A baby’s cry is one of the world’s most elusive languages to figure out. There are so many problems that could make your perfect little angel into a screaming demon. Here are 10 tips to help with a baby's crying.
1. Use a journal to track a baby’s day. It is a great resource to find possible patterns. Recording periods of sleep, feedings, diapering, alertness, and unknown fussiness will show insights into a child‘s developing schedule.
2. Feeding is an important part of an infant’s life. Knowing how often, how much, or how long (for breastfeeding moms) he or she eats can help most of all. Growth spurts usually cause cluster feeding (more frequent feeding).
3. Keep track of bowel movement patterns. If a child usually has a bowel movement in the mornings after a feeding, and hasn’t gone for a while then an upset tummy could be the culprit.
4. Sleep is an essential part of the growing process for a newborn. Baby’s grow very fast, and all that energy being used takes a toll on that little body. They also don’t like to miss any exciting events which results in fighting sleep.
5. Use a pacifier. Babies have a natural instinct to suck, and this can also help them self-soothe.
6. Change position. Rock, walk, swaddle, car ride, warm bath, or soothing sounds can all help an upset infant change disposition. Having skin-to-skin contact with the distressed newborn can also have a calming effect.
7. Observing the signs that precede a fussy period can assist a new mother to stay ahead of their child’s mood, and hopefully prevent a meltdown. Understanding a baby’s body language can aid in better understanding.
8. Compile a list of issues that could be wrong: hungry, gassy, dirty, sleepy, lonely, etc. Next to each problem, write down the discoveries made during observation. For example, next to “hungry,” a mother could write down: eats four ounces, every three hours. This list can help ease the transition from mom to caregiver and vice versa.
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9. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, there is a learning curve in understanding babies. There isn’t one source of information to go to, but multiple ideas and media to explore for answers. One resource for new parents is the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and there website for new parents called Healthy Children.
10. Utilize other great resources like New Mom Support Groups. Louisville has mix of groups for new mothers, and their interests. Find one today with the “Support Group” list below.
Using these techniques will help new mommies be more fluent in crying and have better communication with caregivers. More importantly, it can provide for a happier baby (and a happier mommy).
For more information: AAP , Healthy Children, and WebMD on Colic
Support Groups:
Louisville Moms Like Me
Louisville Mommies
SE Indiana Mommies
Holistic Mom’s Network-Louisville Chapter
Louisville Mother of Twins Club
Online Postpartum Depressions (PPD)
United Partners in Kentucky (special needs)
Mamas Hip
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