Baby will not be put down for a single second help!

[aintitfun]

My ten week old (5 weeks prem) literally will not be put down for a single second day or night. He will not settle and just screams blue murder unless he is being held. I have a 18 month old who desperately needs my attention too. Please tell me things will get better I’m so beyond tired.

Have you had him checked for reflux?

Have you tried a sling/bouncer/car seat with the washing machine going on spin cycle right next to him

Does he settle if you are driving or walking him in a pram

yes it does pass, but you sometimes just have to put them down to scream for a bit while you sort out other dc/go for a wee. Its just how it is.

doyou have any help so you get a proper break from both dc? Are you getting enough sleep?

No he hasn’t been checked for reflux but he isn’t particularly sicky?

He does settle while driving about in the car but that is literally it. Feel like we’ve tired every contraption going. We have a rockitt for the pram and not even that seems to work.

Things will get better.

He is very little at the moment and needs the reassurance of your smell and sound and heartbeat. The big wide world outside is scary and noisy to him.

A sling might help in the day - or does he tolerate the pram/buggy. Whilst the weather is good long walks to a park where you can let the 18 month old enjoy themselves might help.

Night takes time for babies to figure out and some take longer than others.

Have you started to develop a routine? Do you have a partner that can help for evening routine- can be useful to swap baby/toddler each day so toddler gets a good amount of time and attention with each parent.

Take any help that is offered (as long as it is helpful to you) especially for housework which can be done by anyone willing (or done minimally as necessary) Prioritise time with the children as the 18month old is also experiencing a big transition.

Keep expectations of anything other than safety and sanity low - you're still adjusting and healing yourself.

Take it slowly, minute by minute, hour by hour.

When it gets hard come and moan on here. Sometimes you just need to vent.

Is he breastfed?

Have you got a sling?

It gets better, I promise.

You need a sling/carrier in the meantime. If baby doesn’t seem to like one, try a different one. If you have a local sling library to try some out then that could be really useful.

Does baby just want to be held by you, or just held in general? When dad/partner is home let them take over with baby for a bit so you can spend some quality time with 18 month old - even if that just means for a few minutes reading a book or something.

It’s hard but totally normal and will pass.

Our second was the same, as he wasn’t even a premie.

just hold him and have a sling for when you need your hands free

My DS only started being put down at night at 6 months. Before this he slept on my chest all night. Even now, I have to constantly resettle him during the night every 3 hours or so. It does get better but I think some children just want their mums and don't want to sleep alone! I feel your pain I am also exhausted.