my baby WILL NOT sleep

[welldone]

This is my third baby who prefers crying and/or nursing to sleeping. Day or night, it matters not--he just doesn't want to sleep. Only this time, I have my first baby who won't go to sleep in the sling, either! I'm more than a little devastated by this, as babywearing is about the only thing that got me through the early nonstop crying months with my other two. What tools do I have now, except nursing? My nipples are so sore because his latch isn't great, but nursing every 45 minutes is about all he wants to do (besides cry, that is).

I try putting him down in the bassinet--he cries.
I try putting him down in the crib--he cries.
I try wearing him in the ring sling/mei tai/wrap/pouch--he cries.
I try holding him in my arms--he cries.

I can't take a nap with him all day. I have two older children. We haven't resumed homeschooling yet because I can't figure out how to do it with the crying baby factor. Plus, the only way to keep him sleeping when we nap together is to nurse him nonstop, and my nipples are seriously going to fall off! They hurt soooo much.

I hope your babies are sleeping. If not, feel free to join the pity party.

[scheelimama]

My baby isn't too good a sleeper either yet, though it doesn't sound like she's as difficult as Asher. I ordered the Amby Baby Hammock to see if it helps. Should have been here yesterday but I missed the USPS guy and I had to sign for it and they aren't open on Saturday. Ugh. Piper will usually go to sleep if I put her snuggly in my ring sling and give her a binky and start vacuuming the living room. Have to vacuum or do something busy and noisy though. That's the key. I've also been using the swaddling blankets (Kidoppotomus brand) since day 1 and she's starting to figure out that that means it's time to sleep (doesn't always work, but after a week or two, maybe Asher would start to figure that out too.) I mostly preserve it for nighttime and maybe afternoon naps, so she knows it's for sleeping. The swaddling blanket is awesome! I highly recommend it. Have you tried a swing? We're going to buy one today and see if that helps. It's tough having the third one be so fussy. My first was a rather fussy baby who liked to nurse all the time, but she was my only baby so it wasn't too big a deal. This time around, it's much harder.

[*Lindsey*]

no advice, just lots of s

[GinaRae]

Is he having any trouble breathing thru his nose when sleeping? Sometimes a breathing problem can cause the excessive crying and wakefulness.

I had my second cry 12-16 hours a day and sleep only 1 hour at a time. He had digestive issues and tons of pain. It was pretty harrowing.

I wish I knew what could help! Have you trid the dryer thing? Secure a seat to the top of the dryer and the vibration/noise/heat helps them sleep. I don't know if it works or not.

Since he's crying anyway, what if you place him in the sling and ride it out. See if it eventually comforts him???

[Kontessa]

My baby likes nothing but me and not always in a sling or wrap. I have a nice swing, bouncy chair, and ring sling and still she rather be on me and sucking. What helps sometimes is rock and roll music. LOL she likes it!

Also, I got more sleep since I got a humidifier in the room.

Have you tried a car trip? I can not drive but I ask to go with a friend when she runs around town so baby and I can be in the van and nap while she goes in places. My friend laughs so hard when baby starts to fuss and I start my frantic search through her CDs for music that will work and when i find the right music, it works almost instantly.


And my last idea, my last ditch effort if I am going nuts plan is this: I have friends who breastfeed and would be billing to feed my baby and hold her so I can sleep for a while. I know it sounds nuts but I am alone here and can not afford to lose my mind. It helps knowing I have their support if need be. Weird but back in the middle ages it was normal, no bottles then! Talk about close friends. Not sure this is an option for you or if you are open to it.

As for homeschooling, we are not back into things yet either. I keep telling myself it will be all worked out by December.