Crying, Crying, Crying... What Can I Do?

"A vital task for new parents is to learn to identify the different cries of the newborn. Any cry on her part is interpreted as a call for help. Parents automatically feel that they must respond and must find the problem that is making the baby cry. This will take time. There are at least six different cries: pain, hunger, discomfort, fatigue, boredom, and tension discharge. "
(Touchpoints, T. Berry Brazelton, M.D.)

All babies cry. Many babies (85%) cry long and often. Sometimes this crying is a fussy period at the end of the day. The baby is still trying to organize all the stimulation he is receiving each and every day. Crying is your baby's way of adjusting to this new world. It is one of your baby's normal six states of consciousness. Crying is not a sign of failure.

IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT OR YOUR BABY'S FAULT.

TRY THIS:

• Keep calm.
• Pick up your baby.
• Check his diaper.
• Offer a feeding.

Offer other comforting tricks:

• If your baby has not calmed down, lay him down in a safe place, and let him cry for 10-15 minutes to let off steam.
• Pick up your baby; offer warm water to burp.
• Let him have another cycle of letting off steam. (crying)
• Repeat this cycle 3 or 4 times; your baby will be more organized and probably will sleep better.

MORE COMFORTING "TRICKS"

• Swaddling: wrap baby snugly in a blanket or hold her close to your body.
• Lay baby across your knees; rub or pat her back. Rock baby at 60 rocks per minute--infant swing.
• Walk with her tucked under your arm, with your hand under her tummy.
• Hold baby so she can look around to see things.
• Try changing her bath to evening.
• Burp her well to get air out of her tummy.
• Offer a pacifier or help her to find her thumb.
• Sucking helps relax her stomach.
• Sing to her or play soft music.
• Sometimes a continuous sound such as a fan or radio tuned to static may help calm her.
• Go for a ride in the car, putting her in a carseat.

Remember: If your baby cries excessively, see your doctor. He or she may have other ideas to help your baby.