Crying is a form of communication and for a baby's first few months, the only form of communication she is really good at. Unfortunately, a crying baby can make many people uneasy, including mom. Finding ways to soothe a crying baby may help reduce tension and frustration and help baby rest easier.
Understand the Different Cries That Baby Makes and Reasons They Cry
Babies cry for many reasons. They can be tired, hungry, not feeling well, needing comfort or overstimulated. In time, you will learn what your baby's cries mean and will be able to address them accordingly.
If baby is crying because she is hungry, you would simply feed her. For all other cries, the solution is not as simple. If she is crying because she doesn't feel well, she won't be able to really tell you how she feels and it won't be easy treating her. If she is tired, she may have a hard time falling asleep. If she needs comfort, a simple hug may work or she may need to be rocked to sleep.
Rocking and Walking Baby to Stop Crying Episodes
Sitting comfortably in a rocking chair and cuddling your baby may help her calm down and stop crying. The soothing rhythm of the rocking motion can imitate the motion in the womb and offer baby some comfort. Likewise, walking the baby around, either by carrying her or pushing her in a stroller, can also give the child comfort.
Using Sound and Music to Soothe Baby and Stop Her Crying
Sounds like white noise are often successful in helping babies to relax. They can be sounds from a running vacuum cleaner, or an oscillating fan. Some other options are the sound machines you can buy in stores. They offer a wide range of background sounds such as:
- birds in rainforest
- heartbeat
- falling rain
- thunderstorms
- ocean waves
- country life with crickets
You can also use relaxation CDs for soft music or even musical artist CDs that your baby responds too. Many babies respond well to music that has prominent drum beats and nice-even tones.
Giving Baby a Relaxing Bath to Comfort Him
Depending on why your baby is crying, he may respond well to a soothing bath. The sound of the running water and warmth of the water can help relax him and calm him down. Many people use lavender bath washes, but it's important to remember that many essential oils can cause allergic reactions in infants under six months of age.
Follow a Consistent Routine to Keep Your Baby From Crying too Much
Each infant is different in her preferences, and most babies do like their routines. They get accustomed to napping and eating at certain times, so if you decide to do some shopping when baby is wanting to nap, it may interfere with her schedule and her mood. Babies often get over-stimulated, which can often happen while they are in an infant swing or even in a bassinet in the family room.
Sometimes, babies just need a quiet and dark room to calm down. Sounds like whitenoise are often calming, but even these can be over-stimulating if baby is in a sensitive mood.
Knowing Why Your Baby is Crying Will Help You Minimize Crying Episodes
Being around your baby often will slowly help you to understand why she is crying and how you can best soothe her and stop her crying. In the beginning, every cry will sound the same and it is normal to be afraid that your baby is uncomfortable and needing care. If your baby is eating well and resting well, than chances are she is doing fine. If your baby cries often right after eating, she may be gassy and your doctor can help you with some tips on minimizing discomfort.
Colic is another reason your baby may be crying. There often isn't any treatment for colic and it will disappear on its own after a few months. It can be very unnerving though, especially for new parents and caregivers. If you need a break, take one and refresh yourself. Get out of the house for an hour or two so your mind is calm and your energy restored.
Look online for music boxes and spa sets that offer a variety of background sounds that may help calm your baby. You may also find other musical items online, like soothing mobiles that can relax your baby and help her relax.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Tamara Laschinsky - Health and wellness advocate, author, researcher and owner of Natural e GREEN: Natural Health & Wellness store!
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