Infant Help...

[KDC]

So, I bravely took on a 10 week old, while caring for mostly 2&3 year olds. This infant is giving me a run for my $$... I've taken care of plenty of infants, but it's been a few years and this one is driving me nuts today. His nose is stuffy, and he's fussy. I try to feed him, he chokes on the milk (mainly breast fed, learning to drink from bottle + stuffy nose) ... he only drinks an ounce, then starts to wail. I burp him while he's screaming. He's not in the mood for playtime, or quiet alone time. I believe he's tired so I swaddle him up tightly and shush him. He quiets down and sleeps for 15 minutes, then is back up screaming. He has a dry diaper, I've suctioned his nose as best I can. And this is just repeating every 45 minutes. 15 mins of feeding, burping and screaming, 15 minutes of shushing & 15 minutes of sleep. Arghhh... The other kids are entertaining themselves ok, but I just feel so bad spending this much time on one child.

Any ideas of how to make this baby more manageable... by my clock, I have another 5 minutes before the cycle repeats =(

I need some Advil, it's going to be a long day!!!

[sharlan]

I can so empathize with you today.

I can tell that my 5 mo has been nursed and held ALL weekend. She's currently in the pack and play and letting the world know that she's unhappy.

[DaisyMamma]

I can tell that my 5 mo has been nursed and held ALL weekend.

Here's the problem. I hate Mondays!!

Personally I would let him cry it out for a while and see what happens. Feeding him once an hour might not be the best solution even though he only has 1 ounce. If you wait 2-3 hours he will be hungry enough to eat a few oz.

What I would be concerned about though, is the bottles you are using. If he is breast fed at home then he is not used to bottles and the amount of air that he swallows with one. Get some DR Brown's bottles and you may just see all of your troubles disappear.

[christinaskids]

He is only 10 weeks old. I do not believe CIO is for a baby that little. After 5 or 6 mos, yes not for a newborn! Babies need to know that they can trust caregivers and that their cries will be answered. Just hang in there, those little ones are tough! Thats why I don't take them! LOL

[KDC]

I'm not letting him CIO. I do have to let him cry for 5 mins at a time though for certain tasks (taking another toddler to the bathroom, preparing lunch). It's been challenging!! I know it'll get easier when he's on 9 & 1 with the occasional 3 naps, but I don't think that will be coming anytime soon. He's only here 2 days a week as well, so that makes it extra tough since he's not used to me. I just recently lost a full timer due to a lay off which was $900/month... so this baby is supplementing some income until I can find someone 12+ for full time. I plan to keep the baby as well IF I can handle him, if it gets easier. I've done it before, but it's been awhile. It may take us awhile to get used to each other's quirks.

He uses Playtex dropins may try dr. Browns next week if it's still an issue after his nose clears up a bit.

Thanks for the help!! He's taking a good nap now. I need to ease up on the bottle... just know he usually gulps down several ounces by now, but with his cold -- maybe he's just not hungry today.

[DaisyMamma]

I mis-read the post. I thought he was 10 months! Poor little guy. He probably just doesn't feel good, and you dont want him to be hungry, so it's tough. Dr Browns may help.

[AllDeezBabies]

It sounds like the poor little fella is having a bad day. Do you have a humidifier? That would probably help with his nose. Try some soothing music when you get the chance to sit with him for a little while. Those symptoms are kicking his little tail.

[christinaskids]

Some saline and a nasal bulb would help his poor baby nose He might just want mommy since he is so little