How to Make Sure your Fussy, Crying or Colicky Baby Doesn't Suck the Life out of You

If you have a baby that cries a lot, it's crucial that you take care of yourself as well as your little one. This article gives 10 ways you can save your sanity when dealing with a fussy or colicky baby.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get lots and lots of support.
   
   Be open and honest with your friends and family. Tell them specifically what you need from them.
   
   If your baby cries much of the time, and is ‘high-needs’, print out a copy of ‘What is a High-Needs Baby’ at www.fussybaby.ca and give it to them. Join a postpartum support group. Don’t be afraid to seek out the support you need.
2. Get in a babysitter.
   
   If you don’t have friends or family around to watch your little one, get in a sitter a couple of times a week so you can recharge your batteries. Having a baby that cries a lot is extremely draining, and even an hour or two off can be enough to re-energize you.
   
   If you’re worried that a regular sitter couldn’t handle your little one, consider hiring a postpartum doula who specializes in fussy and colicky babies. If your baby finds the stroller or a sling soothing, ask the sitter to take him or her for a long walk while you get some sleep or have a cup of coffee.
3. Make plans to get out of the house.
   
   The only thing worse than having a baby who cries all day, is being stuck inside alone with a baby who cries all day. It will mess with your mind and put things way out of perspective.
   
   Find a moms group or community drop-in center and make firm plans to attend. Don’t base whether or not you go on your baby’s mood that day – There’s a good chance he or she will be fussy that day, but that’s OK. Plan for the worst, and expect the best!
4. Get into a routine.
   
   If your baby is more than about a month or two old, try to get into a routine (I know, easier said than done). I'm not saying you should have a strict schedule, but knowing what to expect and when can help the days feel much more manageable. If you know your little one is going to have one or two good naps a day, at least you know when you'll have a little down-time.
5. Let others do the work for you.
   
   If you can afford it, consider hiring someone to clean your house periodically. Order in rather than stressing yourself out trying to make meals every day. Hire a neighborhood kid to cut your lawn or pull your weeds. You have enough to deal with right now.
6. Try not to compare your baby to other babies.
   
   Yes, it may look like everybody else has an ‘easy’ baby. It’s because they do. OK, maybe not everybody, but it can certainly seem that way.
   
   Tell yourself the following:
   
   My baby is just brimming with personality.
   
   My baby knows what he or she needs and how to get it.
   
   Nobody can accuse my little one of being boring.
   
   Life is always interesting and exciting with my baby.
   
   My next baby will seem like a breeze after this one.
   
   I am learning to be less judgemental with other parents.
7. Do whatever it takes to soothe your baby.
   
   Don’t worry if some expert advises against using a baby swing, nursing your baby to sleep, or letting your baby sleep on you. Do what works. If you’re lucky enough to find something that soothes your baby, do it (the one obvious exception to this: don't let your baby sleep on his or her tummy).
8. Sleep when your baby sleeps, at least some of the time.
   
   Dealing with a baby who is fussy a lot of the time is hard enough. But dealing with a fussy baby and sleep deprivation is 10x worse.
   
   On the occasions when your baby does sleep, try to make a point of sleeping yourself. Of course, make sure that some of the time you also do something you find fun or relaxing.
9. Wear your baby.
   
   ‘Babywearing’ has become very hip these days for a reason. I’d be willing to bet that a large majority of fussy or high-needs babies calm down, at least somewhat, when they’re in a baby carrier or sling.
   
   Tried one already and your little one screamed even louder? Mine did too. Often a baby will resist (with gusto) when they are first put in the sling or carrier. Usually once you get moving/bouncing/patting they start to calm down considerably.
   
   Wear your baby while you vacuum (they love that), cook dinner, or go for a walk outside. Grocery shopping or window shopping suddenly becomes possible when you wear your baby.
10. Give yourself a break.
    
    Be gentle with yourself. Don’t try to do everything. Get through the day however you can. Treat yourself. Remind yourself things will get better soon, and this will all be a distant memory (cliche, but so true).