Friday, July 15, 2011

Fussiness

Over the past few days, Clare has started doing this thing where she'll get this incredibly sad look on her face, her lower lip quivering, and then she'll start crying a pathetic little cry.  As soon as she gets what she wants (if I can figure out what that is) she stops immediately and is perfectly happy. The problem is, I can't seem to figure out what she wants most of the time. I try to feed her, she rejects it. I change her diaper, she is happy for a few minutes and then cries again. I make sure her clothes are dry. (This one does not stand for sitting in damp clothes for any length of time. Although I guess I can't blame her.) I sit her up so she can burp, or I put her on my shoulder. I try to rock her.  Nothing seems to work. Since we were traveling yesterday, I blamed it on over stimulation and general tiredness. But alas, today is more of the same. Any moms out there have any advice on what to do with a fussy baby? Or do I just have to live with it?

What? It's my party and I'll cry if I want to.

5 comments:

  1. Could it be something you're eating? Adam was allergic to cow's milk protein & eggs when he was a baby (unbeknownst to us until he was 6 mos. old & had a reaction to formula when I was ready to wean him), but looking back, the times he was fussy were usually after I had ice cream or cheese. Just to be on the safe side, I stuck with soy products when nursing Ben. Here's a list of foods that can cause fussiness when you're breastfeeding. Might be helpful for you to take a look:
    http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/fussy-baby/coping-colic/colic-causing-foods-breastfeeding
    Good luck!!! I've been thinking of you a lot over these past few weeks. Being a new mama is a craaaazy ride, isn't it?! ;)

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  2. Definitely try what CMS said. And if this lasts for weeks consistently, then be concerned.

    But from my point of view: Babies Are Fussy. She has been forced into this brand new crazy world and is still getting used to things. Maybe she's hungry, maybe she's tired, maybe she's just bored, maybe a change of scenery (walks!)... Who knows? Sometimes you just have to get through it. But repeat to yourself: It's just a phase. It's just a phase. It's just a phase.

    Even if it's a phase that lasts for months (30-minute naps for 7 months straight!), it will eventually go away. And then it's onto the next thing. ;)

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  3. I am not a mom, but the things that have always worked for me as a babysitter: putting baby on the shoulder and walking around while 'shhhh'ing near their ear or singing and rocking. I bet it's just growing pains...meaning, she's taking in everything and maybe feeling a little overwhelmed. In my experience, the calmer you can stay during those times, the better. (Much easier said than done, I know!) XOXO

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  4. Thanks, you guys rock. I really appreciate the advice! I have been eating a lot of dairy lately, so I think I'll cut that out for awhile to see if that helps.

    A., I will definitely keep that mantra in mind. I think it will help me get through the day!

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  5. One other thing that saved me when I babysat my very fussy, very colicky niece (she's still fussy and she's 17!) was being kind of ridiculous about it. Like, I would say in a baby coo "You hate life and want me to hate it toooo, yes you doooo" and at least that made me laugh!

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