Hates Rocking??

It's hard to sleep when you're in pain... either a head bump or teething could do it.

One thing I learned to do after 1 too many "head thwack!" moments (teething, etc.), was that if my son broke from his sleeping/eating schedule all of a sudden was to give him a dose of tylenol. 9 times out of 10, he went instantly back to "normal", and then within a day or two it became very apparent as to what was causing him pain (tooth would start to erupt, or a cold would announce itself, etc.). The few times he didn't, I knew to scratch pain off the list.

Teeth were especially hard with my son because he didn't get cranky with them at all... he was SUPER happy... and Always. Awake. Oy. But a single dose of tylenol let him sleep happily until it wore off.

My daughter hated to be rocked. My son loved it. Sine your son liked it until the other day he could be feeling queezy or dizzy. If he's drooling alot he's probbly teething and teething can affect their sinuses - which can make you feel a litttle dizzy. I think it's probably temporary. (I saw a baby's head xray once and if you saw all the teeth in their head, waiting to drop you'd understand why they feel miserable when they're teething!)

When my kids were in daycare and I learned from the ladies who worked there that kids either like to have their back or tummy stroked - or their forehead. Turns out my kids both like their foreheads softly stroked. Puts them to sleep in minutes. Try and see what your child likes, see what works. Since he's still so little you can't really stroke his back unless you're holding him - so I'd try the tummy or forehead. Good luck Mama!

I feel like I'm reading something I wrote 3 years ago! One day my son just stopped wanting to be rocked, too. He's just starting to develop his little personality. Have you tried swaddling him? He may enjoy the "tightly wrapped" feeling! If he's been drooling a lot, it could be teething, although it's a little early. It took our son forever to cut those first little buggers! After the first few popped through, he had them all within a few weeks. Our pediatrician suggested rubbing vanilla extract on the gums. Worked great! It has just enough alcohol in it to numb the gums, however it won't hurt him, plus it tastes good! (Be sure to use real vanilla extract, not the imitation.) Also, we've discovered that sleeping habits change with each new developmental milestone. If he just started babbling more, he is just going through another developmental stage, and his sleeping requirements have changed. I don't think you need to worry about his little fall. Babies are pretty durable! If you're really concerned, call the Dr. They would rather have you call and it be nothing, than not call and have it be something. As far as sleeping for you guys, just remember he's really only 4 months old, and isn't on the same sleeping schedule as you are. Just keep nighttime as quiet and peaceful as possible, and eventually he'll learn that that is the time for sleeping. I know it's hard when you're working, but when you're home, try and sleep when he is sleeping so you'll be prepared if he's up at night. Best of luck, and know that this stage will pass!

As an infant, my son would love the baby swing one week and hate it the next. He wasn't like most babies and seemed to be born knowing what he wanted. He's 6 now and I absolutely love how insightful he is and his ability to grasp separate concepts and put them all together.

However, he is what is called 'spirited' and it was a wild ride for many years. After he got older, I better understood his behaviors as an infant - because it was his personality showing up very soon. Get the book (or audio) Raising Your Spirited Child. - it's more for toddlers and up, but it will really help you. Another good one for now and beyond is "The Science of Parenting" as well as Dr. Sears baby book if you like reading.

Your son may have high needs and be more stubborn or irrational than most babies, but if you accept him where he is and trust that he will get there, if you teach him how he should be acting instead of punishing him for what he's not doing, you will have an incredible son on your hands who has kept his spirit and his soul and will be able to use his innate gifts. If he's spirited he will swing way off normal here and there, but it really will even out as he matures.

It will work out beautifully, though some days you will want to toss him out the window. :o P

Babies just don't know that a good night's sleep is important to working moms, unfortunately. Most babies' sleep habits will change several times through their first couple of years, no matter what parents do. Sounds like a couple of things could be going on. Teething, yes, probably. Maybe a growth spurt, which frequently increases night hunger, but if teething is bothersome, he may not enjoy nursing so much. Baby tylenol might be worth trying. The arching back could indicate he's got gassy pains, or is just super-conscious of his digestive processes.

But there are also great developmental leaps that happen several times during the first couple of years, and these really stimulate those little brains. New capabilities are so exciting. Around 6 months is a common time for both verbal (babbling) connections to be solidifying and physical (sitting, crawling, even pulling up to a stand) to start. Babies just have more trouble sleeping for a few days or a few weeks during those times. As soon as you think you've got a system worked out, they change again.

Question, I'm new to this site - what does "6 months (4 months adjusted)" mean?

And about your problem, I agree with the teething! It will temporarily turn your world upside down! Poor little guy!

He may be teething... His first teeth take a little longer to come in. Get him some Hyland's teething tablets and rub his gums with a little oragel. Feel in there and see if you can find spikes.

Also, he is around the age when they start learning how to control their environment. He is working you. He has learned when you rock he goes to sleep and that means he isn't playing. You gave in and let him play and he was in control. You are at the stage when you let him have a little more time to try to calm down on his own. You talk to him softly and let him know you are there, but you don't pick him up. As long as all of his needs are met (hunger, diaper change, teething), he's just fine.

Momma does need sleep too and you have to be sure you get it to be able to take care of your little one.

{{hugs}}

Other moms may have some great input. This is what I experienced.... all three of my kids had fussy times... and over time the fussy time would change.... sometimes at night ... then it might change to daytime etc..

It is really hard when they can't tell us what's wrong. All the drooling would seem to indicate some teething. And it does take time for some teeth to come in. There are homeopathic remedies to help with teething. I use one for my youngest. http://www.vitacost.com/Boiron-Camilia-Teething-Relief

You probably already know this.... but it's good to watch what you are eating and drinking and when. If you eat chocolate or drink tea or coffee or even eat broccoli... these things can have an effect on the child who is nursing. There are other foods that can affect things too. Here's a link to the La Leche League question page. Perhaps there's some helpful info. there. http://www.lalecheleague.com/nb.html

Hang in there.... you sound like a terrific mom. In afew months things will be easier... meantime try to destress. There's a product called Relora that is herbal that some people use. You could ask the doc if it's okay to take while nursing. It really really will get easier. :)

Hugs & Prayers, Ali :)

ps... watch for baby Tylenol or generic tylenol.... acetaminophine is the #1 cause of kids needing liver transplants. I realize that is due to overdose... but Tylenol is taxing to the liver. If you can find a naturopathic MD I would recommend that. They will have suggestions for teething and in the course of taking care of your child(ren) they will help you use the most natural means and they'll also work on fixing root causes not just treating symptoms.

I read last week that Hyland's teeth tablets have been recalled. So maybe don't use those.

I agree that he may be teething, even if crankiness and drooling are the only signs. How would he do if you lay him in his crib and rubbed his back or tummy? You could also try a bedtime routine to wind him down. Start with a warm bath, then jammies, some songs and stories - whatever he likes that's calming.

Take this opportunity to get out of the habit of helping him fall asleep. My daughters are 4 and 2 and STILL need M. or my husband to snuggle them to sleep.