The only resource of its kind in the Chicago area and one of only a few in the country, the Erikson Institute’s Fussy Baby Network offers a range of services on a sliding-fee scale for parents worried about their baby’s sleeping, eating or crying. Services include support groups and home visits.

The Fussy Baby Warmline—a free telephone call-in service that hooks up parents to child development specialists—is often the first contact parents have with the network.

About 37,000 babies in Illinois suffer from excessive crying during their first three months. Their parents often are frustrated and feel helpless. The Fussy Baby Network aims to assess the infant, support parents and reduce family stress.

"We help families to organize their thoughts. Our approach is all about supporting parents’ strengths and helping them follow those hunches and build their capacities," says Director Linda Gilkerson. "We don’t have a lot of do’s and don’ts. We support them to take their next step."

The Fussy Baby Warmline is free. Home visits and support groups are offered on a sliding-fee scale.

The Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network is at 420 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago. Call (888) 431-BABY (2229) or visit www.fussybabynetwork.org.

Judith A. Weinstein

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