Look at all those newborn babies in the movies, magazines, and on the internet. They are all quiet, smiling, and cute. They might cry a little, but not being fussy all the time. Your newborn on the other hand is a fussy newborn. They whimper, grunt, and cry more often than you ever expected.
It is time to break the bad news to you. The words fussy and newborn almost always go together. This is especially true for those first few days. You may not have been properly warned.
In the hospital the baby may have been very quiet. Remember they just went through the birthing process, too. They are tired. Those first couple days are all about recovering and resting from their ordeal and entry into the world. Then they suddenly realize they have lungs.
Why is a fussy newborn common? When you are breastfeeding your milk can take several days to come in. This is especially true if it is your first baby. Before your milk comes in fully your baby is eating colostrum which is full of nutrition and antibodies, but is not very high in quantity. Your baby could be very unsatisfied with the amount of milk they are getting.
When the breast milk comes a fussy newborn often transforms to a very happy content baby. You will know if your milk has come in by the feeling in your own breasts. As it comes in your breasts will become fuller and heavier.
What if your newborn is still fussy after the breast-milk has come in fully? Then you need to start looking for other items which may be causing their fussy behavior.
One thing which new parents have trouble with sometimes is proper burping. Their baby has excess gas built-up and their little stomachs are uncomfortable. Try burping your baby again and see if you get a little extra gas out of their tummy.
Another cause of a fussy newborn is the feeling of separation from the womb. Think about the major change they have just undergone. In the womb their arms and legs were restricted in motion. Their body was held snugly and was always warm. They could hear mothers heartbeat and body noises. They had constant motion as mom moved about.
By learning to simulate a few of these feelings for your fussy newborn you may cut off those little horns and add the little wings, making them into a true little angel. Use a swaddling blanket snugly wrapped around them to constrain their arms and legs. The blanket helps keep them nice an toasty, too.
Add some white noise or rhythmic sounds to the room to replace mother’s body sounds. Use motion in the form of gently rocking your baby, or by using an infant swing or bouncer.
The good news is a fussy newborn is very common and is going to change as you and your baby adjust. Enjoy these fussy moments, later on they may be just as treasured as the quiet times.