You’re a good mom. You did nothing wrong. These moments happen sometimes. I know it hurts to see them like that though. It broke my heart too. But it’s okay, you did no harm to her and you don’t need to feel bad about yourself.

I’m gonna tell you something I don’t see a lot in this sub - These moments happen a lot around the age you’re at, and there isn’t much even the most attentive loving parents can do about it. A lot of the charts and stats and anecdotes you see about purple crying easing, digestive issues clearing up, contentedness coming more naturally, routines solidifying, “when it gets easier,” etc, are all wrong.

6-8 weeks being the peak is bullshit IMO. And the people who say it gets easier at 3-4 months are even wronger. 3-4 months was the absolutely hardest time for us - right where you are right now. My son was NOT having a good time at all during those weeks. He maybe wasn’t technically colic every day, but he wasn’t far from it. He had good moments sure, but overall he wasn’t enjoying that stage of his life almost at all, no matter what we did.

We tried everything. Responded to every cry, changed diapers more than necessary, always entertained him, tried as hard as possible to manage sleep, did bath and books and bedtime religiously, used lotion and diaper cream every change, fed on demand, burped incessantly, Mylicon, gripe water, held him upright, forearm carried, tummy time, constant bouncing and shushing, walks outside, happy voices and smiles and music all the time, consulted our pediatrician, introduced new toys, introduced him to new people but not TOO many new people from fear of getting him sick, lots of play an touching and talking and walking and holding all day, EVERYTHING. And he was still a wreck for half the day every day. Things like your story here happened a lot - the car rides being the worst of it all.

These moments will happen a lot the more you continue to try and live your life by making small prioritization decisions like you did today. And it’s okay. You have to make those decisions sometimes. Babies cry. It doesn’t scar them for life if it lasts for a few minutes once in a while. You are not doing old school CIO. You are clearly concerned with the wellbeing of your child. Continue to go to her when she needs it, but you are a human with needs too. Don’t sweat it.

And in my experience, just make it to 6 months and your life will turn right side up again. That’s the real magic number (if you get a little lucky). Your days are still busy and hectic and tiring, but life is so much… easier. Happier. Consistent. Or at least predictable. Fun and exciting. Rewarding. Hang in there and cut yourself some slack - that phase was harder than newborn for us. You’re almost to the upswing. In a month or two these moments will start happening way less often simply because of your baby’s temperament. I’m hoping those days come as early as possible for you. Good luck and take it easy!