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Behaviour/development

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

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Original poster

Any tips for helping a very nervy / anxious 2 week old who hates to be put down or leave the house?

20 replies

PeachyHas4BoysAndLovesIt · 21/04/2008 18:18

DS4 is 2 weeks today. He was born 9as MW described it in her notes) 'shocked' due to a precipitate labour lasting less then 90 minutes, and seems very nervy and anxious- we can't put him in a cot without him screaming, or in a chair. he also ahtes leaving the house- whether in a buggy, sling, car or whatever. We can get a few minutes if we carry him but still no further than the school- about 3 minutes?

The toher three were very confident at birth ( ds1 particularly independent) so this is new to us!.

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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orangina · 21/04/2008 18:19

Cranial osteopathy is supposed to be v good for babes who were born v quickly (among other things). Perhaps someone can come and do a home visit?

lackaDAISYcal · 21/04/2008 18:21

Oh, the poor wee thing.

It will pass and he'll get used to life on the outside, but in the meantime just accept he needs the cuddles. (Not easy with another three boys though I imagine)

Have you looked into cranial osteopathy. Apparently it's good for all sorts of things following birth, and may help him to settle. If you google it, you'll get the main organization in London and from there will be able to find what's available locally.

GooseyLoosey · 21/04/2008 18:21

What if you take him out in a buggy with a rain cover on so that he feels more closed in and secure?

2point4kids · 21/04/2008 18:22

Probably a very silly question ..but have you tried bundling him up a lot so that he doesnt notice the change in air/temp etc when you get out the house? A big fleecy blanket or something around him and around his head and him facing into your chest? to ease him into it? That helps with my DS

Izzywhizzy · 21/04/2008 18:22

Have you tried a sling?

Original poster

PeachyHas4BoysAndLovesIt · 21/04/2008 18:22

raincover didnt sem to help today sadly- thought it might as I put both of us under a blanket yesterday and he calmed right down.

Did wonder about cranial osteopathy- live between 2 cities so must be some available locally. No experience of it though.

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flamingtoaster · 21/04/2008 18:23

I think it just takes time. My DS (emergency cs due to heartbeat slowing - turned out cord was twice round his neck) could not be put down during the day for his first six weeks. I just went along with it and then suddenly he was fine and turned into the most contented, wonderful baby I could have wished for. I didn't have a problem leaving the house though - hopefully that will improve for you once the temperature difference is less as the weather warms up.

orangina · 21/04/2008 18:26

Maybe swaddling him will help him feel secure....

Original poster

PeachyHas4BoysAndLovesIt · 21/04/2008 18:29

We do have a swaddle blanket but we've never used it, sister said i'd left it too late? Might give it a go- ahsn't been an issue up to now as such at home, (just plugged him onto breast and kept going on dissertation LOL) but DH back to work tomorrow nigt and with the other boys to care for, can imagine it getting a bit tiring.

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Cryingquietly · 21/04/2008 18:30

I would recommend cranial aswell. I used it for my son after a bad birth when he was having 'issues' and noticed a difference in him within a few sessions. it can just be so exhausting cant it.

i hope it all works out well for you.

orangina · 21/04/2008 18:32

Dd really calmed down with swaddling (general end of the day fussiness), but ds wouldn't tolerate it and busted out it every time....
Really hope he settles soon, does sound very tiring. Will dig out cranial link for you if I can...

CoolYourJets · 21/04/2008 18:32

have you got a big zip up flece that you could stick over the top of you both while he is in the sling?

What sort of sling btw?

Original poster

PeachyHas4BoysAndLovesIt · 21/04/2008 18:34

We have a close sling, although I've only used it once or twice so far (keep meaning to ask my sis to show me how to put it on properly as not sure I am doing it right)

OP posts:

CoolYourJets · 21/04/2008 18:34

One of the wrappy round types?

What position is he in at home when he is happy - does it vary?

CoolYourJets · 21/04/2008 18:35

oh and er fleece obv.

Original poster

PeachyHas4BoysAndLovesIt · 21/04/2008 18:38

the sling

at home he's ok as long as he's held, that's allt hat matters.

I do need him to go into cot at some point as ds3 is autistic and when Dh isn't there will climb into bed at night, he's a sweet soul but he wouldn't know to check baby not there first. Cot afr safer.

OP posts:

Psychomum5 · 21/04/2008 18:40

DS1 was like his.....I had a car accident at 28wks pregnant with him, went into prem labour which they stopped, but as I had broken ribs and they wouldn't heal, they induced me at 36wks and the labour was speedy and he too was quite shocked (plus ofcourse he was a little early), and he was hell for the first 5wks.

couldn;t put him down, in a chair/crib/car seat/pram......nowhere!!!

even bathing him was a chore as he had to be cuddled the whole time which meant me having a coldish (for me) bath while he yelled and poo'd all over me thro anger/shock/unhappyness.....

we took him to cranial osteopath and he slept for over three hours for the first time since birth (he slept, only in half hour bursts snuggled tight to me), plus, he went into a new swing and stayed in it for as long as needed and smiled.

he still never grew to like his crib.....for his first few months he alternated between his pram or the swing, both of which were bought up stairs each night so we had the choice.

sooo....my vote for cranial osteopathy.

CoolYourJets · 21/04/2008 18:40

Hmmm. I found a bean bag v useful for my kids. Stuffing them in it seemed to simulate being held quite well.

Loads of user vids on you tube showing wrap slings might be useful. Doesn't get you over the night times though.

orangina · 21/04/2008 18:41

A few links to do with cranial osteopathy and fast labour (not very detailed...). here, here and here

2point4kids · 21/04/2008 18:43

Peachy.. I have tried sevaral slings and now have the close one for DS2 (8 weeks) and find it by far the best and most comfortable. DS2 loves it too. So keep trying it as I'm sure it will help once you get the hang of it.

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