crying

[somersetlass]

feels like my 4 and a half month old cries ALL the time!! love him dearly but get so frustrated and upset cos trying to make myself go out for coffee mornings, post-natal classes etc.. and then end up feeling totally demoralised cos he screams the whole way through whilst all other babies sit on their mums laps contentedly. want to be able to enjoy him more and not feel ilke i'm the only one who has it like this. anyone else out their feeling the same?

I've had two like that not much fun. So understand how you feel . Had to quit one of DDs groups as DS just wouldn't do anything but cry. But it does get better different for each child. But mine got happier once they could sit up, then again when could crawl and then walk. I just like to think that they were frustrated as babies and was a sign of intelligence Now are delightful children. How about meeting up somewhere were crying not as much of an issue (e.g. outside or at someone's house) But your DS should be passing out of this phase soon.

I know exactly how you feel my youngest dd was exactly the same, it is hard work and quite often I used to end up it tears as well I felt so helpless and she was my 6th!!!

I used to find that taking her and her sister for a walk in the buggy was good, they seemed to sleep better and the crying never seems so loud when you are outside.

Keep going to toddler groups post natal groups etc you would be suprised how many of those mums with babies sitting contentedly on their laps are finding some aspect or other of motherhood hard.

Finally it does get easier you almost dont notice it, my daughter is now a gorgeous cute and funny little 16 month old, mind you she still has her moments!!!

Yes, definitely continue with the post-natal & coffee mornings. You may be surprised, but most likely noone else has noticed the crying. Probably worrying about their own children . I remember befriending a mother with a calm child -- and it turned out she was worried about how calm her DD was !

I had to quit my club as it was an art / messy play and the child had to be supervised. Which I found very stressful when caring for a screaming/feeding 5 wk old baby. In the end DS ended up napping at that time and DD and I would enjoy time together.

My friend who had a baby a month after mine had a baby who cried constantly whereas my DS tends to be good as gold. Anyway, whenever we arranged to meet, she always wanted to do it without children as I think she was embarrassed about her DS crying etc - but as my DH works away a lot, this wasn;t always possible.

What I am trying to say without rambling is that when we did meet up with our lo's I never batted an eyelid at how much her DS was crying and understood perfectly well that that is what babies do and never thought (and still don't think) any less of her because her DS was like that. So, the other mothers at all those groups probably don't think any less of you or your DS so don't let it put you off getting out and about.

Hope this makes sense.

i think you tend to hear your baby's crying more than anyone else.
i have a friend with twins (7 months) and she feels bad as one twin cries a lot (the other doesn't... proof that there's not much you can do!) To be honest, i don't really notice the crying - when i think about it, yes she does cry a lot - but it tends to wash over me. (i have had my fair share of crying babies).

so, what i am trying to say is don't worry too much, keep going and he will get through this phase. Mine def became more content when they could crawl.

thank you for all your replies- just good to know im not the only one as can be too easy to feel sorry for yourself in this sort of situation.just have to keep slogging on and appreciate the good (and occasional quiet ) times!!