Anxious Baby?

[JuneJoyce]

Is anyone else’s baby overly sensitive and if so does it pass and do they grow out of it? My 4 month old is very fussy and unsettled 90% of the time, she seems quite anxious and on edge. Can babies be anxious? I’m not sure how else to describe her demeanour, but I'm concerned she's unhappy.

Oh I forgot to say. Do consider CMPA- one of my twins had this too. A baby with a milk allergy with literally cry/ arch their back most of the time they are awake. So I would recommend ruling this out. It was hell with DD until this was sorted- I mean she was still hard work but didn’t scream in pain all day! Try giving up dairy or if you do any bottle feeds you can ask for nutrimigen milk from the doctor.

I would go with your instinct and stop worrying. My daughter was somehow mentally ready to explore a long time before she was physically ready (and she walked at 10 months). Once she got some independence she was fine and now she’s very balanced and non-demanding. Having said that, my second was a big placid sleepy teddy bear who first rolled front to back at the same age his sister walked...and by about 3 they were pretty similar in temperament. My daughter was just permanently outraged by being a baby.

I completely agree that high needs babies are utterly draining for their first 12-18 months, before getting hugely better. My DS (17 mo) who was supremely alert from hours old and found being a baby one massive inconvenience was similar - highly strung and completely unable to switch off (and permanently glued to me/my boobs). Rotten sleeper, cried a lot…nightmare. He still needs a lot of emotional regulation from me, but since being able to cruise and then walk, and begin to master language, he’s been fab. I now see why people enjoy parenting and consider more than one child. This time last year I wanted my DH to have a vasectomy!

I also agree that you should take her to the HV/GP to have physical problems ruled out. But equally don’t be afraid to say that there is nothing with my child and this is just who they are. I wish I’d trusted my gut instead of chasing diagnosis that weren’t there.

Thanks, @Twinmumandtoddler, I'll look into the CMPA just in case. I'm so impressed you managed a high maintenance baby plus twins. Fair play to you!x

@DressedUpAtAnIvy I just hope mine gets moving soon, like yours did. In the meantime I hope she starts being a bit happier. I used to get positive feedback from work and now I'm on maternity leave I feel like I don't get a lot of positive feedback from my new (very full time) 'job'! All I want is for her to be happy.x

Thank you, @AliceW89. It really helps to hear success stories and know it can/will get better. It gives me a bit hope because it's pretty hard going right nowx

When they learn to talk you realise they are mostly happy all the time. There’s no performance reviews but I’m sure you’re doing great.

Thanks, @DressedUpAtAnIvy, I hope so! I really look forward to hearing her talk. There's so much going on in that little head, I'd love to know what she's thinking!