https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:46:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1586635 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:20:20 +0000 Kemma 1586635@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HazelEyes: so glad to read you've found some answers! If it helps any, it took weeks and even months for my LO to manage a decent latch so keep persevering! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1586628 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:18:23 +0000 HazelEyes 1586628@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pumuckl: Yes! I started doing this too. Much better results! And kneeling/crouching down super low, keeping him close before lowering him into the RnP helps minimize the Moro too. Thanks :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1586624 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 14:16:57 +0000 HazelEyes 1586624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone! </p> <p>So, after several trips to the pediatrician and a visit from a LC it turns out he was just not sucking efficiently so he was never content. Poor little guy was hungry!! </p> <p>We had to supplement with formula--which I was really disappointed about, but after seeing a happy baby for the first time, I know it was the right decision-- and gave him bottles until he was full. He was taking down 2-3 additional ounces after nursing! </p> <p>It turns out I was making enough milk (he was still gaining weight), but we've had to work on little adjustments to his latch, and I'm going to have to help him with his sucking. But the supplementing has allowed him to fill up and sleep, which then allowed me to pump after nursing and get my supply up. He goes without the supplement a lot now, but we also have some milk to use for the next bottle if he does need a top off from the pumping.</p> <p>Little man still fights sleep until the end, but we are in a MUCH MUCH better place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1586537 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:58:02 +0000 erinpye 1586537@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Check for tongue and lip ties- seriously. Undiagnosed posterior tongue tie and upper lip tie caused my first DD's reflux, colic, gas, constant need to nurse, vomiting, unsettled sleep, constant need to be held, and later, huge supply issues for me. We got her ties revised at 6 months old and she slept soundly, alone, from that day forward. The other issues vanished immediately as well. My almost 11 week old isn't tied, and I have a ton of milk, and she sleeps soundly. It's amazingly different with a baby who isn't tied. Tongue and lip ties are becoming more and more common, it's theorized they are an effect of the MTHFR gene mutation, which it's estimated that 25-50% of people have, and also perhaps a dominant trait. Articles here are very informative regarding symptoms and treatment of ties: <a href="http://www.kiddsteeth.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.kiddsteeth.com</a>. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1586517 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:54:12 +0000 Pumuckl 1586517@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HazelEyes: For us the key was how we put him down once he was asleep. If we put him down directly onto his back it kicked his moro reflex (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moro_reflex" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moro_reflex</a>) and he'd be awake. So I started putting him down over his side and then carefully turn him on his back. This changed everything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1586382 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 13:17:22 +0000 kml636 1586382@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think what you are describing is normal. Maybe he has acid reflux or other tummy troubles where he's hungry all the time but it hurts to eat? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1585918 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 11:28:12 +0000 wonderstruck 1585918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The vacuum saved my life when DS was that age. I know it sounds totally crazy, but I would turn on the vacuum and he would nod off almost immediately. Worth a try! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1585840 Wed, 23 Apr 2014 11:06:39 +0000 SproutBee 1585840@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have much advice, but just wanted to say I feel your pain. My LO was the same way. Sometimes I could get him to fall asleep on a walk in the Ktan without screaming, but I couldn't exactly go on a walk all day long. I usually just held him for all his naps at that age, but they were always proceeded by 20-45 minutes of screaming. Eventually he just started to grow out of it. By about 2-3 months old, I was able to transfer him to a swing after he fell asleep, but he usually still screamed falling asleep for at least 10-15 minutes. I don't think the screaming stopped until 4-5 months old. Sorry... but now at 8 months, we rock him for 1 minute, he passes out, and we place him in his crib where he sleeps for 40-90 minutes. Nothing ever solved it... he just got easier. But I remember the screaming well... I almost lost my mind many a time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1565277 Sat, 12 Apr 2014 21:33:12 +0000 daniellemybelle 1565277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have so been there! I was like, where is this sleepy newborn I was promised? I second trying the car - LO slept great in the car &amp; still does. Keep trying different things - it took us a while to figure out just how to bounce her or pat her or what have you. Sleep begets sleep so if you have to hold her or do whatever it takes just to get her caught up she will start sleeping a lot better - at least that was our experience! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564289 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 22:25:47 +0000 Corduroy 1564289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO screamed a lot at that age. As much as we tried to find a link to gas or tummy issues we never did. Baby wearing in a K'tan and bouncing on an exercise ball (maybe your partner at 3 weeks pp) helped the most. Lots and lots of nursing (even every 30-45 minutes) is normal at that age. In my case we found LO would only sleep at night if she was in her own room. I think she smelled the milk otherwise. Throwing it out there in case it helps. </p> <p>Also, absolutely don't be hard on yourself if you're not enjoying this period. How you handle the first weeks with a fussy baby does not predict your future as a parent. Feel free to mentally tell off anyone who says "enjoy every moment." They probably didn't have fussy babies. This period can feel like hell and that's OK. Take pictures and videos (even of the fussing) and enjoy it later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564233 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 21:30:28 +0000 Kemma 1564233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you thought about taking your LO to see a chiropractor or cranial-osteopath? Sometimes some gentle adjustment can make a big difference in a baby's disposition. My other thought is reflux, does your LO sit up alot or is he particularly gassy? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564230 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 21:29:45 +0000 Madison43 1564230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not sure about the screaming, but super short naps, waking up as soon as she was put down, and snacking all day were par for the course at that age. My butt and legs were definitely very sore during the first few weeks (months?) from sitting in the glider all day. We used a snug swaddle, loud white noise and lots of bouncing for every nap. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564202 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 21:05:25 +0000 rattles 1564202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh gosh, poor mama! I was in absolutely the same place as you when DD was little. She would only sleep for 20 minutes and only if touching me. We ended up cosleeping for the first three months just to get any rest. All I can say is that while it took longer than I thought or wanted, it passed, and we were all fine. Sorry you're in the thick of things though :sad: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564196 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:59:15 +0000 MamaMagpie 1564196@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was actually about to come back and say something about the screaming -- I agree with @ash: that maybe there are tummy/gas troubles at play here, too. Have you talked to your ped about that? Have you tried tummy massage and bicycling his legs? Poor little guy and poor mama! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564186 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:54:50 +0000 Applesandbananas 1564186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly... We slept on the couch. I held LO in the football hold on a boppy. It was "whatever works" at that age. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564184 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:54:26 +0000 MamaMagpie 1564184@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HazelEyes: "my butt is killing me from sitting in the same spot without being able to move bc he's on me in one way or another. I just feel like my milk doesn't even have a chance to replenish bc he is always attached. We have no alert time. Just boob or scream. Sigh. Don't want to wish time away but I hope this isn't a preview of sleep battles to come."<br /> Exactly this! I literally could've written those words when my LO was that age. I let him sleep on me during the day and most nights. I'd always at least try to transfer to the RnP and it went from absolutely no way, to maybe a few minutes before he's wake, to maybe an hour, to at least an hour, and so on until I could put him down once he fell asleep and rely on a couple of hours respite. I used to kind of hate the phrase "hang in there" but really, just hang in there and do whatever it takes for him to sleep. You aren't setting any bad habits right now, I used to worry about that, too, but we have a pretty good sleeper now (knock on wood).<br /> Big hug! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564183 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:54:13 +0000 Ash 1564183@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Personally I don't think the screaming is normal. Maybe he has a bellyache. We had this problem too - he never got comfortable enough to sleep. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564178 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:49:24 +0000 Grace 1564178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah, I never had 2-3 hour naps with my LO. Short nap, then eat, repeat. All day long. It will get better. Hang in there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564165 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:44:19 +0000 Silva 1564165@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, at that age she was attached to my breast probably 75% of the day. We ended up co sleeping and I held her for all of her naps.<br /> She continued to be a terrible sleeper, though, so maybe you should get advice from someone else :wink: .</p> <p>Hang in there. I watched a lot of tv. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564144 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:31:35 +0000 HazelEyes 1564144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cara M. 17: yes, my butt is killing me from sitting in the same spot without being able to move bc he's on me in one way or another. I just feel like my milk doesn't even have a chance to replenish bc he is always attached. We have no alert time. Just boob or scream. Sigh. Don't want to wish time away but I hope this isn't a preview of sleep battles to come. Thx. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564101 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:08:09 +0000 Cara M. 17 1564101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HazelEyes: 2 hours at 3 weeks?! HAH! Are you EBF? DD was almost constantly attached to my boob at that age. They're still establishing your supply so it's best to let them nurse as often and as long as they'd like. I used to just park myself on the couch with water, snacks, my phone, and the remote. Totally normal for him to be sporadic with his sleep at that age! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564097 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:05:12 +0000 HazelEyes 1564097@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cara M. 17: ok. I go between "this is normal" and that the pediatrician saying I should be getting at least two hour stretches most of the time bt feedings at this point </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564095 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:04:39 +0000 swedishfish 1564095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Taking R for a short car ride would put her to sleep! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564088 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 20:00:14 +0000 Cara M. 17 1564088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly, at this age, just go with what works. Your LO was just snuggled up inside you for 9 months so that's what he's used to. I wore DD a lot in the k'tan when I needed to do things around the house. She would nap 2-3 hours in there. She hated the swing at that age, but loved the mamaroo when we caved and bought it. We also took lots of naps with her lying on my chest (I napped too) and we got the best sleep at night when I let her sleep on me. Eventually she started sleeping longer stretches on her own. Good luck and remember this is such a short time in the grand scheme of things. Enjoy it - I miss our snuggling naps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/need-sleep-advice-for-the-newborn-who-refuses-to-stop-screaming#post-1564079 Fri, 11 Apr 2014 19:53:49 +0000 HazelEyes 1564079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So LO is three weeks and is a terrible sleeper. He fights it with every ounce of his being unless he is sleeping next to or on me. The minute I or DH move him to his RnP his eyes shoot open and he is screaming. He probably gets one or two good naps that span 2-3 hours, other than that he just sleeps for short periods and then fusses all over again. </p> <p>We introduced a paci, which has helped with his constant need to comfort nurse, but not really sleep. </p> <p>I know he is exhausted but so are we. We've used the 5 Ss., which again get him to drift off but not to sleep and definitely not to be put down. White noise doesn't seem to do much. Swing doesn't help. Moby has worked once, but I'm hoping to utilize the RnP a bit more. I thought newborns "slept all the time." His fits are breaking my heart. Any advice??? </p>