Just looking for some advice from people who've had experience/luck with this. I just don't know what could cause them to cry so much. We've tried/been through everything (if you've read my other posts, you know). They have clean diapers, clean sheets, they just ate, the music is on...there's not much else we can offer. They cry, and cry (not colicky though). Everyone keeps suggesting to let them CIO, but it's SO hard on me. I hear their little lungs straining to cry and it kills me. Then when I go in their room they're bright red and it just looks horrible, so I always break down and pick them up (which ALWAYS calms them down). Advice/Stories/Thoughts?
Who is telling you to do CIO with a one month old? :slap: <----They need one of those. Babies that young can't self-soothe. They look to you for comfort. I know from your posts that they have awful reflux, so that very well could be the source of the crying. I would keep them upright at all times, in a bouncy, carseat, or swing. And if they seem to continue to cry in pain after a few days on the Zantac, I would put a call into the ped and get their meds switched. Zantac did not work for us, and I hear that a lot in this forum. :grouphug:
QUOTE(becky5 @ Apr 7 2009, 12:10 AM) [snapback]1261843[/snapback] Who is telling you to do CIO with a one month old? :slap: <----They need one of those. Babies that young can't self-soothe. They look to you for comfort. I know from your posts that they have awful reflux, so that very well could be the source of the crying. I would keep them upright at all times, in a bouncy, carseat, or swing. And if they seem to continue to cry in pain after a few days on the Zantac, I would put a call into the ped and get their meds switched. Zantac did not work for us, and I hear that a lot in this forum. ITA with the entire post. Way to young to let cry. Zantac did not work for us either. We switched to Prevacid and that made a lot of difference in the arching and screaming.
I agree with Rachel and Beck, CIO is for much more mature babies, not one month olds. Talk to your pedi about the medicine, maybe it's not working. Sometimes meds are hit and miss until you find something that works. Talk to your pedi about the possiblilty of the meds not working.
I agree with all the PPs. CIO is not generally recommended for babies aged 6+ months. Im sorry to hear you´re dealing with reflux, that is sure to be the reason they are crying. Try to keep them upright as much as you can. GL and hang in there, it will pass :hug:
Oh my gosh - if your babies are only one month old then your friends are crazy to suggest just letting them cry. Babies at that age simply can't calm themselves, and if they are left to cry they'll just keep crying. Yikes! You mentioned in your other post that they've both been diagnosed with reflux. I wonder if the crying is because of that. Are you keeping them upright for 30 minutes after eating? Do they sleep on an incline? Many reflux babies are in serious pain if they're put down on their backs, so look into a wedge for them to sleep on (or have them sleep in a swing or bouncy chair that is at an angle). Also, I'd recommend talking to the doctor about getting a stronger reflux medicine. The only one that worked for my reflux daughter was compounded Prilosec. Many other people have luck with Prevacid. Hang in there.
You gotten some great advice. 1 month olds should definitely not be CIO. I'm shocked to hear that you got that advice. We tried a modified version of CIO, but it wasn't until they were 6 months old. I would definitely call you pediatrician and see about getting different medications.
Big hugs! They are way too young for CIO IMO... We did CIO for our twins when they were a week shy of 6 months. I have a 6 week old at home and couldn't imagine doing CIO with him at this age. I agree with all of the posts above, it's probably the reflux and try to keep them in a bouncy or carseat or swing to see if that helps. I'm so sorry you're having to go through this, it will pass.
We NEVER EVER EVER did CIO. MY two are 13 months old!!! My DD started STTN all on her own around 6-7 months. My DS was still nursing and finally at 13 months I decided he didnt need to get up to eat in the middle of the night. So DH would get up with him and comfort him as long as it took. Shushing, back rubbing, singing, you name it. I didnt want my babies to be left to CIO all alone. Then when DH had had enough, I tucked my shirt into my pants and I offered comfort. It only took a couple nights and he too begain STTN and a much happier child in the day. Follow your gut. If CIO doesnt feel right to you (which it obviously doesnt by your post) dont do it! Find something else that works.
CIO can be a very successful tool to teach your children how to self soothe. I used to think it was cruel, but after several months of being sleep deprived, we did it for our boys at about 8 months and it only took a couple of nights before they got it and now they are the best sleepers! Letting your babies cry isn't a cruel punishment- they are crying because they're tired and they don't know how to fall asleep. I agree that your babies are too young to CIO now, but when they become more mature (no earlier than 6 months, IMO) CIO might work well for you. It is definitely a personal choice and some people aren't into it, but it worked wonders for my family! Good luck!
You've gotten some great advice and I agree, 1 month is definately too young. Call your doctor and see about a med switch. Zantac was a med that my son outgrew very quickly. :hug: :hug:
