6 week old baby will not lie by herself.. What to do?

[veryfrustratednewmum]

Basically she cries if she is not held basically ALL of the time. She doesn´t sleep in her pram, though doesn´t cry in it when I take her out. At home I have to carry her, always hung over my shoulder in a certain way, she doesn´t like being in a sling. She even sleeps at night hung over my shoulder, won´t settle more than 5 minutes on her own. I´m going demented and have barely even had the chance to cook anything since she was born. I´m fed up of the things I can just bolt down without having to cook.

ANY IDEAS WHAT I CAN DO? PLEASE!

my oldest was the same. Turned out she had colic cos I was drinking cows milk. Check for reflux too.
It does pass.

this does sound like "normal" new born behaviour BUT it can also indicate a couple of other things - very over-tired so hard to settle or reflux

DS had silent reflux - hated laying flat, screamed alot and was very cross

is your DD sicky?

So I´m not alone.. No sign of colic or reflux though... She´s been like this since she was born. Just really hates being on her own..

have you tried swaddling?

Most babies need a lot less awake time than you think - a feed, burp and a nappy change will tire them out so she may also be over-tired

can you co-sleep? in the day you can both snuggle together in bed - you can put her swaddled on top of the duvet so she doesn't get too hot

Swaddle tightly.

Have you tried a ring sling or a wrap? You can position these so the baby is over your shoulder which might help you get things done! Also agree that it could be over-tiredness.

Veryfrustrated, my ds was the same. Is the same should I say, although at eight months sleeps a bit better during the day.

Now there is a possibility there could be an underlying condition (e.g. reflux, colic etc) that could be causing this behaviour.

However it's also likely that your dd could just be a "high needs" baby.

Have a look here (sometimes a big advert comes up first, just click on "skip to the article") and see if any of this is familiar.

I found for me a sling was a godsend but only in certain carries (snuggle hold when little, then "buddha" hold when had head control, rather than cradle hold which he did not like). What type of sling do you have?

Also how old is your dd?

My (now 5 months old) dd was like this, it soon passes hun. My advice to you would be to ignore any non-essential jobs (well if you can without if driving you insane) and concentrate on this time with your dd - it will pass.

Good luck

Oh and just to add, just because she needs constant contact now doesn't mean that she will need constant contact as she grows, as many ermmm 'well meaning' people (my parents in my case) may tell you.

My DS was like this (still is a bit) and I used a wrap sling to keep him upright. He hated it at first and I almost gave up but I just walked for a short way each day with him in it and he got comfy and settled to sleep there within a few days. I did have to persevere though.

Is she BF and if so could you try sleeping with her at your side?

Sorry, you've probably tried all this, I know by 6 weeks I had!

have you tried a back carry with a sling? i know 6weeks is young, but it does work, as does a back/hip carry, which is on your hip, but can be pushed to back??? what sling have you got, what have you tried?

My DS was just like this. He lived on me for months. It may be that she just wants you.

I am pg again, I am going to try and put my new baby in a baby swing as I have read on MN that some babies who won't be put down anywhere else are OK in a swing. The swing seat is slightly elevated so the baby is not lying totally flat, but I think this helps a baby who has colic, reflux etc.

You could perhaps try a bit of gripe water as if she wants to be hung over your shoulder she might be trying to get some wind up? (can't remember what age they can have this from - either 1 or 2 months, not sure!)

a sling was brilliant for us, as well as a bouncy chair - he loved it ...

my ds did this. totally normal behaviour for 6 week old baby.

i lived on chocolate milkshake and pesto pasta for at least the first 3 months. it does get easier, but try not to demand too much of yourself or the baby, you are only a few weeks into it, it takes time.

How silly am I? Missed the title of the thread that says how old she is.

Just go with the flow and hold her as much as you can. This stage is so fleeting, just relax and enjoy it

My DD (now 9 months) was the same, could barely put her down. Now? She cries to get put on the floor to play! We just held her for as much as she needed it

second the sling idea. Your baby will be settled, you can keep your sanity

Definately get a sling! I have a hugabub and its a total godsend - stick it into google and you will find a stockist.

Also second the swing idea - doesn't work great for ds2 but was a godsend for ds1. Maybe see if you know anyone with one first to try asn they are not cheap though. Or look on ebay.

Anyway good luck!!!!

Thanks everyone! I like the baby swing idea. Can you recommend one please? Can´t get to the shops easily...

my DD liked this one

HarkThegeekymummySings, I SO like that!! Saw a similar one on Sex and the City and it worked for MIranda! Getting us an early Xmas present I think! Thanks!