Hi all,
I wonder if some experienced mums could offer me some advice or insight please? I really don't know where to turn. I am a ftm to a gorgeous boy who is 17 weeks old on Wednesday. The past few weeks have been hell, to put it mildly, and I'm worried there is something wrong with him that I'm not addressing. Like mentally or physically wrong.
He used to nap really well in the sling - two long naps per day of 2 1/2 hours and 2 hours. I could do some basic jobs around the house, make a tea, watch TV etc. He has never napped well in his buggy or car seat, which has made getting out of the house very difficult, and I have become painfully isolated. He would never do three shorter naps even though I tried adjusting his times etc.
The last two weeks he has decided that he soddenly hates the sling, and will only sleep beside me on the bed. Every nap is a battle-he screams to the point he turns red beforehand and he now sleeps very lightly and wakes up multiple times looking really quite startled and sometimes crying as he is waking. He generally goes down in his cot around 6pm and sleeps til 3-4 am, then is resettled until 6am, so that's not too bad.
He also has suddenly started screaming his head off for no apparent reason multiple times per day. In short, he is NEVER content. And nothing except having a bottle or a nappy change seems to comfort him, certainly not me. When he's not screaming or sleeping, he's griping - he groans, gives out and generally complains. He's never been the easiest baby, but he was definitely not this bad until a few weeks ago. I'm starting to dread every day and my patience is wearing thin. I feel really stressed by his behaviour. Close family members have wondered if something is amiss with him in some way.
I love him so much and only want to do what is best for him. Parents who have been through the 4mth sleep regression and leap 4- is this what's happening? I just want to enjoy my child and not dread taking care of him.
Many thanks in advance for any insights.
A scared mummy