Frere Jacques

I can count on one hand - okay maybe two, the times when Mekhi was fussy and wouldn't go to sleep at night as an infant. And although it wasn't a constant it felt like the crying went on forever every night. Of course this was exacerbated because my husband traveled quite a bit at the time and I was nursing so the parenting fell on my shoulders the majority of the time. Sleep deprivation made an otherwise tolerable situation completely seem like the end of the world.

When my son did sleep I did research to try and come up with ways to calm him during the crying bouts which always occurred at night. Experts suggested it might be gas or colic and suggested various holds - which I never got right. One expert suggested singing a lullaby and tweaking to words for your baby.

Armed with this knowledge I decided my best course of action was to don my songwriters hat and hope for the best. I choose the tune of Frere Jacques and sang about mommy's and daddy's love for Mekhi. I experienced limited success - walking him around the house was more effective - but I still sing the song to him sometimes and it does seem to help him get to sleep.

They say music can calm a savage beast but for me calming a screaming child was enough for me.

This post was written for the Parent Bloggers Network as an entry for a contest sponsored by Bush's Beans.



Comments

Erin said…
When Luke was a newborn and not sleeping, my husband made up a song about him that he'd sing to the tune of The Three Stooges theme. I don't remember if it worked to calm him, or if it just made the two of us laugh enough that we forgot about the lack of sleep.
Unknown said…
You are so wonderful!! I can always count on you for a good tip or a kind comment!!
Paul Eilers said…
Our little man used to sleep through the night, for 10 to 12 hours.

Now that he is 18 months old, he still sleeps well, but does wake up 3-4 times at night, wanted his juice bottle and also needing his wet diaper changed.

Maybe your baby does not tolerate milk well? Do some research on that when you can, and see if you can find a healthy alternative.
Dawn said…
I remember those nights!! I'm glad you don't have many of them!
T.Allen said…
How sweet...I opted for the vacuum or a blow dryer...white noise works wonders.

Good luck with your entry!
Jenny Fletcher said…
I think the 'cakes' are a great idea for a present for a mum-to-be. Here in the UK, someone picked up on the idea and it was featured on our entrepreneur BBC programme 'Dragons Den'. I couldn't recall if she got her investment and looked back at the programme website, but can't find it.
Unknown said…
White noise works wonders for all my girls. Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see you again.
Vodka Mom said…
My sassy had colic. She cried for four months straight. It's true what they say --I didn't know whether to hold her tight or throw her out the window. I don't mean that the way it sounds, but it's DAMN hard. Finally, we got a battery operated swing (it was new then) and it worked pretty well! It was about the only thing that would soothe her. (for a little while...) Then, one day, it stopped. However, she's been a LOUD child ever since.
My thoughts are with you!!!!!!!!!!
Carrie and Jim said…
Music does feed the soul. Glad that it worked for your little man. It's amazing how when they are stressed we in turn feel the same. Such power out of such a little person.
Lite }{ said…
Music works. It may take some time for some kiddies, but it will work after a while. Some children/adults can benefit from a nature CD or even a classical music Cd. Even if it's not Mommy/Daddy's voice, music should do the trick! By the way, I learned this being a Pre-school teacher for 6 yrs. Trust me, I became a pro at putting 10-12 little ones to sleep all at the same time! What a challenge!!
Peace+RestfulSleep+Butterflies to you }{

www.litefreedomariposas.blogspot.com
Aracely said…
I'm happy to say I only had those issues w/baby 1, so it seems like a distant memory for me.
Anonymous said…
i enjoyed reading this post. made me smile. =)
savvysuzie said…
I did the same thing with my boy...sometimes it was because I remembered a tune but not the words, sometimes just because I felt like singing something different to him. But I noticed that now he actually sings my made-up words back to me! It's so cute....something to look forward to :)
Ali said…
Good luck with the contest Renee! And I love your new banner! And to make this relatable, my 6 year old's favorite song is the Star Spangled Banner and it's so cute to hear him sing it:)
Joanie said…
Singing and walking or rocking does wonders. But you know what really does the trick? A warm bath. No soap necessary. Just place a fussy kid in warm water with a little rubber ducky or water toy and most will calm quickly.

Da Goddess

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