fussy baby help!

[dustyteddy]

My dd is 3 months old and I have just had a very stressful experience trying to shop with her. She cried and screamed almost the whole trip. When I look around at everyone else's baby they all sleeping and quiet. I just wondered if my dd is particularly sensitive. She hates being any position other than upright and I daren't put her down for long periods awake or she cries. It's all so exhausting. Does anyone else have any tips for a fussy senstive baby? I just hope she grows out of this phase soon. It's a nightmare trying to deal with her fussiness and a boisterous ds toddler at the same time.

Hi dustyteddy,

My DS, now 6mo, sounds very similar. He was virtually born upright! Even now he can sit up by himself very confidently, he continually wants to stand up and can haul himself onto his feet in a decidedly scary fashion! He is a happy, chirpy chap as long as he is up and about with a good view of the world!

I too had a nightmare with putting him in his pram- I had a carrycot initially. The way I got round it was I used my v-shaped breastfeeding cushion to prop him upright when I went out and about. It was the only thing that worked, and he would often fall asleep in this position. As soon as he could sit independently I took the cushion away which tired him out magnificently well! Then he'd lie down and sleep like all those other babies you see round town. The next problem came when he started to climb out of the thing, so now he's in a buggy but I never strap his shoulders back. This way he can sit up straight and see stuff and he's happy as long as I keep changing his view.

In the supermarket, I put him in the trolley seat ridiculously early, with blankets all around him to wedge him in place. I am sure everyone else wondered what on earth I thought I was doing but it saved a load of moaning and stress.

Don't know about your LO, but mine also hates his rear facing car seat and the only way I've managed to get round that is to record myself singing (delightful) which I play to him as we drive. This seems to settle him enough for short journeys. Long journeys are a NIGHTMARE. Roll on 9 months, that's what I say.

HTH

Hi dustyteddy, have you considered taking her to a chiropractor or cranial osteopath - maybe she is uncomfortable lying flat and finds it more comfortable to be upright? We have had amazing results with DS2 - 4 months who was treated for a jammed neck following a ventouse delivery. 3 treatments and he was sorted. If you do go down this route try to find one that specialises in babies. HTH

Good point, first steps- I too went to an osteopath. It took 4 sessions and made him much more willing to lie flat. But it didn't stop him wanting to sit up inbetween. Could be worth a go tho, dustyteddy.

Thanks I have considered taking her to an cranial osteopath. Can you be seen on the NHS?

Not sure - we went to a private clinic but they charge less than half the price for babies and children under 5, it is £10 per treatment instead of the usual £26. We went off a recommnedation from a friend who had had really good results.