When Your Baby Cries
Does your baby need to be fed or burped? Feed your baby when they are hungry, not strictly by the clock. Check with your doctor if you think he or she is sensitive to formula milk or to cow's milk in the mother's diet.
Does the baby need to be changed? Check their diaper to make sure it is dry and not too tight.
Does the baby seem warm or cold? If the baby's head is perspring, loosen or remove some clothing. If their hands or feet are cold, add socks, clothing or a blanket.
Does your baby seem to have a fever? Does he or she seem to be in pain from an earache, teething, a rash or insect bite? Call your doctor or health clinic for advice if you think your baby might be ill or in pain.
Does your baby need to suck? Guide their fingers to their mouth or offer them a pacifier.
Does your baby need to feel close to you? Hold your baby often and for extended periods. Babies need to be touched and cuddled in order to develop physically and mentally. Many parents enjoy "wearing" their young child in a cloth sling or baby holder. This calms the baby while you carry on with normal daily activities. Recognized studies show that baby wearing reduces crying and fussiness by half.
Does your baby seem cranky? Maybe he or she is overtired or over stimulated. turn off extra noise like the television or radio. Lower the lights. Wrap the baby with his arms and legs inside a blanket and lay him on his back or side in his crib.
Does your baby just need to cry? Remember that all babies cry, sometimes a lot during the first year of life. If you've tried everything, your baby is still crying, and it's getting to you, wrap the baby snugly in a blanket and place him on his back or side in a quiet, darkened room. Close the door and go to another room. It's okay if your baby cries while you calm down. Letting your baby cry out when you've had enough is safer than yelling, hitting, or shaking. Then try the following tips to take care of yourself. You've earned it!
And For Yourself
Let your anger out in a safe way. Listen to soft music, take a hot shower or soothing bath, exercise, do house work, take several deep breaths, count to 100 and calm down
Stop and think about why you feel so angry. Remember that the baby doesn't hate you or want to ruin your life. When your baby cries, he's not telling you you're a bad parent. He can't talk; crying is the only way your baby has to let you know what he needs and feels.
Sit down or lie down and close your eyes. Think of a pleasant place in your memory. Stay quiet for several minutes.
Call a friend or relative and talk about your frustration, or see if someone can take over for a while.
Call your child's doctor or health clinic if you feel frustrated and angry with your child because of crying, toilet training, feeding, sleep problems, constant interruptions or other behavior. Ask for specific things to do to make the situation better. Keep talking to your doctor or nurse about the problems, until they get better.
Remember
It's normal to feel upset and angry. Taking care of a baby or child can be tiring and sometimes frustrating. But there are ways to comfort him and yourself, and people nearby to help. So remember:
* Never yell at, hit, or shake a baby! *
