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5 tips on how to handle a crying baby

Posted by Dave on January 17, 2011 No Comments

BABYfootCrying Baby

Most babies cry often. Crying is an important way that he/she communicates to you before they can speak. Figuring out why can be hard – it is a matter of trial and error. What works today may not work tomorrow or the next day, but your need to show your baby they can trust you by picking him/her up and comforting them every time he/she cries.

How to calm a crying baby

  • Cuddle or wrap baby up in a blanket
  • While holding baby, gently bounce or walk with the baby while speaking softly
  • Whisper in your baby’s ear
  • Go for a walk or car ride
  • Be silly – sing or make funny faces

Why babies cry

Crying is an important way that your baby communicates to you before they learn how to speak. Sometimes it is difficult to figure out why your baby is crying. What works today may not work the next day, but what is important is that you show your baby they can trust you by picking them up and comforting baby every time he cries. Try to understand why your baby is crying, then you can try to help

Babies cry for a number of reasons. This can sometimes lead to frustration on the parent’s part. It is very important to remember that you should never shake your baby as this can be very harmful to the baby.

Here are some possible reasons why babies cry along with helpful tips that you can try to soothe your crying baby.

Possible Reasons What you can do…..
Hungry
  • Feed your baby, or offer breast often if it  helps to soothe baby
  • Baby may be hungrier on some days
Pain or discomfort
  • Pick up your  baby
  • Comfort your baby
  • Change baby’s diaper
  • Rub baby’s back
  • Burp your baby
  • Changing your baby’s position may help
Too hot / cold
  • Baby should be dressed as warmly as you are, plus one more layer
  • Baby should not be hot or cool to the touch
Tired or over-stimulated
  • Swaddle baby with a light blanket, turn lights off
  • Keep your baby’s surrounding quiet
  • Rocking baby gently can be soothing for both of you
Needs a change
  • Read, play, talk, sing and hold your baby everyday
  • Change rooms so your baby can look at different things
Illness
  • If your baby’s cry sounds different to you or you are not able to soothe baby after trying everything take baby to the doctor
Just because
  • Hold, rock, talk, walk, sing, bathe baby, swaddle, massage, offer breast, offer a pacifier or try soothing music
  • Give baby time to respond to each thing you do
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