High Needs Babies and Fussy Babies

No matter what you call them, some babies need some extra help to find sleep, effectively feed, and settle into life with their (tired and overwhelmed) families.

Here are some resources for babies - and their families - in the early weeks.

The Fussy Baby Network.  Chicago is lucky to be home to the Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network.  They provide a national warmline and Chicago area resources.  Learn more about their services for fussy babies here.

At least you aren't alone . . . sleepless nights and crying stretches can leave new parents feeling isolated.  Here's a beautiful piece written by a mom that might be inspiration for parenting your high needs baby.  Too tired to pick up and find a support group locally?  Check out this message board for parents of high needs babies.

This site has some sound information and resources for fussy babies.  Note that I haven't read (and can't vouch for) their e-book.

Find some soothing strategies for the toughest of tiny customers here.

You may have never thought of yourself as a sling-wearing parent, but it can help if you need to parent a newborn and a toddler, or just can't carry around your high needs baby in your tired arms for one more minute.  Be By Baby is a Chicago store (Roscoe Village) where you can try on slings and get advice; great online help can be found at peppermint and videos on slingwearing are here.  Note:  a recent recall of some slings has brought attention to sling safety.  Great information on safe sling wearing here.

Sleepless nights and lengthy crying jags can lead to physical and hormonal stresses for parents.  You might choose to check out some of our resources for baby blues and perinatal mood disorders.   Doula care can provide a respite for you, reassurance about normal newborn behaviors, and help build your parenting confidence during this challenging time.  Learn more about our unexpected needs care here.