  |
|
|
|
New parents can try different approaches to comfort a crying baby.
A baby's incessant crying can be quite nerve-wrecking, particularly for new parents. Some parents may get so exasperated that they feel like joining the baby for a good cry too! Don't be overly alarmed. Babies cry for a number of reasons and crying is their only means of communicating their feelings and needs. Here are some tips parents may find useful. Learn Baby’s LanguageIn the article “The Crying Game: Top Tips to Soothe your Baby’s Sobs” which appears in the September 2008 issue of Essence, a magazine published by the Australian Breastfeeding Association, author Pinky McKay emphasizes on the importance of reading a baby’s body language even before the crying starts. “By learning your baby’s pre-cry signals – wriggling, anxious facial expressions, little grimaces, flailing arms, ‘rooting’ at the breasts and changes in breathing, you will be able to see if she is bored, frightened, hungry, tired or overwhelmed,” she writes. So if parents respond appropriately, full-blown crying may be prevented. Wear the BabyMcKay also suggests what she terms as “womb service” – easing the transition from womb to room by wearing a baby in a sling next to mum’s body. This helps her to feel safe and comfortable, just as she was in the womb. In the first few weeks of her life, it's also crucial to protect the baby’s senses by reducing sudden movements, changes in temperatures, loud noises and bright lights. Check for Signs of Pain and DiscomfortMake sure the baby is neither too warm nor too cold. Also, check her diaper regularly and change it if there is a need. Look out for signs of pain, identify its cause – for example an insect bite, ear infection, colic or rashes – and find a suitable remedy for it. Respond PromptlyA baby left on her own for too long or held and passed around by friends and relatives is very likely to wail for mum’s attention. Go to her rescue quickly. If you leave her to cry, she will get more upset and wail even longer and louder. Giving her a cuddle, rocking her back and forth gently in mum’s arms or patting her back softly may work. Mum can try humming or singing lullabies while comforting a cranky baby too. Feed BabyOften, babies cry simply because they are hungry. Having small tummies mean they can’t go on without food for too long. Breastfeeding advocates suggest feeding the baby on demand, not according to hours as well as allowing the baby to decide when she is finished with the first breast before mum switches sides. Massage BabyThe massage approach is most effective if it’s done when the baby has somewhat calmed down. This helps her to relate gentle massage with relaxation. With warm baby oil, firmly yet gently massage the baby’s back from the neck down to her bottom. Then firmly rub her back and bottom. If wind in the tummy is the cause of her discomfort, try massaging her tummy with clockwise strokes – the direction that food moves. Then gently press her knees against her abdomen to push the gas out. Give a Warm Bath Adults often find a warm bath relaxing. So do babies. For babies older than three months, add a few drops of chamomile or lavender oil for even better soothing effects. When the bath is over, quickly wrap her up in a soft, cozy towel. There are many ways to calm a fussy and cranky baby. Reading her body lingo, wearing her in a sling, checking for signs of discomfort, responding to her cries quickly, feeding her, giving her a gentle massage and bathing her are some methods parents can try. If one way doesn’t work, try another. Something is sure to work. Reference: Elizabeth Fenwick. The Complete Book of Mother and Baby Care. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2003
The copyright of the article How to Soothe a Crying Baby in Infant & Toddler Health is owned by Wei Yin Wong. Permission to republish How to Soothe a Crying Baby in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
