Transition Period- Won't... Stop... Crying!

[LittleExplorersMom]

I have 2 children for child care and 3 of my own (2 are in school full time and the other is 10 months old) I also have a 1 year old I watch full time who is the sweetest little thing and adjusted no problem, naps included within a few days of starting... and I now have a 2nd child for daycare that started a couple of weeks ago. The other two are easy peasy with naps, meals, getting along etc. The new child is almost 13 months and lives just down the street so even before the transitioning period, we had many visits and run ins. He started officially 2 weeks ago and was part time for about 4 hours during the week and this week started up full time and I hate to say it but it has been terrible. He cries ALLLLL day long. The parents are super nice and open to suggestions and very communicative with me, but it has been tough! He refuses to nap unless we go for a walk. Today was the one and only time he has napped in his playpen and it was only for half an hour from pure exhaustion. But he has MAJOR separation anxiety. If I am out of his sight even for a second to change diapers, prepare meals, basically anything, he screams like there is no tomorrow. His parents linger so we've agreed that they need to make a quick exit when dropping him off but for the 9 hours I had him today, he must have cried about 6 of those hours... I'm exhausted already. He is happy when I'm holding him, but he is also a big boy and I obviously can't and won't carry him around all the time. I try to comfort him as best I can and plan fun activities but he isn't having any of it. Doesn't want to join in or really interact with the other kids, so I get books for him to look through and that keeps him happy for about 5 minutes. I can see the other kids becoming more uneasy from the constant crying. It is such a loud cry too... I want to give it at least a month to see if things get better. Any other tips for transitioning a difficult baby? And if you've had a similar experience, how long did it take for the child to be well adjusted. . . Anything is appreciated. I want so badly for this to work out, but I also don't want to loose my sanity in the process.
Thanks!

[mickyc]

Sorry but I can't offer any real help. The only child I ever had scream bloody murder for the time I had him I terminated after the 3rd day. I couldn't stand his scream (I was also the 2nd daycare - 3rd time was the charm for the little guy). I have had babies whine and cry but nothing like that little boy. I think you just need to keep doing what you are doing. Good luck.

[5 Little Monkeys]

The longest I had was a full 2 weeks of 24/7 crying. I really thought I was going to loose it and had a few tears myself after work. I also went through a few bottles of wine those 2 weeks lol....and I'm not really a drinker!

Quick drop offs, placing him in his playpen with his comfort items, continuing routine, small amounts of time with him on my lap seemed to help.

Good luck!

[Busy ECE mommy]

I'm in the same boat, and I feel your pain! I've never had one this difficult. I think he has attachment issues, as mom was absent alot during the first year. Putting in the playpen just makes this one scream louder and vomit. Hasn't slept for 5 minutes since he stated full time 3 weeks ago-I'm losing my mind! I've tried all the standard tricks, and he won't sleep-period.(usually rocked to sleep at home) He is here close to 10hrs a day, and no one is sleeping or playing like they usually would. I wish I could offer up some ideas, but I'm stuck too. Tried all the suggestions mentioned by 5 Little Monkeys-none working. Childs screams are blood-curdling screams, not normal crying. Also had the neighbours ask what's going on, as they can hear him inside their houses too. I feel bad for the other kids, as they're basically getting none of my attention at this point-lots of free play, but very hard to do a circle or get art on the table. If you find something that works, please let me know.

[LittleExplorersMom]

Thanks ladies! Today was a bit better... and by bit, I mean he only cried about half the time he was there and actually napped for the first time. I'm hoping this is a good sign and that things will continue to get better. I hope things get better for you too Busy ECE mommy.