Soothing Your Infant

Here are questions to ask yourself when your baby is crying and needs comforting:

• Does your baby’s diaper need changing?
You should know that a fussy baby might cry even more during the changing, but don’t be alarmed. Usually he or she will calm down once dry and more comfortable.

• Does your baby seem too warm or cold to the touch?
If too warm, remove some blankets or loosen clothing. If cold, add a blanket and some socks.

• Does your baby need to be fed?
While it’s good not to overfeed, sometimes babies may need just a little extra milk to make them settle down. Try burping your baby, too.

• Does your baby seem ill to you?
If so, call your pediatrician or health clinic promptly and get advice.

Sometimes babies cry because they need some cuddly comfort. Here are ways to help you and your baby feel close and that have been found to reduce crying by half!

• Breast feed your baby if you are able. Babies fed on-demand cry less, especially during the day, than babies fed on a 4-hour schedule.
• Carry your baby frequently and in an upright position throughout the day. Many parents enjoy “wearing” their baby in a cloth sling or baby-holder. Babies respond well to the constant closeness and movement.
• Hold your baby’s bare skin against your own.

You might find that both of you are comforted by the warm, cozy, skin-to-skin contact.

• Respond to your baby promptly - within a minute or less - when he cries or fusses…and also when he’s alert and happy. Babies benefit from all this attention. It won’t ever spoil them and it may reduce some of the crying. Ask family and friends to stay with you or visit often, especially during the first few months when crying increases and peaks, so they can help give your baby this special attention.

Here are more soothing tips that many parents report help them comfort their crying babies. They are called the 5 S’s.

• First, try Swaddling: Wrap your fussy baby with arms down in a light, snugly blanket (42” square is best.) Don’t overheat your baby or put him to sleep with loose blankets that can wrap around the face.
• Next, turn to a Side or Stomach Position: When your baby is fussy, you might find she calms faster if you hold her in your arms, or on your lap on her side or stomach. When putting her to sleep, however, NEVER place her on her stomach or side – only on her back. This will greatly reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Now you’re ready for Shushing: This is magic for some babies. Make a shushing sound louder than the baby’s crying so you’ll be sure she can hear you, or turn on a hair dryer safely away from the baby. You can buy a “white noise” machine or CD of these sounds to play for your fussy baby or to help her sleep.
• Then comes Swinging: Babies love motion like rocking chairs and going for walks. Wear your baby in a cloth sling or baby holder. When your little one gets upset, hold him close, support his head, and try a little dancing. Fussy babies love tiny, jiggly movements.
• Now add Sucking: Babies love to suck. Offer your crying baby your breast, finger or a pacifier.

To schedule a training session and learn more contact us.

The Happiest Baby on the Block and the 5 S's are printed with permission from Harvey Karp, MD