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Responding To Your Baby’s Cries |
As difficult as it can be for you to hear your baby cry, crying serves many useful purposes. Because crying is the primary source of communication during the first months of life, it helps him call for assistance when hungry or uncomfortable. Crying also helps your baby shut out sights, sounds, and other sensations that are too overwhelming, and it helps to release tension.
You will quickly learn your baby’s different cries and will be able to tell when he or she needs to be consoled, picked up, fed, or simply left alone. Hungry cries are usually short and low-pitched while an angry cry is generally far more turbulent. A cry of pain or distress generally comes on suddenly with a long high-pitched shriek followed by a pause and a wail.
The best way to manage your baby’s crying is to tend to it promptly, especially during the first few months. You simply cannot spoil a young baby by giving him or her attention, and crying will be lessened if you answer his or her calls for help. When responding to crying, address the most pressing needs first. If, however, nothing is working to stop the crying, try using the following consoling techniques:
Rocking, either in your arms as you gently sway back and forth, or in a rocking chair
Swaddling (wrapping baby snugly in a receiving blanket)
Singing or talking
Gently patting or stroking his or her head, back, or chest
Playing light music
Carrying him or her in an infant carrier or sling
Riding in the car
Burping to relieve any trapped gas bubbles
Warm bath
Finally, don’t despair if every attempt to stop the crying has failed. Some babies cannot fall asleep without a period of crying. The crying won’t last long if your baby is truly tired. If your baby is truly inconsolable, no matter what you do and hasn’t fallen asleep, he or she may be ill. Check for a fever, and if necessary don’t hesitate to call your health care advisor or paediatrician.
Remember, the more calm that you can stay during periods of crying, the easier it will be to console your baby. Listening to a wailing baby is not easy, but don’t let your frustrations turn to anger or panic. If you feel that you cannot handle the situation, get help from a family member or friend.
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