Drug Babies

In my experience it varies from baby to baby, but I can give you some ideas to try... swaddling, with hands in in a blanket that's got a little give to it so you can wrap fairly tight (not too tight, though) decreasing lights and noise like you said trying to decrease the amount of touch when they are overstimulated....however, there's some research out there that suggests that infant massage can be very beneficial white noise...like a radio just off the station that makes a constant sound or a fan on routine....keeping a constant bedtime and a routine for bathing, lotioning, etc. I haven't had too good of luck with swings or bouncy seats, I prefer to wear a sling and walk around I wouldn't go into it with the expectation that just because they are drug exposed they will be more fussy. We had a crack-exposed newborn that was a dream compared to my bio-son and I wouldn't even drink caffiene when I was pg with him! I do know of another fp who said she couldn't hardly go out because her drug exposed infant screamed non-consolably for almost 6 months. We have had a couple really fussy babies also, but it never stopped me from going places. In general I think the babies we have had to drag around to soccer and scouts are happier than when mine were younger and we were home all the time.....or maybe my expectations and tolerance level have just changed. My fcs are lucky...I'm a much better mommy at 40 than I was at 27;)

Fosterma, I was a mom at the age of 18 and again at 20. I was a very inexperienced mom then, in a very difficult situation, both times. I thank GOD for giving me the opportunity to have another chance at being a good mommy now. My two children (now 19 son, and 17 year old daughter) are VERY good kids. Very respectful, loving, well mannered, compassionate and kind. I am always being complimented on what good kids they are. I was so busy trying to make sure they did all the right things, said yes ma'am and no ma'am (from the SOuth) that I forgot to teach them to laugh and lighten up. My son is very serious most of the time. I have often worried that he doesn't laugh much. My daughter used to be like that but has come out of her shell and is quite a riot most of the time. They both adore all of these children we get into the home, and are very supportive of their "new bothers and sisters". I try to make a consious effort to make sure my new "children" laugh and enjoy life. Just have to try and slip manners in there along the way. I thank GOD every day for giving me much more patience, joy and laughter with my children then I had as a new teenage mom.

Thank you so much for the information 'Fosterma' . I try to read everything I can find but normally it is only about the delays they will have , etc.. Not really giving you ways or ideas to handle it. Thanks again.

My FD was born drug exposed and her health problems havn't stemmed from that -rather from being born premature as most drug exposed babies are. One thing that most health professionals agree is beneficial for premature babies is "kangarooing" - giving babies skin to skin time. I also wear my infant in a sling for periods of time every day. This extends their "womb" time and has definately made for a less fussy baby for me. It is also a great tool for bonding and attachment which all foster children crave.

Thank you jenandnaomi for the information. I went and brought Snugli Early Care Newborn sling for that purpose. Do you think the formula/breastmilk makes any difference in their growth and development? Thanks again.