That is my new nickname for my kid when he is fussy--Mr. Grumpypants. Heh.
For the first two weeks Jackson was pretty good. Whenever he was fussy we would just pick him up and that would be fine. As a result though, we had to pretty much hold him all the time and sleep with him on our chests. We didn't get very good sleep, but he did.
Then that started not being good enough. He wanted to be held and swayed. The glider did wonders for us, I felt trapped in that thing I would stay in there for so long rocking him. It got to where I could rock him for about an hour until he was good and asleep and then move to the couch and let him sleep on my chest, barely moving for fear of waking him again (which always resulted in him screaming).
People have told me that I can't let him do that, that I need to make him sleep in his bassinet. I have no idea how to make him sleep in there if he doesn't like it. If anybody has any ideas on this one that do NOT involve just letting him cry, please let me know.
Anyway, but apparently he has decided now that the glider is just not good enough. I finally got him to sleep in the swing (which until today he has totally hated) and some white noise. It's been working for about 30 minutes or so, so we'll see.
I just hope he isn't grumpy ALL day today, because my husband is back at work this week. It's not even 9 am and I'm totally exhausted...
Monday, July 7, 2008
Mr. Grumpypants
Posted by Cassie at 8:37 AM
Labels: motherhood
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I know what you are going through and it is very hard the first time around because it is all new and you do just want to SLEEP!! I know it wasn't the right thing to do either, but for the first month at least, I had to let both of the little ones sleep on my chest so I could get some sleep. It does get better and he will start sleeping in the crib for you...you will have to find out the routine that works for both of you and it can take some time. I was never one to just let my babies cry it out. I couldn't stand it. Do you have a vibrating bouncy seat? Mine liked that pretty well (and the swing).
I went through this with all three babies. I can't let a newborn cry. I've never been able to. I held mine all the time. With the boys I would strap them in the Baby Bjorn and they'd sleep while I did dishes and laundry and whatnot. That helped.
Sorry I don't have better suggestions!
Oh, sweetie. First, let me say that it WILL get better.
We call the first two weeks the honeymoon period. Because the baby tricks you into thinking the parenting thing is not going to be so hard after all. Then the next few weeks kick your butt. And then, the baby starts to fall into a routine & you feel like you will survive after all.
For the first couple months, we did what we had to do when it came to sleep.....swing, bouncer, our chests, whatever. Then we started using the crib more and more. Do what works for you & don't feel guilty about it.
A book that really helped me was "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Marc Weissbluth. You might want to check it out. It helped me learn about getting the baby on a schedule & ways to develep good habits. I have a 4yo and almost 2yo & they are both great sleepers now.
Hang in there!!
Girl, it's really hard, you are doing just fine. We also let all three of ours sleep on our chests for a few months. Eventually, you'll feel more comfortable with a little crying (or you won't), whatever you decide for your baby is just fine.
If you are nursing, see if you can get the side by side nursing position to work. (You are laying down and the baby lays beside you.) I LOVE this because if baby falls asleep nursing, you can just roll over and sleep or get up. It does result in more co-sleeping, but I always found dealing with co-sleeping easier than crying!!
Good luck. You are doing really well. Handle it the way it feels best to you.
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