Cry Baby

Dear Nurse Annie,

My baby has been such a good boy since his birth a month ago. Not that he sleeps all night, but when he does wake, I care for him and we go back to sleep. But lately he just stays awake and cries. He can cry for hours. We are both exhausted. My mother showed me to mummy him. Is this safe?  Help! Exhausted Ethel.

Dear Ethel,

Congratulations on the birth of your baby boy. As you are noticing there can be a change in belly status around a month of age. There can be  a change in sleeping and activity habits.

1.       In my nursing student days in the newborn nursery I was taught to swaddle the baby with their arms at there sides. They often instantly relax and feel safe. I used it with my babies. Most babies wiggle out of it. Always watch to allow unobstructed baby breathing.

2.       Around now the belly becomes an even bigger issue. Gas-sy! If you are using any cow’s milk formula rethink it. (Soy may work better if DR. allows.)  If all mama made milk rethink recent diet that may have gassy foods. (last 2-5 days). If you have introduced any baby cereals. Think on this a bit. Might run this past your Pedi nurse you have another long night.

3.       Do you allow him to suck to exercise and relieve stress?  A Pacifier? (Not all agree with this either. ) After your dinner is a good time to exercise to wear down for bedtime.

4.       So often at his age the problem is a gas bubble, even in the best of food places . Laying on the side and massaging the back and belly can help. Lay on right side to relieve gas, but sometimes switching to left side helps for a few minutes.

Sleep well!  

Nurse Annie