7 month old crying over everything

[Hebz87]

I have a 7 month old baby boy who is so hard to control. He cries over anything and everything.
If the spoon doesn't get in his mouth quick enough or the bottle leaves his mouth for a second e cries screams and refuses to eat and cries for hours. If its sleep time he cries and cries I'm trying to teach him to self settle using the routines from save our sleep there is no way I can get him to self settle he cries and cries for 45 min with me in his room putting my hand on him. I have tried leaving the room that didn't work either when I do pick him up he still crys cause he is too upset. He also pulls his own dummy out of his mouth and cries beside its not there. He cries so much he makes him self vomit. He is very active. He is very strong bub when he kicks or pushes away from you it's very hard to stop him. I don't know what to do anymore. I'm tired and need help. He sleeps only 3-4 hours at night ad wakes up. And doesn't want to go back to sleep. I have been to 2 different peadiatricians and no one will help me. =(

[allmymarbles]

I haven't read the other posts, so what I say may have already been said. If I slept only three hours I would cry too. Lack of sleep might well the the crux of the problem.

Does he have sleep apnea? Very common with babies who have button noses. If not sleep apnea, what else is keeping him awake, or making him wake up? You have to solve the sleep problem. If your pediatrician is not helpful, find a different one. A baby cannot survive in good health on four hours of sleep. Fix the sleep problem and he will start smiling.

[Hebz87]

Thank you all for your comment. I have been trying the baby carrier and does seem to help. Have also been letting him sleep on my which is helping a little. Still have the days where he cries alot. But trying everything I can. Have also noticed he tosses and turns alot at night. Maybe that is something I can discuss with his peadiatrician also. Once again I thank you for your advise and concerns.

[nola0805]

Everyone has given you such wonderful advice.  In addition to working on meeting his needs more right now, I really do recommend checking with your pediatrician about reflux.  My son had this and would also scream miserably whenever on his back or laid down.  The car seat was also torture and we rarely went anywhere.  He spent his first 3 months sleeping on me or in a moving swing, and then the next several months sleeping on his stomach (I know not advised because of SIDS, but literally, the only way he would sleep) and with me in bed - keeping air circulating reduces the risk. Because I met his very intense needs and treated him for reflux, he gradually got better and better and is now very independent and a much better sleeper sleeping in his crib most nights until 6 am.

I also really recommend the baby carriers (so you can wear him close while getting other things done) - I found the ergo the most comfortable for a 7month old.  

Good luck and hang in there - it does get better and believe it or not - you will really miss these days soon.

[skepticalpeach]

I also practiced attachment parenting with my daughter. She was held constantly and slept next to us frequently. We also bought a baby Bjorn. It is a vest that you can put the baby in and be hands free. I wouldn't use it constantly, but it's a nice break so you can fold laundry, go on the internet, or for a walk. At 7 months your baby doesn't understand why he's upset and there is no way to explain it to him. You just have to go out of your way to give them what they need.

My daughter is 5 now and sleeps in her own bed. She doesn't constantly need to be held, although she loves hugs! We did find out she has autism. I don't say that to scare you, but this could be an indication of a developmental problem (like autism or sensory integration disorder.) It could also mean nothing. I wouldn't look too much into yet, he's still very young. Good luck!

[littlebit667]

Some children (esp. colicy ones) have reflux issues.  It can be there without spitting up as well.  colic is often reflux.  When he is in his crib, it can be a problem as he is prone and that is one position that will cause a problem.  One thing you can try is to raise either the crib or mattress on one end so he is not flat.  Or get one of the triangle pillows that you can use under the mattress.  I would talk to the doctor again about possible reflux.  One indicator can be ear infections or stuffiness in the nose.  The fluid can often get up in the ear canal or nose canal and cause him to be uncomfortable.

[Hebz87]

You guys are great thanks so much.
I will try the extra attention I really hope this works. =)

[adgal]

A couple of things that I found really helpful when my son (now 2) was that age.  When you practice attachment parenting as Specialmom describes, you don't necessarily create a habit, you actually help them move toward independence.  They become very secure in the knowledge that mommy is there for them, and tend to be a bit more adventurous and willing to try things on their own. At least that is the case with my son.  He still has phases where he gets quite upset if I am so much as in another room for 2 minutes, but most of the time can play independantly for an hour while I get chores done.  

Something I did that really helped a lot was wear him while I was doing housework.  I strapped him into that baby carrier on my chest and dusted or vaccummed, did laundry, whatever, with him on me.  It worked like a charm.  My hands were free and he was happy.  

Trust me when I say you will miss this time.  All babies this age are quite needy, and they need that constant attention to grow to be the strong, confident children and adults we need them too.  When he naps, take advantage then also to get some things done.  And remember to take some time out for you - get a good book, have a bubble bath (for me that cures everything!) or even nap when he does.  The housework will still be there, but he is going to grow up before you know it.

All the best.  I know it's not always easy and I wish you well.

[specialmom]

Well, I had two boys that were 15 months apart in age---  I learned a couple of things.  First, housework and cooking can wait.  My house was not picked up often and we had something thrown together for dinner.  But it was better that my kiddos  had lots of time with me getting what they needed.  The second thing I learned was that this time goes quickly.  I have a nice clean house now (most of the time) and can cook at my leisure, but no babies to hold.  My boys are 7 and 8.  If you look at the big picture, this is just a moment in time for you and now is the time to just give your baby what he needs and worry less about the 'chores'.  I'm dead serious about that.  

Now, I have these two boys.  I will tell you that my older one does have a nervous system developmental delay and self soothing is something he's always had a hard time with.  But there is nothing you can really do about that as an infant.  My son was diagnosed at 4.  I would just hold him tight as deep pressure is soothing as well as it helps them feel safe.  

I can see that you are overwhelmed.  Just take a deep breath, eek out time for yourself to recharge, don't worry as much about a clean house (or have your mom help you with that for now), etc.  You'll get through this.  

Peace

[Hebz87]

Thank you for your reply. I will cut back on the self settling for a while. He had colic as a newborn but seems to have out grown it. I just don't want him getting too used to being held constantly because I already have a hard time doing my house duties I.e cleaning, cooking and all. He just crys
To be held all the time. His father is at work
During the day and my mother helps out as much as
She can but little kayden does not settle with her either.

[specialmom]

Hm.  Welll, for now, just for now------  I'd give up on the self settling.  I'd do more 'attached parenting".  That means responding quickly and fully.  Hold him when he starts crying.  I say this as he is still an infant and seems to be needing extra and seems to be anxious.  

Doctors aren't helping you because there is nothing they can really do for a seven month old.  I'd do whatever you can to get him to sleep.  I think that is compounding the problem.  

do you think he has a gas problem?  

If he has something like sensory integration or a nervous system issue, he is far from the age where anyone could assess that.  So, I'd just do attachment type of parenting and go overboard.

I'd also ask for some help during the day.  Ask your mom, the babies dad, or hire a sitter and go somewhere or just up to bed to relax.  You need to recharge your batteries.  

when he can communicate (talk)--------  you'll better understand what is going on.  Until then, crying is how he tells you he is upset, sad, hungry, etc. and then when you don't respond right away to see if he can self settle, he gets hysterical.  So, work on it right away verses after he gets too upset.  good luck