Tuesday, 1 July 2014

7 Reasons Babies Cry and How To Soothe Them (PART 2)


This is the continuation of: 7 Reasons Babies Cry and How To Soothe Them. In case you missed the first part, I advise you don’t miss it, so kindly read it here Part 1

I'm tired and need a rest
Often, babies find it hard to get to sleep, particularly if they are over-tired. You will soon become aware of your baby's sleep cues. Whining and crying at the slightest thing, staring blankly into space, and going quiet and still are just three examples.
If your baby has received a lot of attention and cuddles from doting visitors, she may become over-stimulated. Then, when it comes to sleeping, she'll find it hard to switch off and settle. Take your baby somewhere calm and quiet to help her to settle down.

I'm too cold or too hot
Your baby may hate having her nappy changed or being bathed. She may not be used to the feeling of cold air on her skin and would rather be bundled up and warm. But you will soon learn how to perform a quick nappy change if this is the case.

Take care not to overdress your baby, or she may become too hot. She will generally need to wear one more layer of clothing than you to be comfortable.
Use sheets and cellular blankets as bedding in your baby's cot or Moses basket. You can check whether your baby is too hot or too cold by feeling her tummy. If her tummy feels too hot, remove a blanket, and if it feels cold, add one.

Don't be guided by your baby's hands or feet, as they usually feel cool. Keep your baby's room at a temperature of about 18 degrees C. Place her down to sleep on her back with her feet at the end of the cot. That way she can't wriggle too far down under the blankets and become too hot .

I need my nappy changing
Your baby may protest if her clothes are too tight or if a wet or soiled nappy is bothering her. Or she may not mind if her nappy is full and may actually enjoy the warm and comfortable feeling. But if your baby's tender skin is being irritated she will most likely cry.

I need something to make me feel better
Be aware of changes in your baby. If she's unwell, she'll probably cry in a different tone to her usual cry. It may be weaker, more urgent, continuous, or high-pitched. And if your baby usually cries a lot but has become unusually quiet, it may be a sign that she's not well.

Nobody knows your baby as well as you do. If you feel that there may be something wrong with her, call your GP, midwife or health visitor.

Health professionals will always take your concerns seriously. Call your doctor if your baby has difficulty breathing through the crying, or if the crying is accompanied by a fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation.

My baby's still crying. What can I do?
As you gradually get to know your baby's personality you'll learn which techniques work best for her. If a cuddle doesn't do the job, these suggestions may help:

Find a constant sound
In the uterus (womb), your baby could hear the beat of your heart, which is why she likes to be held close to you now. There are other repetitive noises that may also have a calming effect.

The steady rhythm of a washing machine, or the noise of a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer may lull your baby to sleep. But never put your baby on top of a washing machine or clothes dryer, just supervise her on the floor, next to it.
You can also download white-noise sounds or a white noise app for your phone, or buy a white-noise CD created for babies. These mimic the sounds in the uterus and may soothe your crying baby.

Rock-a-bye baby
Babies usually love to be gently rocked. You could:
Walk around while rocking her.
Sit with her in a rocking chair.
If she's old enough, sit her securely in a baby swing.
Take her out for a ride in your car.
Take her out for a walk in her pushchair.

Try a massage or a tummy rub
Using massage oils or cream and gently rubbing her back or tummy can help to soothe your baby. It may also make you feel better, as it's a practical way of reducing your baby's distress. Ask your health visitor about local baby massage classes

Part 3 Next Week Tuesday

CREDIT: BabyCentre.co.uk


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