How Can I Help My Baby Stop Crying?

How Can I Help My Baby Stop Crying?
By Tina Allen

Do you ever wonder what makes a baby cry?

As crying is one of the few ways babies have of communicating
their needs to us, they cry about almost anything. They have a
special cry when they are hungry, feel pain, have anxiety and
are over stimulated. Even when they have gas, are exhausted,
scared or frustrated, babies fuss and cry. It must be
frustrating and stressful when they are doing their best to
communicate to us and we don’t understand.

Stressful not just for babies but also for parents, who by
nature want to respond with action. But, how can we respond
appropriately?

To begin, feed your baby on demand, yes on demand. When you’re
hungry, how do you feel? Would eating change your mood? Then
feed your baby when they are hungry. Feeding on demand does not
create spoiled children. Of course don’t automatically assume
that your baby’s cries indicate that he is hungry. Just give the
baby your breast and see what happens.

If he still cries, check his diaper and if that’s not it, then
try some of the following:

Speak Gently: Try speaking softly and gently or even better,
try singing. Your baby knows your voice very well and will
recognize the tone and respond to it. Even if you are a little
off tune, baby won’t mind. Research has shown that babies like
the sounds of female voices but that does not mean dad can’t
give this a try too!

Relaxing Strokes: Sometimes babies cry because they just want
to be comforted. Maybe they’ve woken up abruptly or something
frightened them. A nurturing stroke can make a world of
difference. Try holding baby and gently stroking his back.

Make a Move: That’s right, try moving around. Babies love
motion as it reminds them of being in utero. But what kind of
movement? You might try walking, rocking, jiggling or swaying.

Swaddling: If you are not sure how to swaddle, ask your
pediatrician, a nurse or experienced mother how to swaddle the
baby. For many infants, being wrapped tightly in a blanket makes
them feel safe and secure.

“Shushing” Sounds: Many babies are soothed by white noise. Some
things to try: a humidifier, fan, vacuum and clothes dryer. It
is important to be sure the “shushing” sounds are as loud as
your baby’s crying.

Fresh Air: Try going outdoors. For many babies just being
outside in the fresh air can soothe. Maybe it’s the sounds of
the birds, the wind or the sun, whatever it is, many babies will
calm by being outdoors. Maybe this will even calm you, too.

Have a Break: For moms, if you’ve been trying and trying to
soothe your baby to no avail, give dad, your partner, grandma or
even a trusted friend a try. They may have their own unique way
of helping baby to calm and quiet.

About the Author: With over a decade of service to families,
Tina Allen has become an internationally respected parent
educator and expert in infant/children's massage therapy. Her
innovative approach to children's health has allowed her the
unique opportunity to educate families and professionals
throughout the world in nurturing touch.
http://www.liddlekidz.com

Source: http://www.isnare.com

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=147102&ca=Parenting