his 4 month, even though his father and I have done everything possible to encourage him to nap in his crib. We soothe him to sleep for naps as we always have and then we put him in his crib. He's up within 10-15 minutes crying. We have waited 5 minutes, 10 minutes to see if he'll stop crying, but the crying seems to intensify. Not sure what to do to solve this issue. We are tethered by having to hold him for so many hours during the day.
Any suggestions?
we went through that with my middle child and we decided to allow him to sleep in his baby swing. Bought lots of batteries but was worth it to rest myself and be able to do other things in the home that needed to be done. He took naps in swing until he was too big for the swing. Best wishes!
Could you be putting him down too quickly once he falls asleep? I know, with my oldest (who was a crappy sleeper!) if I put her down within a minute or two of her falling asleep, she'd bounce back awake and there was NO getting her back to sleep. Plus, then she was cranky for the rest of the day. However, if I waited until she twitched a few times in her sleep, I could be sure that she was REALLY asleep, put her down, and sneak away!
I usually wait for 3 big twitches before I put my kids down. Give it a try.
Hi L.,
He could have reflux. My son was the same. He had to have medication for a long time. Ask your doctor for some Gaviscon for the baby. If it works you know it is possibley reflux.
Good luck.
W.,
Katy, Texas
Have you tried having him nap in a swing? This would still give him the movement he is used to, but transition him away from your lap. Once he naps well, there, start stopping the swing from going earlier and early until he isn't swinging at all. then try the crib.
Maybe not the best answer but both of my girls took lots of naps in their swing. I had the battery operated kind and I would set it for 30 minutes or so- they would pass out- the swing would stop- but they wouldn't wake up until they were rested. They also napped well in their cribs so maybe the swing wouldn't work with your little darling. However- I figure anything that enables them to rest and you to get a break is fair! Good luck.
Are you swaddling him for naps? I'd try that.
Also, check out www.sleepingturtles.com It helps counteract infant's startle reflex that causes them to awaken suddenly while sleeping.
I would also check with his Dr. to see if he might have reflux. Lying down exacerbates the problem. Reflux can cause damage to the esophagus if left untreated.
Good luck and congratulations on your little one!
My Moby Wrap was my lifesaver during the first year of my baby's life. She liked to be held...and to be honest, I really like to hold her. It does limit your activities somewhat, but not nearly as much as a sling can.
I can also second the tummy sleeping. It was the only way she would nap...though she was just fine on her back at night. Babies!
I would have to wait until she was completely limp. I would lift her little arm and if it came up with no resistance and dropped back down, I knew she was really out.
Neither of my kids wanted to nap in their cribs. My daughter would nap in her cradle and my son would nap in his swing. But both would sleep wonderfully at night in their cribs. Its like they didn't want to be away from the action! Try the swing or try making a pallet on the floor. He might like that.
Will he sleep on his tummy? I know dr. Say not to let them sleep that way but it worked for both my kids and my 4 month old sleeps through the night!
One of the things that attracts your baby to you, besides your loving arms, is your 'smell!'
You could try a baby carrier to keep him close to you yet your arms are free. A big piece of cloth wrapped around like a sling will hold a child up to toddler size. Also, try putting an item with your 'smell' nearby where he sleeps.
My babies slept with us in the family bed. Lie him in the middle of your bed with you and rest with him until he falls asleep. If you fall asleep too, all the better!
Sweet dreams!
P.
Poor little baby.
Have you tried putting him on his tummy? He is old enough now. Also place his head up against a rolled up towel and against the bumper of the bassinet or crib. This will remind him of the womb. If he is in a crib be sure to lay him on one side head and feet side to side of the crib,instead of the length of the crib. Could be in the light it looks to big and empty.
Play some soft music. You may want to darken the room with black out curtains.. I used to hang quilts over the windows.
Some parents say their infants take naps in baby swings.. If you do not have one, see if you can borrow one and see how he does..
Hope this helps.
Get a book called "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Dr. Marc Weissbluth. It really helped us. My son was doing the same thing at about 6 wks. If he woke up after 15 mins then he was overtired and needed to sleep and I would let him cry so he would go back to sleep. It was painful at first. I would let him cry for up to 20 min and then go in and soothe him (hold, pat,etc.) and then put him back to in bed. If he was tired enough to fall asleep in my arms he was tired enough to sleep in his own bed and just needed to learn how. The first week he would sleep 15 to 30 minutes. The second week it was 30 to 45 min and the 3rd was 45 to 60. The key is to watch for his sleep signs (rubbing eyes, yawning, etc.) and putting him in his crib when those signs happen, usually between 1 to 2 hours of being awake. The book details different options and has been a life saver. My son is happy and sleeps through the night consistently and has much better napping habits and he can put himself to sleep at night and during the day. he is 6 months now. The book is great! Hope this helps!
Dr. Gary Ezzo has a wonderful book called On Becoming Baby Wise. I would highly recommend it because he addresses your issue to a T. You can purchase it on amazon.com
