Unhappy baby?

[Forgettheworld]

Hi, my son is 6 weeks old. He never seems happy when awake. He sleeps ok and settles at night and does nap on and off throughout the day mainly whilst we’re out and about but when he’s awake in between he just moans, cries and fusses. I can’t remember the last time I had a meal or shower without having to hold him or him crying through it. Any ideas what could be wrong with him?

Could he have reflux?

Poor you! My son was the same. I had to start topping him up with formula as he was very hungry, and I wasn't making enough milk. He was still a very grumpy baby, but a bit less so! He improved a lot when I started weaning him - it was 16 weeks back in the day, but he absolutely troughed his food. I think some babies are just not as happy as others though! (Had previously had a v happy one!)

I did think maybe reflux, he does spit up occasionally. He’s bottle fed so he takes however much he needs. I also wondered if he gets himself over tired he is awake quite along time after feeds.

No idea what's wrong but sympathy for you - I know it's hard work with a grumpy baby!
Could you talk to a health visitor if you feel like there might be something going on?

It could simply be that he's still so little and struggling to adjust to the outside world - are you familiar with the idea of the 'fourth trimester'?

Try settling him for a nap 45 minutes (no later than 60 mins) after his last sleep. I found my DD so much easier to handle when I got her to sleep before she was grumpy and overtired.

He’s been awake 3 hours now so I’m thinking over tired. I’m seeing my health visitor this week so will definitely mention it. I have a 7 year old too and I feel I neglect him a bit because the babies glued to me!

He could be overtired, l agree with the above advice to keep awake time to 1 hour between naps. I know this is hard if you have another child to look after - my 7 wo has all his naps in the sling unless we’re out somewhere.