The first thing to do when you have a crying baby is to take your own temperature. How are you? Do you need a visit to our
Parent Relaxation Center?
If not, congrats! You are an awesome parent with nerves of steel!
When your baby's crying, check the easiest things first. Are the basics covered?
__ Baby fed?
__ Diaper changed?
__ Right amount of clothing? (I tended to overdress my poor boy and he would get a bit overheated.)
To change your baby's crying, try changing something through one of their senses - change what they see, hear, feel, taste or smell.
To change what your baby sees __ Turn the lights on __ Turn the lights off __ Give the baby to your spouse and take a break __ If you’re inside go out __ If you’re outside, go in __ Hold the baby in front of your face __ Hold the baby in front of a window __ Hold the baby in front of a mirror __ Turn on the TV or, if already on, turn it off __ Hold them in front of a fish tank __ Practice your baby signs with them __ Hold different patterns in front of them. (I used Tim’s Hawaiian shirts.)
Change what your baby hears __ Sing a lullaby to them (my favorite) __ Play a lullaby for them __ Hush at them – loudly (sounds like the womb) __ Use a womb sound toy (see our store for ideas). __ Have dad talk or sing a lullaby to them __ Turn on a radio or the stereo (sometimes static works best) __ Put them in a sling and vacuum your house or apartment
Change what your baby feels __ Take them for a drive __ Put them in a baby sling __ Swaddle them and try putting them in different positions. __ Kangaroo Care. Undress them and lay them on your bare chest. Hum to them (especially dads – babies love rhythmic bass notes) __ Put them in a bouncy seat and bounce it __ Put them in a swing and swing it __ Give them a pacifier __ Give them a baby massage __ Try baby exercises. Lie them on their back and gently clap their hands or feet __ Try burping them __ Walk around your space __ Dance around your space __ Rock them in a rocking chair __ Take them for a stroller ride __ Change their clothes __ Give them a bath
Finally, ask your doctor about changing their taste or smell. Obviously, alcohol, caffeine, soda, etc are NOT appropriate. However, dipping a clean pacifier in some diluted lemonade or orange juice and then giving it to a crying baby might just cause lip smacking and end the nerve racking.
If these changes don’t do the trick, you’re baby has a lot to say. Just wait until they learn to talk! Rest assured that you are doing everything possible to comfort your child. Put on some soothing music for you or call a friend for support if you need it. Never forget you are a wonder and that this phase will pass in time.
According to our baby class instructor, if your baby cries for 3 hours or more, contact your doctor for advice. And if you are ever concerned, call anyway.
