I have been a parent for 7 years and thought I was well prepared to enter the world of babies yet again. Nothing prepared me for the tailspin our newest son would through us into. WE ADORE THIS CHILD… I just had to say that for the record. It has taken me several months to come to terms that he simply is a high needs infant. He does not just settle in for the ride … he is the ride. The tricks of yore do not work with this baby. After 4 months of inconsolable screaming (and yes we treated him for reflux) he is finally finding a taste of contentment with the world. This contentment is found primarily in my arms or lap. Life with him is a roller coaster ride of the most heart melting smiles and the most agonizing cries for what I don’t know.

The nurses in the hospital recognized right off the bat that he was a high needs baby. I dismissed this because he was born sick and missed out on all of that initial bonding with me. Looking back though his disposition has maintained a constant high intensity. He feels every emotion fully which aside from those agnozing screams also makes for the most beautiful belly laughs you ever heard!

Our newest addition has been an incredibly high needs baby to say the least. While I haven’t sought to engage in attachment parenting per say that seems to be what is taking place. He really needs constant reassurance that we are there for him. After 4 months of colicky behavior and crying 4-10 hours a day being able to calm him simply by holding him is a welcome change.

FEATURES OF A HIGH-NEED BABY according to Dr. Sears:

1. INTENSE
2. HYPERACTIVE
3. DRAINING
4. FEEDS FREQUENTLY
5. DEMANDING
6. AWAKENS FREQUENTLY
7. UNSATISFIED
8. SUPER-SENSITIVE
9. UNPREDICTABLE
10. CAN’T PUT BABY DOWN
11. NOT A SELF-SOOTHER
12. SEPARATION SENSITIVE

 I will try to post more about how to raise a high needs baby in future posts. THIS is my child every single point describes him perfectly.

The little one in our house started baby cereal this week. I have been looking for ways to trim down on extra expenses and decided to give making my own baby foods a try. This is the recipe I made for baby cereal. So far he likes it!

Home Made Organic Baby Cereal recipe

Using a food processor or blender, blend organic brown rice until it is finely ground, like a flour. Boil some water in a saucepan with a lid, about 2 cups, slowly whisk in about 1/4 cup of the rice flour. Cover and turn down to minimum heat. Stir every 2 minutes for 10 minutes.

This will last in the refrigerator for 2 or 3 days. As your baby gets older, you can begin using all sorts of different grains and then legumes such as brown rice, oatmeal, millet,