Baby Crying

[Johnnyjks]

We have a 5-week-old baby that was Unfortunately 'held' too much by my wife’s grandmother for about 2 weeks of her visit during our babies first days at home.

Needless-to-say, our 5-week-old boy now cries almost every moment he's awake. In addition, it's very difficult to put him to sleep when he's sleepy because he doesn’t want to go to sleep without being in someone's arms.

Our Pediatrician told us during his last exam that the crying wasn't hurting him - "it's actually good for him", she mentioned. She examined his ears, eyes and throat and found nothing wrong - no irritation. However, during his 'screams' to me he sounds like he's loosing his voice.

We want to 'brake' him from the crying for attention if we can. My wife has told me that she has held him a beyond feeding & care against my wishes. Now she's just letting him cry as suggested by our Pediatrician and Friends and relatives who agree (they also have children).

Is this healthy? Should we let him cry himself to sleep when needed and not pick him up just to "stop the crying"? If so, will this hurt him in the long run?

Appreciate yours or anyone’s input on this issue.

Sincerely,

Johnny

[auzziekat]

Hi Johnny,
Well there is nothing wrong with some crying but I wouldn't just put your baby in his bed and let him scream himself to sleep. How would you like it if I took your pillow away and said no you can't have until you go to sleep...
I would try putting your baby down in his bed when he is half asleep and when he starts crying let him cry for approx 2-3 minutes and then go into him and give him a pacifier and try rocking/moving his bassinet... Keep doing this until he goes to sleep.

Make sure he is always swaddled when going to sleep and youo get the book The Happiest Baby on the Block by Dr. Karp. It as some very good ways to calm a crying baby in it...

Kathy