AIBU?
To ask for help with crying baby
Choice4567 · 26/10/2018 23:24
Sorry but posting here for traffic!
My 4 month is currently screaming her head off. Evening is the only reliable time she sleeps and tonight she just won't. She'll fall asleep on me but if I try and put her down she sobs in her sleep. If DP picks her up the screams get worse.
She's fed. Clean nappy. Calpol an hour ago in case teeth hurting. No temp. Room is warm
Help! What am I missing? I can't spend the whole night awake!
30birthdayholiday · 26/10/2018 23:26
They haven't got a hair twisted round their toe have they?
Choice4567 · 26/10/2018 23:27
They can get heart burn? Is there a way to help that?
30birthdayholiday · 26/10/2018 23:28
Sounds like it could be the 4 month sleep regression, I had to take mine out in the car for a few nights at that age for a change of scenery, then once they came home they were usually asleep and then transferred them. If they woke, they went back down easy enough.
I used to blame a full moon too!!
MundayCakes85 · 26/10/2018 23:29
Could it be the dreaded 4 month sleep regression? I was in your shoes last year. We tried white noise which worked pretty well- there’s a free app you can get. Also used a dummy but that’s a pain when they lose it in the night! A night light so it’s not too dark. We co-slept for a little bit but I found it hard to sleep.
Good luck.
earlgreymarl · 26/10/2018 23:29
Change her out of clothes and put new clothes on, might just work as a reset.
ileclerc · 26/10/2018 23:30
If she's inconsolable and not sick, ear phones in to deaden the sound. Walk/ rock/ whatever for two hours and then swap. She's only tiny it's the only way for sanity.
Choice4567 · 26/10/2018 23:31
The 4 month sleep regression has hit us pretty hard the last few weeks, but I've struggled through knowing she slept 9-12 and getting sleep then. No chance of that tonight!
She's currently asleep on me as I sit in a chair. Not sure how long I can sit here and not fall asleep
Oh and I can't leave her to cry, 3 other children in the house!
jackio2205 · 26/10/2018 23:31
Sounds like 4 month regression to me. I had an epiphany that you cant physically or mentally comfort them all night, i did control crying at 9 months but i wish i did it earlier!
Let them cry it out so that you're teaching them to do it by themself, it'll help them to be calmer going forward. Ive heard lots of people say they'd never do it, but i've never heard one person wish they didnt..... its harsh but it works and helps the baby. Just keep ur ear next to monitor so u can hear anything and secretly check in if u have to, but it will help them x
AllesAusLiebe · 26/10/2018 23:31
No advice, OP. I just wanted to show some solidarity. I’ve only just managed to get DS to sleep after 5 hours of on/off screaming for reasons only he knows, so I feel your pain.
I’m sure others with much more understanding than me will be along soon, but could it be a developmental leap? I’m reading Wonder Weeks at the moment and clinging to the hope that DS will emerge from this phase pretty soon.
I feel like I need a holiday. Alone. . .
Choice4567 · 26/10/2018 23:33
Just tried to change her nappy and she screamed bloody murder. Not risking a change of clothes now 😔.
SaucyJack · 26/10/2018 23:35
Have you got a pram with a carrycot she can sleep in?
Go round the block a couple of times until she’s asleep, then wheel her into the hall and leave her.
Choice4567 · 26/10/2018 23:37
Thanks @AllesAusLiebe hope yours stays asleep and you can get some!
I know it'll pass but I'm so tired! Keep fantasising about going off to a hotel to get some sleep. Can't even fantasise properly cos I start mentally packing the changing bag and how I'm gonna get her in the car. Apparently I'm taking her. May defeat the object
nousernamesavailable · 26/10/2018 23:37
I’d be inclined to think she must be in some sort of pain if she normally settles well and is disturbing every time you try to put her down. I have three, all have been good sleepers, every time they’ve suddenly not settled/woken up frequently crying at night it’s turned out to be ear infection/chest infection or similar (often without high temp).
Choice4567 · 26/10/2018 23:38
@nousernamesavailable that's what I was thinking too, but the calpol doesn't seem to have made any difference
jackio2205 · 26/10/2018 23:40
If she settles on you then it's about comfort not pain, she'd still be crying whilst on you. Prob just got herself into a right panic. Could try giving a tiny feed again as a calmer then put her down again? X
jackio2205 · 26/10/2018 23:40
Also don't know if you have any apps or spund machines, like white noise or nature sounds, my one loves it! X
Choice4567 · 26/10/2018 23:42
Ok plan. Do up the baby grow and sleeping bag that I couldn't do up after the nappy change because of the screaming.
Another cuddle or feed to make sure she's settled.
Put her back in her cot and see what happens
Wish me luck. Hopefully I won't return till morning as we'll all be sleeping soundly. 
nousernamesavailable · 26/10/2018 23:45
Good luck!
Maybe try nurofen if she still doesnt settle and seems really distressed. Often helps with pain more than calpol
X
babydreamer1 · 26/10/2018 23:47
My 3 week old went from sleeping lots and being generally happy to completely inconsolable and not sleeping unless being held the past 2 days and it turned out it was colic as we gave infacol and he is back to his usual happy self today. It could be this or tummy ache. Try infacol, clockwise tummy rub and also repeatedly pushing her knees to her tummy to ease it and release wind.
Worriedmummybekind · 26/10/2018 23:49
Hope she is asleep soon! Overtiredness can hugely frustratingly cause this too. Tight cuddling/swaddling helped mine when they were overtired.
Tomatoesrock · 26/10/2018 23:52
Gosh it is awful. I really feel for you, My DS was awful for over a year, he had colic reflux heartburn well there are all the things he was treated for and nothing worked. I had to hold him close and walk and walk. I suspected it was colic by the routine but his tense body and screams are unforgettable.
A really soft fleece blanket and hot water bottle with warm water used to give him some comfort, also sitting up really straight and drinking preboiled warm water.
Rarotonga · 26/10/2018 23:58
Sounds really tough OP.
Went through similar with my ds when he was smaller, he just wanted to sleep on me for every nap and throughout the night. It really took it's toll.
The game changer for us was learning to breastfeed with us both lying down, and safe bedsharing. It doesn't work for/appeal to everyone, I know but worth throwing it out there in case an option.
Good luck
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