Squealing, crying, grunting in sleep

[amy2015]

My 3.5 week old has started in the last week to squeal, cry and grunt while sleeping, usually after 2 am. I've been reading that noisy babies are normal, but she sounds like she's in distress. I hear gurgling as well, which makes me concerned that it's reflux?

I'm also worried because I'm reading that I should just wait it out and she'll outgrow it at 4-5 months. I can't survive that! I've barely got any sleep the last week because I spend the entire night listening to her.

I've also read that I should consider moving her to her own room. That makes me sad because I wanted her close for a little longer. But I also worry that moving her won't help because then I'll just be getting out of bed to go check on her.

I tried bringing her to bed with me last night. But that didn't seem to help her noise situation. I had her head on the crook of my arm - if anyone can suggest a better sleeping position that might help her?

I'm just so tired. I'm looking for any suggestions anyone might have...

 

[Button#]

You don't have to move her to her own room. In fact SIDS guidelines say not to put them in their own room until 6 months. I waited longer as mine were still waking for night feeds and it's a pain to have to keep getting up.

You will get used to the noises and you will survive if it carries on until 4-5 months. You get used to running on less sleep although the early weeks feel tough. You could try raising the head of your baby's bed with books under the legs or you can buy a wedge to go under the mattress.

If you want to bring baby into bed with you then check out safe co sleeping guidelines. You should be on your side with knees bent and your arm under your head to make a c shape so baby can't move up or down. No pillows or duvet near baby, I keep the duvet at waist height and tucked under me. Baby should have their own blankets. Baby should also be between you and the edge of the bed, not between you and anyone else in the bed.

 

[Mummy to be x]

No way do you need to move her, my son is 1 and he is still in with me, I'm happy with this as he still wakes in the night, he also grunts and makes noises while he sleeps, it can be tough because you tend to stay awake waiting for them to properly wake up, I know how you feel. Not much advice, just wanted to send you a hug

 

[jessmke]

It could be gas. My LO started doing this around 3 weeks old, I gave her some Ovol (liquid gas x) when it was keeping her awake and uncomfortable. She is now able to pass gas easier and the grunting and straining in her sleep has pretty much stopped, she is 6 weeks old.

 

[amy2015]

Thanks for the input, ladies.

Her bassinet has already been at an angle since the beginning - she refused to sleep in it flat.

I had the ovol drops, but I only gave it to her a couple of times. In trying it again today during her 2 am feed. Maybe that will help her fx

I definitely want to keep her in my room for a few more months. Hopefully, the noises will settle down soon - for my sanity and for my DH's career. Poor man has to go back to work and can't do it as a zombie.

 

[nessaw]

Snap! My baby has also been doing this for the last week or so. I will hear her for about an hour before she properly wakes up for a feed. She sounds congested so have tried elevating the moses basket and snuffle babe on her sleeping bag. Also steriMar nasal spray to help clear her nose. She just seems quite happy 'chatting' away to herself! Learning to ignore any noises but it's hard. X

 

[amy2015]

I tried the ovol at the 2am feed last night. I don't know if it's my imagination, but I think she slept a little better. She was still noisy, but not as bad as the days before.

She does sound a little wheezy, so I wonder if she has a bit of a congestion like your LO, nessaw. Maybe I should look into a nasal spray.

 

[nessaw]

The health visitor said it was common in newborns due to really small nasal passages.

 

[Teri7489]

Its quite possibly reflux. My son was on gaviscon from 9 days old for it as he grunted, squirmed and cried day and night. We tried infacol, gripe water, colief drops then had to see the gp again. Now he's on ranitidine which has to be increased as their weight goes up. As soon as he needs more we know about it. He goes right back to the noisy boy that drives us mad I'd see your gp and have a chat about it xxx

 

[amy2015]

I asked the midwife about it on Tuesday, but she brushed it off as normal. I'm seeing the gp next week, so I'll ask then. I wish the appointment was earlier.