baby niece

Ok this is gonna be kinda long and I'm sorry but I'll try to make it as short as possible. I am taking care of my baby niece rite now bcuz my sister who is also manic depressive is in jail for dus, dui and drug trafficing awaiting her court date in July. I don't know how long I will have her for, if it is for a few months or a few years, hopefully i can't end up getting custody of her bcuz I love her and i don't want anything to happen to her. I was wondering if anyone could give me some tips on taking care of her as I am only 21 and I've never raised a baby before. She is 2 months old and is extremely fussy, like she gets histarical at times and she has a clean diaper and isn't hungry and i can't get her to calm down. it is so stressful. The past few days she hasn't been sleeping at nite, so i haven't been sleeping either. whenever i give her her bottle when she acts like shes hungry she will only drink a little bit at a time, like she will drink about 2 ounces and then 30 minutes to an hour later she will act like she is hungry again and she will do the same thing. plus she just started spitting her nipple out even when shes hungry and she kicks and jerks and moves her arms so much when i feed her or hold her or change her diaper it is extremely difficult.the dr said that she was actually overdeveloped for her age, like she was more intelligent and more active than normal. but all this started real bad afteri took her to the  dr a few days ago. do u think she may be a bipolar or adhd?I , my sisters, aunt, grandpa, 2 cousins and mom are all bipolar. Her two brothers show signs of bipolar too. Her mother did meth, pills and drank alchohol while she was preagnant with her. She is so restless, of course she may just be missing her mom. She could do a complete roll the very day she was born, this is how active she is. I am taking her back to the dr monday.

 

I agree with It's Genetic...definitely take her to the Dr. In the meantime, do you have a trusted neighbor or family member who could come over and help out? Sometimes I help my neighbor out by cleaning her house because she is so tired from her 5 month old baby. Part of caring for a baby is getting no sleep! It is hard! When you feed her make sure she is wrapped taco style in a soft blanket. This will help her feel secure without her legs and arms flopping about. One of the nurses at the dr tomorrow can show you how to do this. Try to let the things go that you normally do...such as cleaning, texting, t.v., and laundry. They will get done but not like it used to be. Also try some calming music and try to stay calm yourself. You are doing the best you can. Also ask the dr about which formula would be best for her. Perhaps there is a support group for young mothers in your town...also churches have Mom's morning out where you can run an errand if you need while knowing she is safe and cared for. Just take it one day at a time. Sometimes babies just cry even when fed, dry, and held. I would hold her a lot too.

The Burrito Wrap!

Here's how...

Get a cotton baby blanket and put on the floor in a diamond shape. Place baby gently near the top triangle, pull the bottom triangle up over her feet and legs, take the left triangle and pull it over her right arm, torso and tuck under her left arm, take the right triangle and pull it over and tuck it under right arm. Now pick her up and hold her in your lap and feed her. She will feel secure. Also, check temp on formula by squeezing a drop on the inside of your wrist. Make sure it is warm, not cold or hot!

Thank all of yall for the advice. It was all very helpful. no tortise she is getting shots tommorow. I have a few people that can help me out. My brotherinlaw is watching her rite now while i catch up on sleep but i cant get to sleep.