Fussy Baby

Are babies with CP fussier than other babies?  Do they need to be held more?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Yes, infants with cerebral palsy can be more fussy than others. This is because they feed poorly and are often hungry. Also they tend to take in more air which breast feeding or sucking the nipple of a bottle. Hence they are more prone to colic. Also due to involvement of the central nervous system they are irritable. Hence you need to consult your baby's pediatrician to see if he is growing properly—gaining weight, and the cause for his irritability. Also you may need to hold the baby for longer time on your shoulders to help the baby burp off the excess gas. Take care!

[Dixie51]

Thank you so much for your encouraging reply to my questions. It helps to know that his fussiness has an explanation.  Jaidyn was a failure to thrive baby and was below the normal growth curve. He was a shield baby since he was unable to latch on to his mother's breast.  He nursed all the time because he seemed to be hungry all the time.  My daughter had to supplement her breast milk with formula.  His pediatrician diagnosed him with acid reflux, since he was spitting up more than most babies. When he got old enough to eat solids the doctor had her add butter to his baby food to help him catch up.  He is putting on weight and looks better than before now that he has plump little cheeks.  He loves to eat and makes happy noises of enjoyment throughout the entire meal.  He is so cute when he opens his mouth like a little bird for each bite.