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Babies cry for many reasons, but the main reason is to tell you something. Babies cry when they are uncomfortable, wet, cold, too warm, hungry, thirsty, tired, or need to burp. As a new parent, you will learn the differences between a tired, sleepy cry, and a hungry, "feed-me" cry. Answer your newborn's cries. Pick the infant up and try to identify the reason for the crying. When clean, dry, and fed, the newborn may just want the comfort of your arms. Do not worry about spoiling a newborn. Babies under two months of age need to know that their needs will be met. This helps them feel that the world is a friendly place. For newborns, forget the idea of letting the baby "cry it out". Babies whose needs are met quickly and consistently cry less in the first year than babies whose needs are not met.
Sometimes babies cry in spite of efforts to comfort them. Wrapping the baby snuggly in a blanket, or swaddling, can help. Holding the baby close, walking, or rocking the baby can be soothing. It can be very distressing to try to calm a baby who will not stop crying. Keep yourself calm. It is almost impossible to comfort a baby if you are tense and upset, too. If you feel you are getting too upset, don't be afraid to call a relative, friend, or your doctor. "Colic" describes episodes of crying that happen for hours at a time. Colic is quite common in babies less than three months of age. No one knows what causes colic. It usually begins at about 2 weeks of age and should resolve by 4 months. Breast fed babies are not as likely to have colic as formula-fed babies. IF YOUR BABY IS COLICKY, HERE ARE SOME IDEAS: - Hold the baby in an upright position during feeding.
- Notice when the baby is fussiest. For many babies, it is in the evening. Change your schedule if you can. Make your dinner a simple meal. If possible, put it together earlier in the day. This allows you more time to deal with your baby's needs.
- Try swaddling the baby in a blanket. Walking with the baby on your shoulder, rocking, or putting the baby in a mechanical swing sometimes helps quiet the baby. A ride in the car, with the baby in the safety carseat, works as well.
- Check the baby's fingers, toes, and if it is a boy, the penis for hair tourniquet - a hair wrapped tightly around the involved body part.
- If the baby is crying vigorously and cannot be comforted in a reasonable period of time, see your doctor.
Taking care of a baby can be stressful. Talk with your doctor or contact Tresillian or Karitane (1800 677 961) if you are concerned about your baby's crying, or your ability to cope. Article #4802 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
