Fussy baby help

[oswin]

Overall, DS is a pretty chill, quiet, happy baby. But over the past few weeks, it seems like he's been getting fussier (he's now 8 weeks old). I'm trying to figure out if this is normal or there's something I can do to make things better.

Specifically, DS is often fussy (sometimes quietly, sometimes screaming) after eating. He's EBF and as far as I can tell he has a great latch. Sometimes after he eats he burps quite a lot and sometimes he doesn't burp at all right away, but will burp later (often without being fussy). And then there are times when it seems like he needs to burp but doesn't, which can lead to 90 minutes or more of fussing while I constantly try different ways to burp and bounce him. When this happens, I can often keep him quiet by continually adjusting positions every minute or two, but he often doesn't settle until he either eats again or burps a few times (which can take a while).

His fussiness doesn't seem to be linked to a time of day, some days he barely fusses, some days he fusses for hours. DD only did this in the evenings, so I'm at a loss as to what's going on here. Should I just try harder to burp him? I haven't tried gas drops yet, do those help with burping? (I was thinking somehow that gas drop are for farting.) This doesn't sound like reflux, right?

[Deleted]

That was DD's fussiest time. It got better in a few weeks.

[sporklemotion]

6-8 weeks is supposed to be the peak of fussiness, so this sounds normal. Hopefully, it'll start to get better for you soon.

You could try bicycle kicks for gas. I haven't used gas drops or gripe water, but other people on the board may be able to tell you about those.

[thebreakfastclub]

The only time my son was like that after eating was when he needed to burp. We used the drops quite a bit, and I was able to more easily burp him with him laying face down on my lap.

[oswin]

Aug 5, 2015 9:44:06 GMT -5 @this said:

Sounds like just being an 8 week old to me.

ETA: Isn't 6-10 weeks the peak of it? I think it gets better soon. IDK, I blocked out that time. lol

I think I blocked out most of the time when DD was this age, so that's why I feel so clueless now. She was definitely differently fussy though - she burped less and spit up a lot more. Hopefully this is just a phase. I barely slept last night, not because he was fussy but because he was up to eat four times, so his fussiness this morning is getting to me.

[t]

DD2 is 8 weeks today and we are definitely in a fussy phase too (I say phase because I NEED it to end soon). This kid farts SO much, which I think helps. I have a hell of a time burping her sometimes, and then the spit-up follows soon after. I have been doing gas drops after each feeding beginning in the afternoon to try to mitigate evening fussiness. I have no idea if it's helping.

My issue is she HATES her carseat and doesn't seem to like being worn all that much. So leaving the house is a challenge. It seems as though she is the worst when I take her out to run errands with me, because she doesn't nap well unless she's swaddled in the swing. It sucks because I like to get out most days just to break up the day, but then I feel like I pay for it all night.

[pooh8402]

OMG it gets worse?

[oswin]

Aug 5, 2015 10:21:24 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

OMG it gets worse?

Some parts are worse and some parts are better. With both of my kids so far, their sleep got so much better between weeks 2 and 6, with more 3,4,5 and even occasionally 6 hour stretches at night. More sleep helps a lot with more fussiness.

[t]

Aug 5, 2015 10:21:24 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

OMG it gets worse?

Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones?  Sorry!

[sparkythelawyer]

Aug 5, 2015 10:21:24 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

OMG it gets worse?

Right around week 5 was the worst for me.  She started smiling around week 6 which made life a LOT more pleasant.  By week 8, She was a lot more "manageable" if you will, and easier to keep calm.  Hang in there.  The first 30 days of newborn life suuuuuuuuuuuuuck. 

[linz]

These are the weeks from hell. DS was from 8-12 weeks old. There was nothing particular that set him off. I did try gerber colic drops. They're pricey but seemed to help. Lots of car rides and walks to get him to nap. If he'll sleep on you let him. Basically do anything do survive.

DS also loved his bouncer, specifically the vibrating and being swaddled tight.

[linz]

Aug 5, 2015 10:21:24 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

OMG it gets worse?

DD never went thru this. DS made me glad I had 16 weeks ML.

[formerlyllizzyb]

6-8 weeks is the height of fussiness. It should start getting better 11-12 weeks.

[toutsuite]

Could be reflux. Fussiness after eating, no matter time of day was our main symptom. May just be baby being baby though. Second those who have recommended the gerber colic drops. Those seemed to help a lot though they are pricey.

[chickadee77]

Aug 5, 2015 10:21:24 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

OMG it gets worse?

But then it gets better again. (((hugs)))

To OP, sounds normal. I think they start becoming more aware of their surroundings, too, which changes temperament a bit, too, until they adjust and go through the next discovery phase. At least, that's what I tell myself so I can try to look at things in understanding rather than irritation.