Overstimulation and touchy baby - a bit of help/support needed

[kwaker5]

I'm pretty sure my 3 mo is touchy when it comes to stimulation. In every other respect he is textbook and a complete dream, and I wouldn't change him for the world.  As long as I make sure he gets his naps, he is fine.  However, it really takes very little to overstimulate him, to the point where I sometimes think there might be something wrong with him?!  Other people I know with babies just don't get it because theirs will just pass through it (1000 yard stare, etc.) with a dummy (pacifier) and then come out the other side as though nothing happened (actually, they are not into BW, so don't realise that is what is happening!).  My lo needs to get some proper rest and fast.  Things improved a lot when I got him onto EASY and in bed for 7 (no more 'colicky' evening crying). I do my best to overstimulation but sometimes it just seems unavoidable if we have to go out and he starts to tire somewhere that he can't sleep.

I just wondered if this sounded familiar to anyone else?  Is it something that gradually eases as they grow older?  Is it a good idea to get him out more to get him used to things - this is what people tell me, but I'm not convinced.  I know we did very little in the first 6 weeks because of the 'colic' - I didn't know what was causing it at the time but sometimes I wonder whether the fact we didn't get out much has made him like this? 

Thanks for any thoughts!

[momofclaire]

I think it's good to get him out and used to the world-which is a pretty stimulating place. I also feel that you know your child best and if he is easily upset and let him ease into things.  My little one used to get so worked up around that age. I think the world is SO exciting and scary to them some babies just need a little more down time than others.  I would make sure to get him out and about but watching and responding to his cues will make both of your lives easier than insisting he take in more than he can.  KWIM??

[calebs mommy]

My son is touchy.  He has always needed his rest or he gets overstimulated.  He is 11.5 months now and it is much better.  He has always gotten overwhelmed in loud busy environments.  I think it is good to expose them to new situations, but you also have to respect their temperment and protect them from too much stimulation.  I have always planned outings for right after he wakes up and eats.  And, I am always home when it is time for some winddown and rest.  I think as he gets older it will get easier.  My son started to get better about it around 6 months, but he still can't handle as much as other babies.  I feel like I am kind of rambling, but just know that you are not alone in this.  Let me know if you have more questions.

[*Mona*]

hi

my dd has never been touchy but I know exactly how it is to have an overstimulated baby on my hands because of too much going on around us and people not understanding she needs her rest.

I think what's crucial is to have a stable routine, early bedtime, not too many outings in the afternoon [mornings are always better as babies, just like adults, are better rested after a night's sleep], not too much stimulation in general.
exposing your baby to the world is not more important than his wellbeing. ofc, you can't lock yourself up in the house but I'd do as calebs mommy suggests- go out right after he wakes up and is fed.  go back some 15 minutes before wind down time to avoid overstimulation. be a nap nazi it can be hard but will help he be happier.

good luck and keep us posted
Monika

[kwaker5]

Thanks guys.  Actually now that he's hit the 3+ mo mark, it's nowhere near as bad.  He used to just meltdown completely when he was tired but now it's not such a nightmare if we go a bit off EASY because of an outing.  I still always try to get him out immediately after a sleep and feed if I can though.

Nice to know I am not alone - was starting to think there was something wrong with him!  Also, isn't it about time that 'colic' was redefined as overstimulation?  I know in the early days it can be due to a newborn's sensitivity to wind, but after about 6 weeks it's basically due to overtiredness/overstimulation if you ask me!

[*Mona*]

so true!

great it's getting better and better for you