Tender Mother
Comfort Your Baby
Before you can look at how to soothe a crying baby, it's important that you know why babies cry. Here is a partial listing of what could make a baby cry, some might surprise you:
* Hunger
* Dirty/Wet diaper
* Pain
* Lonely
* Frustrated
* Overstimulated
* Tired
* Bored
Just like adults our babies can through many emotional situations that leave them unable to cope. While there are cues for most problems prior to crying, crying is the one sure sign that baby isn't happy or is in need of something.
Figuring out that something isn't always easy. Trying the basics like feeding, holding, changing etc. might work the majority of the time and yet others it won't. Don't take the crying of your baby personally and know that you can't always stop it or prevent it.
Here are some tips for dealing with a crying baby:
* Hold baby
* Bundle baby in a blanket
* Feed baby
* Change baby
* The infamous car ride
* Rock baby
* Take a walk with baby in a sling or other carrier
* Use white noise (vacuum, shower, hair dryer, tape)
* Music
* Motion (hold baby while washer is spinning or on dryer, do not leave baby alone, even in car seat)
* Whatever works!
Knowing your baby's cues and knowing your limits can be very helpful. There will be days where the crying might get to you. Do not be afraid to let someone else take care of the baby while you take a walk or a shower. If you're feeling really frustrated and you're a lone try sitting baby in a safe place (car seat strapped in on the floor, crib, etc.) while you take a quick shower, or turn up music in another room for a few minutes. Call a friend, ask for help. Don't be afraid, we all have these days and it does not mean that you're a bad parent.