I’m a New Mom and I Refuse to Apologize If My Crying Baby Disturbs Your Sleep

Dealing with a crying newborn is one of the biggest challenges new parents have to face and overcome. One of our readers, Emma, found herself in a difficult position as a first-time mom whose neighbor was bothered by her baby’s constant crying. She sent us this emotional open letter to help other struggling parents feel better. And explain the reason why she’ll no longer apologize for disturbing her neighbor.

Hey everyone,

I’ve got to get something off my chest, and I won’t sugarcoat it. Life as a new mom to a colicky baby has been nothing short of a nightmare, and I need to vent.

For those who haven’t experienced it, colic is like an uninvited guest that arrives at your doorstep every evening, leaving you feeling utterly helpless. The constant crying and fussiness can be overwhelming, to say the least.

Now, let me introduce you to our neighbor. They’ve been nothing but kind and understanding about the situation, but lately, it seems like their patience has worn thin. Their sleep has been disrupted too many times by my baby’s cries, and it’s no secret that they’re getting frustrated. Their complaints have become relentless, and it feels like I’m living in some kind of horror movie.

I’ve tried everything. From swaddling and white noise machines to special colic-reducing formula, I’ve left no stone unturned in my quest to provide some relief to my little one. And while some days are better than others, there’s no guaranteed method to stop the crying. I only wish I could. I’m also running on no sleep, and hearing my baby cry so often breaks my heart.

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, and I’ve often found myself apologizing to our neighbor for the disturbances. But here’s the thing: I’ve realized that there’s only so much I can control. I can’t make my baby’s colic disappear overnight, and I can’t suppress the emotions that come with being a new mom.

So, I’ve made a decision. I won’t apologize anymore for my baby’s cries. Not because I don’t care about our neighbor’s sleep, but because I need to prioritize my baby’s well-being and my own sanity. I’m doing my best, and that’s all I can do. I’m a new mom, and I’m at my wit’s end.

For all the parents out there who’ve been through this colic nightmare, you know the struggle is real. It’s not just sleepless nights; it’s relentless crying that feels like it’s driving you to the brink of insanity.

So, here’s my not-so-positive take on it all. I won’t apologize, and I won’t pretend that this situation is anything other than excruciatingly frustrating. I’m just trying to survive each day and provide whatever comfort I can to my baby.

To all the new parents going through the same ordeal, I hear you, and I’m right there with you. Sometimes, parenting just plain sucks, and it’s okay to admit it.

Our heart goes out to you Emma, and to every new parent who’s going through the same thing. It looks like you’ve tried everything under the sun to help your baby and appease your neighbor. Here are some other tips that can help you navigate this very emotional situation while maintaining your sanity.

• Getting out of the house for a few hours could help calm your baby and offer you some much-needed change of scenery. Take a long walk on a sunny day or drive around your neighborhood. The motion of the car could even help comfort your baby.
• Take a break. If you have someone that could watch your newborn for a few hours, that would allow you some much-needed time to get away from the constant crying. Get some sleep, do some light exercise or put on a face mask. If you’re unable to find childcare for your baby, you can still place them in their crib and go to a different room for a few minutes when you feel overwhelmed.

• Remember that colic won’t last forever. It might seem hard to believe right now, but you need to remind yourself that this difficult time will soon end. Even though there’s no remedy for colicky babies, other than waiting it out, most babies stop being colicky at 3 or 4 months old.

Even if your baby is over the colicky phase, being a new mom is never a walk in the park. Here are some parenting tips from Kylie Jenner that helped her become a better mom.