7wk Old Boy Fights His Sleep

by Lee
(Edinburgh)

Hi, my 7wk old boy continually fights his sleep and just cries all the time. He's breastfed but gets himself into a right tiss and then takes the milk too quick and starts coughing which then upsets him more. I also have a 2yr old which continually screams which dosen't help him sleep, my son also breathes quite fast as well and has a little lump on the back of his head behind his left ear is this normal, my daughter was not like this at all?

Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Lee!

Being 7 weeks old, crying a lot is normal. Babies tend to peek in the time spent crying at around 6 weeks old unless they have colic. Also, he doesn't quite seem to have understood yet how to make the the nursing work fo rhim. Again, this should improve over the next few weeks. If you think your milk comes too fast for him, try pressing with one or two finger on your breast above the nipple while he is nursing This will make the milk flow a bit more slowly. You might also want to try to feed him slightly earlier, before he gets all tired, hungry and upset. And also keep him in a slightly upright position.

Breathing fast is also completely normal for his age. If you listen to his heart you'll hear it beating very fast too. A newborn baby has small lungs and a tiny heart...

Regarding the lump, check it with your baby's health care provider on your next visit.

I know very well that getting your second child can be tough, especially when the older sibling is still quite young, like your daughter.

A few things I tried when I was in your situation was to always make sure that my older daughter was not too hungry - that made the whole situation explode. I gave her quite a lot of fruits in the afternoon and that helped. I also spent a lot of time outside. Being at the playground or just outside any way can make a huge difference, with the baby nicely sleeping in the stroller (well the chance is bigger than inside in his bed!).

It is tough to be the older sibling too and separating the kids often can help; let the older child have fun with you or dad without the baby as much as possible.

Here are a few links that may be helpful for you:

• Tricks to soothe your baby.


• How to swaddle your baby.


• Go to the playground (including a list of what to bring).


• Breastfeeding in public in a discrete way.

I wish you good luck! Post back if you need more help.

/Paula

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