THE BABY IS CRYING - WHAT SHOULD I DO?

No one likes to listen to a baby or child cry for a long time. It is irritating and frustrating. Some babies cry a lot when they are hungry, wet, tired, or just want company. Some infants cry at certain times of the day or night (usually when you want to sleep or eat). Feeding and changing them may help, but sometimes even that doesn't work.

Take your baby to the doctor to see if a medical reason can be found. Some babies cry because they have “colic”. These babies seem to have a hard time settling into life. Their crying may just be the way they deal with tense feelings. Often you can tell that a baby is “colicky” because he curls up, and then straightens out over and over.

Here are some things you can try when your baby cries:

• See if the baby is hungry or needs a diaper change .
• Lean over the baby without picking him/her up and talk, sing or whisper softly and slowly.
• Guide the baby’s hand to its mouth to suck on .
• Gently rock the baby in your arms or walk with the child cuddled against your shoulder.
• Place the baby in a stroller and go for a walk around the neighborhood.
• Create a soothing distraction such as running the vacuum, running water, turning on the dryer, or playing music .
• Give the baby a pacifier; place your hands on its crown while feeding to comfort them.
• Just hold your hands around them for security; hold the child in your arms facing your chest and swaddle the baby. This also gives the baby security.
• Place baby in automatic swing in room with you.

To calm yourself, take time out and try:

• Counting to 10 before doing anything.
• Watching something you enjoy on television.
• Taking a shower, if someone can watch the baby.
• Exercising.
• If you still feel out of control, take time out to call a friend, neighbor or relative and ask for help.

No matter how impatient or angry you feel:

DO NOT SHAKE THE BABY! SHAKING CAN CAUSE BRAIN DAMAGE, BLINDNESS, HEARING LOSS, LEARNING PROBLEMS, SEIZURE DISORDERS, CEREBRAL PALSY, PARALYSIS OR DEATH.

Never hold or pick up a baby when you feel angry. BE SURE TO TELL EVERYONE WHO TAKES CARE OF YOUR CHILD NEVER TO SHAKE HIM OR HER FOR ANY REASON.

 Letting the baby cry it out when you have had enough is safer than shaking or punishing the baby. Your baby will outgrow the constant crying. For now, HOLDING, GENTLY ROCKING AND TELLING THE BABY YOU LOVE HIM AND WANT HIM TO FEEL BETTER.

For More Information Call :

Joyce Taylor, Community Outreach Worker at 410-228-3223 ext 158, Ruth Baker, RN of Maternal Child Health Services at (410) 228-3294 or Kathy Wise or Beth Nossick of Healthy Families at (410) 901– 2388.

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