First time at this - not sure what this is.

[AprilM]

Is this the beginnings of the terrible 2's, teething, is something mre serious going on? My 22 month old DS has always been a strong willed baby, but lately, seems in the past month or so, he is just always angry and frustrated. He was never a good eater, but lately, with these moodswing/meltdowns, he seems to not want anything to eat. He just wants to drink milk all day long.
Anyway, his moodswings and the constant crying and whining are what is concerning most. Naptime is a disaster anymore, he will kind of fall asleep, then wake up crying. Same thing with nighttime sleep. He was never a night waker, always a very good sleeper, but recently wakes up at midnight crying and then usually again at around 2 or 3 crying. When I go in to see what is wrong, he usually asks for milk. So I give it to him. My husband says I shouldn't be giving him this much milk, and that is why he is not eating during the day, but honestly, I have tried cutting out the milk during the day, he just cries for it and still doesn't eat. (Eating and mealtime are completely disastrous....he literally starts crying and kicking when I put food in front of him...unless it is fruit or milk) I am SO tired. And I can feel my nerves fraying everytime he starts whining and crying. I don't know what is going on. I know he is cutting his incisor teeth at the moment. He has a runny nose and his cheeks are all red, but he just seems like a completely different baby and days are getting SO hard. Any advice on what might be going on? Like I said, I am a first timer so I have no clue. Sorry this is so long.

[foodymama]

Sorry I don't know what to say except . I'm in the same situation. DD is 21 mo. and was always a high needs child as well and lately things have just completely deteriorated. We actually have been looking at food allergies but haven't come up with any thing yet. I wish you the best and can't wait to see how others respond.

[AprilM]

Originally Posted by foodymama

Sorry I don't know what to say except I'm in the same situation. DD is 21 mo and was always a high needs child as well and lately things have just completely deteriorated. We actually have been looking at food allergies but haven't come up with any thing yet. I wish you the best and can't wait to see how others respond.

Hi. Sorry you are going through this also. It is tough. In regards to the food allergies, what are the reasons you became concerned with this? Food allergies have never crossed my mind before......he has pretty much at one time or another eaten just about everything without any symptoms. What kind of symptoms other than the crankiness is your DD displaying?

[nelson]

When I read your post, I thought it was a possible ear infection. My ds had one and he displayed many of those symptoms. I actually thought it was teething but it was a double ear infection that was not going away. He was generally moody, prone to tantrums, had trouble sleeping and woke up screaming, and always wanted to nurse, because it took pressure off his ears. I would maybe check it out. good luck

[LionessMom]

Originally Posted by nelson

When I read your post, I thought it was a possible ear infection. My ds had one and he displayed many of those symptoms. I actually thought it was teething but it was a double ear infection that was not going away. He was generally moody, prone to tantrums, had trouble sleeping and woke up screaming, and always wanted to nurse, because it took pressure off his ears. I would maybe check it out. good luck

yeah i would get his ears checked. i would also take him to a qualified child chiropractor ro rule out subluxations. they can cause stomach issues. if the neck is out of alignment it can make it harder for ears to drain, causing infections or a painful build up of fluid.

also, that age is hard for most kids. i would always rule out everything else before just saying it is the terrible 2's. has he been to the dentist? would he have a cavity that hurt when he ate? etc.

[KempsMama]

DS1 went through a very similar phase. It was a combination of growth spurt and teething. He grew over two inches in a matter of two or three weeks, and he's still trying to get those molars out, but once the growth spurt was over he settled back into is normal behaviors.

[foodymama]

Originally Posted by AprilM

Hi. Sorry you are going through this also. It is tough. In regards to the food allergies, what are the reasons you became concerned with this? Food allergies have never crossed my mind before......he has pretty much at one time or another eaten just about everything without any symptoms. What kind of symptoms other than the crankiness is your DD displaying?

We thought of food allergies with DD because I have them and I know how irritable I become when I eat the wrong foods. Research shows that you usually crave what you are allergic to which made us start limited DD's wheat intake. Whenever you ask her what type of snack she would like she always requests fishies, pretzels or crackers even though she really likes fruit and raw veggies. We have suspected a dairy allergy in DD for a long time because she gets what are called "allergy shiners" when she has any kind of dairy. "Allergy shiners" are dark circles under your eyes that look like someone punched you in the eye.

The other suggestions that others gave are really good points to look into as well. I really hope something helps!

[ainh]

Is he getting iron? Sometimes with too much milk you get anemic. Then it spirals. Iron deficiency can lead to lack of appetite and irritability and sleep changes. My guy perked up and starting sleeping better after I began a supp. Just a thought