Crying
babies is a fact of life. Some babies may cry a little more, some
cry a little less, but at this stage there is always a reason for
crying.
| Babies
cry mainly because they are hungry etc. |
|
-
are hungry
-
need changing
-
need the comfort of being held
-
may have a touch of colic.
-
are bored.
The newborn has only one method at his disposal to ensure your closeness
and convey his needs - crying. Think of his dependence
on you for comfort, nutrition and above all survival, and don't
hesitate to pick him up and comfort him.
| Recent
research shows that babies will cry less often if their
cries are promptly answered. |
|
What
is normal crying? There is no hard and fast answer to this common
query.
The
guidelines are: -
-
See what is usual or normal for your baby over a period of time.
-
Don't compare with other babies.
-
See if she cries even when she is full, acts fretful and as if
something is hurting. If so consult your pediatrician.
-
Pay attention to your own instincts, rather than to conflicting
advice from others. - And above all, remain calm yourself.
| A
nervous irritable mother is more likely to have a nervous
irritable baby. |
|
You
may be told not to pick up the baby or she will become
spoilt. Or you may be
told that if you pick her up she will get used to your lap. Rest
assured - a newborn cannot be manipulative. She is crying because
she needs you. This is perhaps the only problem in her life that
you can solve so easily !
| You
can't spoil the baby by responding immediately and lovingly
to his crying, but you can spoil him by not picking him
up. |
|
Sometimes
when parents or other caregivers get very frustrated with an irritable
and difficult baby, they may shake him in order to stop the crying.
Such shaking can be very dangerous, sometimes proving fatal
| Shaken
Baby Syndrome is the term used to describe the injuries
sustained by a baby due to vigorous shaking or jerking.
It can lead to permanent developmental damage or death
|
|
Tips for soothing a crying baby: -
-
Feed her if she has not been fed in the past two hours.
-
Check the nappy or diaper.
-
Make sure she is warm or cool enough.
-
If she seems ill or in pain, check to see if she has
fever and call the pediatrician.
-
Rock and cuddle her.
-
Sing to her or put on some soothing music.
-
Take her for a walk or a drive.
-
Distract her with the fan or light.
-
Keep calm yourself or give her to another adult who is calm and
unstressed.
| A
crying baby is not intentionally trying to make your life
difficult. Nor does it mean that you're bad parent if
you are instantly unable to soothe him. |
|
|
