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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to ask for help with screaming baby on train?

39 replies

zinaida · 28/09/2012 20:04

My 4 month old has been screaming his head off for 40 solid minutes, I've never seen him like this, what could be wrong? He won't feed but can't have been that hungry when he started, as he'd'had a feed a little while before, he's'had a nappy change, I've checked his clothing isn't hurting him. We're holding and rocking and soothing him but he is furious - I think he just hates the train. Any suggestions? I'm in tears myself here. Not really an AIBU but am desperate for answers!

OP posts:
Raspberryandorangesorbet · 28/09/2012 20:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

JesusInTheCabbageVan · 28/09/2012 20:07

Could he be hot maybe? Or tired? Sorry, can't help much but didn't want to leave you to it.

Maybe just keep moving from carriage to carriage - see if you find a spot he likes better and avoid getting tutted...

Oh, or stand in the corridor between carriages - noisier and the white noise may soothe him?

MrsMuddyPuddles · 28/09/2012 20:08

is the nappy crooked? It could just be the noise or motion or coldness of the train :(

try walking him up and down and sing?go through several carraiges, maybe there#s another he'll like? Hand him to a stranger, sometimes that distracted mine...

Liketochat1 · 28/09/2012 20:08

He might just be really overtired and out of sorts on the train. It's a new environment. It's upsetting when it happens but I'm sure he'll be fine when the journey is over.

Raspberryandorangesorbet · 28/09/2012 20:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

missymoomoomee · 28/09/2012 20:11

Once my dd did this and it turned out that she had a strand of my long hair wrapped around her toe. It must have been agony. Check his toes is my advice.

Pochemuchka · 28/09/2012 20:11

You poor thing! Could his ears be popping? I always get that on the train.
Second all suggestions about walking around and going in between carriages.

Hope he settles soon x

chandellina · 28/09/2012 20:11

My daughter had a few one and two hour long screaming bouts at that age for no apparent reason, and she hardly ever cried normally. Nothing really worked, maybe rocking a bit, just ride it out and try not to stress!

KenLeeeeeee · 28/09/2012 20:13

My ears often pop with how fast the train is going (air pressure weirdness...?). Maybe that affects babies in some odd way too.

My ds is also 4 months old and when he's really pissed off about something, I hold him so his ear is against my cheek and sing "Dream A Little Dream of Me" very softly at him. Seems to work better than any other song!

Jo178 · 28/09/2012 20:14

I really really second 'Horsey Horsey'! It's the one guaranteed thing that works with my DD. Grin

PickledFanjoCat · 28/09/2012 20:15

Ds did this. He would be tired after and have a lovely long sleep. Check everything again, keep trying to feed its all you can do really.

Try not to get stressed as everyone on the train will have been there at some point.

Raspberryandorangesorbet · 28/09/2012 20:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Restrainedrabbit · 28/09/2012 20:18

Is he poorly? Teething? Being on the train might be a red herring! Have you tried not soothing him and just standing still in the corridor? Could be overstimulated? If I was there I'd gladly give you a hand :)

plantsitter · 28/09/2012 20:19

Go into the vestibule between corridors and hold him very tightly. The noise and movement used to send mine to sleep pretty much immediately (beware - it can be a bit alarming when they're yelling and then suddenly fall asleep!).

Great sympathies..

claraschu · 28/09/2012 20:21

Deep knee bends, like you are going up and down stairs, quite jerky up and down while you hold him firmly. Mine never liked me to sit down once they were in this state.

BrianButterfield · 28/09/2012 20:27

Definitely take him for a walk - at least it's a change of scene and you might find a sympathetic fellow traveller who will distract for a bit.

(Smiling at the horsey horsey suggestion, though - I was once singing it to DS in front of a friend of mine and she winced, because it brought back vivid memories of singing it all. night. to her son when he was tiny as it was the only thing that would shut him up. Her son is 30 now!)

DeathMetalMum · 28/09/2012 20:27

If there is a toilet that isnt too smelly go and run the tap really fast used to attract dcs attention enough to calm down and take a few breaths.

FutureNannyOgg · 28/09/2012 20:41

He's entering a big growth and development spurt, so don't rule out a feed, if he won't take it then that's not helpful I know. He is also likely to be tired and overwhelmed, so I would make sure he was comfy, right temp etc, then sling and jiggle, rock, sing, whatever usually helps him get to sleep.
Sometimes though, all that gets a bit much for both of you, and there is nothing wrong with just "listening" to him. Try to be calm and relaxed, look him in the eye, tell him it's OK, and let him "rant". Sometimes they calm down quicker like this, just having the comfort of your arms and your attention until they have got the frustration out of their system, they usually just fall asleep or have a long feed, then a sleep.

G1nger · 28/09/2012 20:46

Do you have a carrier/sling? And are you breastfeeding? You could try the two together. I suspect it's the train, but you still might be able to calm him x

LynetteScavo · 28/09/2012 20:52

At this time of day he may well be over tired.

Just hold him and relax as much as you can.

I would gently place my hand over his eyes and let him feel my calm breathing.

How long are you going to be on the train.

arthurfowlersallotment · 28/09/2012 20:56

It's okay OP, ignore any tuts. Most parents have experienced public meltdowns with their babies.

Maybe try putting your cheek to DC's and waking up and down the carriage, talking in a sing song voice. Then try another feed.

LittlePicnic · 28/09/2012 20:58

I was also thinking he might be overtired. New environment may have unsettled him. Many babies of that age might want to be tucked up in their cot at this time of the evening.

BrianButterfield · 28/09/2012 21:01

The calm breathing thing is a good trick. At the very least it calms you down a bit! Nice hypnotic stroking, too.

Original poster
zinaida · 28/09/2012 21:06

Wow thansk for all the replies! Will keep trying.

OP posts:
emblosion · 28/09/2012 21:06

Yep, screaming meltdowns here = overtired. Have you tried quite fast walking & loud shushing? My son is sometimes calmed by humming, but when he's really pissed off singing enrages him further.

Hope he calms down op.