Hi

My DD #2 turned 6 weeks old yesterday and has had two very horrid afternoons.

Lots of crying and screaming.... won't sleep unless she is being held...

She was a very content little girl until yesterday ....

Is this normal ? Can't remember from the first time around -

Catj

Welcome to witching hour... or arsenic hour... or any other name you want to call it. Unfortunately, it doesn't just last an hour!!! For my two, it happened every afternoon from about 6 to 12 weeks. It was like someone hit a switch and all of a sudden they were unsettled. DP ended up changing rosters at work to be home by 4.30pm because it was too much trying to manage both unsettled babies at once.

Here is some info... http://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/fussy.html

It still happens now occasionally for us but no where near as bad. They're just tired at the end of the day and you know the end is near as you finish their feed, bath and then bed! Still, DP tries to be home by 5 to give me a hand incase things go haywire!

I always say the first 6weeks of having a new baby is the hardest. With DS - it was the 6th week!! I would guess your little one is going through witching hours. Don't worry, it does get better but it is stressful and upsetting at the time. Perserverance is the key!

Things that worked for us were holding DS upright, he liked to look around over our shoulders. Warm baths, deep baths to cover the belly. Showers with Daddy. Extra cuddles. Wrapping snuggly. It wouldn't always worked but usually something would for us - even if it was the last ditch effort.

Once they settle though and drift off to sleep - it's pure bliss!!

Hang in there!