Screaming at night and neighbours

[HonniBee]

I'm an exhausted and l overwhelmed first time mum. My baby fights sleep. All of the time. If I don't wear him in a sling he will be hysterical until midnight. We have battled through and are finally finding things that seem to work (for now...)

My concern is the neighbours. We're in a terrace so it must be clearly audible. Would it be odd to drop over a bottle or box of chocs to let them know we're aware it's shit?

I don't think it would be odd at all, it's hard when you are a considerate person why wouldn't dream of disturbing neighbours, then have a screamy baby. I hope things do improve for you.

My neighbours have all been really understanding when I've apologised. I think it's polite to do so if you feel like it. I think anyone who's had a baby themselves (and most decent people!) will understand that you're not choosing to make your baby cry - it's just what they do and hearing one is just one of the risks of living in a terrace.

I hope you get some sleep soon!

I think that's a lovely thing to do. Don't worry too much though - I live in a flat and I'm sure the neighbours have heard screaming through the walls but whenever I mention it they pretend they haven't heard a peep! It's very sweet of them. I think people understand.

and for you, OP.

I've been there and it's so shit. DS2 cost me a couple of bottles of wine to the neighbours. They were very understanding.

We're in a flat with thin walls, and DS is noisy too. We gave our neighbours little packages of foam earplugs (and we regularly top them up with more!)

I think that wouls be a lovely thing to do and building relationships with neighbours will always stand you in could stead.

How old is your baby honni? Can you tell us a bit more about the screaming, does it seem like she is in pain or overtired?