5.5month old - Screaming at bedtime - teething, hunger or something else????

[Sallypoo]

Hi all,

I had the easiest DS to put to bed up until about 2 weeks ago. We had a good routine - Boob feed, bath, big bottle (8oz) and bed - all accompanied with singing! DS would settle in bed and be asleep in about 15mins usually without any crying.

However, in the last few weeks the hand chewing, dribbling, ear scratching and high pitched screaming have begun - day and night, as well as an increased appetite. He has also occassionally fussed at the breast but more so at the bottle. BTW he's a big boy 19lb.

The bath is still OK, but when we sit down in his room in the dark with the lullabys playing to give him his bottle he goes mad, screaming until he is hot and sweaty and it takes quite a lot to calm him. Then when you do put him to bed he is waking two or three times within an hour screaming... and it is so high pitched, it almost makes your ears bleed! He's also started to wake up more in the night, but I've been able to settle him without an additional breastfeed - so still only one of these at night....

I've not started weaning yet, but am planning to do so in the next week or so. When I rub his gums (he loves this) I can feel bumps but no red cheeks.

So, what do you think? Teeth or hunger?

Thanks
Sallypoo

Possibly both Sallypoo- he's a big boy & at the right age for teething poor love.

I know the current ruling is 6 months but given that he's a good size I would try him on baby rice & see if that helps for the hunger.Try giving him a small amount with some of his bottle last thing.

For teeth try teething granules frorm Boots - god knows how but they Do work!! As do calgel or bonjela but I'm always a bit dubious that I've hit the right spot.

Good luck!

My daughter did the screaming at bedtime thing and it turned out she simply wasn't tired. I stopped letting her nap after 2:30 and hey presto she was begging to go to bed at 7pm.

Thanks ladies,

I'm off into town today so will get the granuals.

I did try weaning anmonth ago - and he loved food, but it actually made him more unsettled. However I think it will be different this time as his milk consumption has gone up a lot in the last month.

He's really beeb poking at his ears lasy night, so think its probably teeth too. Just have to wait and see I guess.

Husband on nights this week so will wait until the weekend to wean...

He does have a nap about 3.30 - 4pm so I'll see if I can stop that. The only problem is that some days he only has 3 45min naps and to cut one out means he'll probably be overtired.

All good fun,
many thanks for all the advise.

Amazing the difference a month can make Sally- could b he IS ready now!

If he's pulling his ears just might be worth checking with the doctor/HV that there's no low-level irritation/inflammation there.

That high pitch scream is typical of sore ears I always remember my Gp saying when I took DD1 with just your sort of scenario.

All good fun as you say! Let us know how you get on

Hi Bossybritches,

Sorry I've been off line for a while. Thanks for the tip about ears - I'll get that looked at. I suffered badly with my ears as a child and DS has lots of wax I've noticed.... worth checking out.

We've started weaning now, but still get the screaming but not every night. Oh and he still pulls at the ears, but does have patches of exzcema right next to both ears so could be that.

Anyhow thanks all very much for your tips.

sallypoo