5 week old constant crying

[Momma201]

Hi all

My almost 6 week old baby is constantly crying if awake, if he isn’t asleep he is crying the whole time, and he is awake often now.

The first maybe 2 weeks he was sleepy and would settle, but now he won’t settle at all, I can’t put him down in the bouncer Moses basket or baby mat, he won’t stop crying.

I am settling him all day and night and breast feeding almost constantly too, I’m not able to leave him for even 5 minutes as he gets inconsolable, to the point he’s choking he’s crying that hard.

I can’t even wash a few plates up at this rate with him getting so upset, let alone give my other son the attention I usually would.

I’m probably going to get a lot of “he’s a baby, they cry”, and I’m totally aware of that fact as I have a toddler as well, but this is a different amount of crying, I was actually able to put him down fine.

I’ve tried colic relief, it doesn’t work for us. And I guess I’m just wondering if any other parents are or have experienced this? And if there is anything I can do? Is this a phase, will it pass?

Thanks

Have you ruled out reflux? My DD’s reflux started around this age.

I would second reflux, both the babies I knew that cried all the time had reflux. Go to a sympathetic gp and get some treatment.
Also keeping baby upright as much as possible may help in the interim.

A third one for reflux, also might be worth seeing a baby osteopath as any trauma from birth may be causing him pain, they will be able to tell. Invest in a decent sling to keep him upright and held at all times so you can have your hands free. It doesn't last forever. Good luck x

Def have him checked for reflux he sounds like he’s in pain. He’ll be exhausted too.
Have you tried having him sleep with his head raised so Moses basket head end propped up? Gentle swaddle - I used a Muslin so light not to overheat. Does he have a dummy? Was a lifesaver for me, only went in at sleep times but settled immediately.

If it is reflux should grow out of it as he gets bigger but might need meds until then. It’s exhausting when you can’t soothe them. Lie or sit him upright after feeds for a while too. I used to use the sling after feeding as I had other kids to see to.

Have you tried a dummy? If it’s reflux the sucking action will help as well.

If he just needs constant contact can you wear him in a sling during the day so you can move around? If he’s feeding all the time there might be a tongue tie going on too (could be posterior which is harder to spot), ask your midwives for a referral to a tongue tie clinic for an expert to check.

I would check if he's hungry. Could you pump and give a bottle to see how much he's taking per feed?

Another vote for reflux (silent I assume). Ours started at 6 weeks and involved constant crying until we got ranitidine. Good luck!

My LO was like that, reflux and tongue tie were the culprits. Definitely recommended getting a sling, it's saved us so much pain and means I can actually do some things now

My baby was always on the drink of crying and a dummy saved my sanity!

How is his weight? If he is feeding constantly he might still be hungry. My now 8 week old was crying lots and his weight dropping centiles, he's been much happier since we have been supplementing with formula. You can also take supplements / pump at night to increase supply if that is an issue.

Mine was like this. If she wasn't sleeping or eating she'd be crying. I think she just wasn't used to the world yet and pretty much hated everything...probably a bit of wind too. Everyone told me it would stop and it did... at around 10 /11 weeks

Now she just talks all the time!!

It helped making sure she napped enough I think

Also a sling definitely helped

If you can get help from a qualified lactation consultant. There might be an underlying feeding problem.