SO much crying. What am doing wrong?

In so many ways, things have truly gotten easier since the boys turned 3mo. But...Owen has started to cry like a crazy man! He'll be smiling and totally content one minute, but then as soon as he starts getting a little tired or hungry he goes nuts, screaming at the top of his lungs. I feel like this is new behavior, so I've been trying to figure why this sudden shift. It's been going on for several weeks now, so I've ruled out growth spurt (although maybe he's not getting enough from bf?). He's not teething. He's been sleeping through the night for 3 weeks.

The only thing I can think of is that he's started trying to roll (back to front). He's gotten all the way up on his shoulder a few times. I've heard that when babies are getting close to milestones they can be cranky. I'm just at my whits end with him these days as he's totally inconsolable once the crying starts. His little voice is hoarse and raspy from the intensity of the crying--it's breaking my heart . Any advice?

 

In so many ways, things have truly gotten easier since the boys turned 3mo. But...Owen has started to cry like a crazy man! He'll be smiling and totally content one minute, but then as soon as he starts getting a little tired or hungry he goes nuts, screaming at the top of his lungs. I feel like this is new behavior, so I've been trying to figure why this sudden shift. It's been going on for several weeks now, so I've ruled out growth spurt (although maybe he's not getting enough from bf?). He's not teething. He's been sleeping through the night for 3 weeks.

The only thing I can think of is that he's started trying to roll (back to front). He's gotten all the way up on his shoulder a few times. I've heard that when babies are getting close to milestones they can be cranky. I'm just at my whits end with him these days as he's totally inconsolable once the crying starts. His little voice is hoarse and raspy from the intensity of the crying--it's breaking my heart . Any advice?

 

I'm so sorry. My little Ava's voice gets just like that when she's hungry or tired. It breaks my heart, too.

I don't think he's not getting enough from bf, unless there's some reason why your supply would suddenly change. Is he eating at all during the night? Maybe he just needs more food in general, and if he's sleeping too much at night, he's not able to get it. I'm really not sure. Hang in there; I'm sure it's just a phase that will pass soon.

 

More frequent nursings will up your supply, it also has the nice side effect of keeping your crier occupied. Babies do get cranky when they are on the verge of a milestone, it's almost like they are frustrated that their body doesn't work as fast as they'd like! You might want to try feeding him as soon as he starts showing hungry signs, and putting him to sleep as soon as he starts to show sleepy signs. Being overtired will make for a sleepy baby.

 

I remember my DD's doing the same thing. Kaytlin use to cry so loud and hard that she literally lost her voice. It was horrible and I felt so bad for her. I dont miss those days at all! I dont think you are doing anything wrong, just babies being babies. Maybe try and pick up on his q's before he gets to that point, but if you are busy with the other baby, you have no choice.... My DD's never gave any clues and still dont. They are fine one minute and screaming the next.

 

My babies can turn on a dime too. I try to keep them on a 3 - 4 hour feeding schedule through the day. It's better if I get to them before they yell for food, once they get to that point they're really hungry. Same for naps. If they get too tired they'll be laughing one minute and screaming the next. They're just not like us, they can't handle being hungry or tired yet.
With my two it seems like they're fine until they cross that line and then it's an instant scream-fest.

 

Could they be (over)tired? Do they nap well? What's their bed time? Sometimes moving their bed time earlier makes a great difference. They'll nap better, will be better rested and happier ...

 

I don't 'think' he's overtired (it's just Owen--Ben is very agreeable). O sleeps 12 hours at night, and then we follow HSHHC during the day so he's not up for more than 1.5 hours at a time. He isn't the best napper, however and will only do about 45mins. Their bed time is between 7-7:30pm. Do you think that's too late for him?

I guess I'll try nursing him more often during the day. Maybe he's just super hungry from the long night stretch? Or, maybe this is just his personality right now ...

 

Maybe he is getting bored? Do you try changing his postition... maybe lay him on an activity mat, or put him in a bouncy with toys hanging from it?

I would notice a lot of the time when mine cried they justed wanted a change of scenery.