He was a colicky newborn who didn't nap much at all and who fussed if put down. He was engaged, alert and cuddly, but a tough customer. It was hard. Then around 6 months, he could sit up and pass a toy hand to hand and it was like the sun came out.
Sometimes I wear him out in public, like grocery shopping. I don't really wear him around the house anymore (I did sometimes when he was tiny). Wearing him in the house just feels like another burden to me.
I get this. It used to piss me off when people would say "oh just wear her" because that wasn't really a break for me. I did/do wear DD often and most of the time (now) I enjoy it but there were many times when it was the best option of a crappy set of options.
For us, sometimes wearing is the best way to get a nap in. It is not a complete break, but we felt it is better to have a baby that will nap for an hour or more if you are wearing them vs little short naps. The person doing the wearing often bounces on an exercise ball and does stuff on the computer.
Has no one recommended to run a blow dryer or same-such sound? Really??
Highly recommend it. Search YouTube videos for a little confirmation- silly but fun to watch.
Anyway, this is a silly, may not "fix it" post, but I couldn't skip something that may give you a few moments of peace. Maybe.
This!! The hair dryer and clothes dryer both seem to work when nothing else does. DD is 11 weeks old and the OP describes her exactly. We did discover this week at a GI appt that she has reflux and a milk protein intolerance. We started meds and cut out dairy in my diet and she's already showing improvement. She still wakes up 3-4 times a night though so there's that :/
I get this. It used to piss me off when people would say "oh just wear her" because that wasn't really a break for me. I did/do wear DD often and most of the time (now) I enjoy it but there were many times when it was the best option of a crappy set of options.
For us, sometimes wearing is the best way to get a nap in. It is not a complete break, but we felt it is better to have a baby that will nap for an hour or more if you are wearing them vs little short naps. The person doing the wearing often bounces on an exercise ball and does stuff on the computer.
Same here. I preferred wearing her than listening to screaming.
All of this is ringing true for me too, though slightly less intense since he likes the car and stroller and we can get through a meal with use of the bouncer. Have I been in "high needs" denial this whole time?
We are in a stage right now where he fusses if held and fusses if he isn't held. The only thing he really seems to like is sitting on my lap facing out or being stood up on his feet. I'm tired. He does a lot better when he has a baby friend to engage him - he's happier and naps better, though night sleep has always been crap. We also plan to try sleep training over Christmas break if we get the green light from his pedi.