Archive for November, 2009

22 Tips to Calm a Crying Baby

November 26th, 2009

A 10-pound mass of human creates a lot of noise, and new parents feel pretty inadequate when they can’t stop the crying. There’s help! Click for tips from experts and parents.

1. Stay calm.

The best thing parents can do when their infant is crying is to stay calm. An increase in your stress level will increase your baby’s. Remain calm and your baby might follow suit.

2. Check Baby’s diaper.

A wet or soiled diaper is one of the most common reasons for a baby’s tears. Even if you have recently changed your baby’s diaper, it’s still a good idea to check again. Check Baby’s diaper first before trying other calming methods, and change as needed.

3. Check Baby’s temperature.

Feel the back of your baby’s neck to see if she is too hot or too cold. Add or remove layers accordingly.

4. Feed Baby.

Most babies cry when they are hungry. Try offering the breast or bottle to soothe your little one.

Sometimes breastfeeding mothers worry that they will overfeed their babies because their babies seem to want to eat so often. Experts say it is normal for breastfeeding babies to eat often, as breast milk is quickly absorbed.

5. Ease gas pain.

If Baby starts crying after a feeding, he may have a gas bubble. Try patting his back, bending his knees toward his chest or rubbing his back while he lies on your lap to release the gas.

Successful burping is a skill most parents come to pride themselves on, but it’s also one of the oddest things a person could have imagined doing before becoming a parent.

6. Distract Baby.

It’s surprising how often this method works. Parents who’ve tried this suggest making faces or blowing raspberries to take your baby’s mind off the reason for his tears.

7. Snuggle.

Sometimes, all a baby needs is love. Take a few moments to snuggle with your little one. Give him kisses and hugs, hold him close and tell him how much you love him.

8. Change the way you hold Baby.

Some little ones like to be held over the shoulder, some prefer the football hold and still others like to be held facing out. Experiment to learn what your infant likes best.

9. Sing or hum.

Soft, gentle songs sung by a familiar voice will often calm Baby’s cries. Even if the singer is not particularly gifted, give this tip a try. Humming also offers a soothing vibratory sensation.

10. Dance.

A slow, repetitive motion can lull Baby into a peaceful state. The warmth of a loved one’s body and the snuggling that goes along with the dance are added benefits.

11. Gently rock or bounce.

Rocking in a chair or baby swing often helps to calm a baby, but pay attention to your child’s cues. For some little ones, the motion can actually be over-stimulating.

Some experts recommend a gentle bounce with Baby. Hold Baby against your chest, facing you in an upright position, and bend slightly at the knees. This movement imitates the gentle motion Baby experiences in the womb.

12. Undress Baby.

Sometimes the reason for Baby’s discomfort lies beneath the surface. For this reason, experts suggest undressing your baby completely and looking to see if you can spot a physical problem. Snaps can pinch little legs and diaper tape can stick to tender skin.

13. Give a bath.

Warmth and water offer many calming benefits. A few drops of lavender oil in the bath can also help Baby relax. The bath might help ease Mom’s tension, too, so feel free to hop in with your little one.

14. Skin-to-skin contact.

Studies have shown that holding Baby right against your body, with chests and abdomens touching, not only calms babies but also enhances the maternal-infant bond.

15. Massage Baby.

Lay your bare baby on a warm, firm surface in a frog-like position, and then gently rub her back, aiming toward the lower back. Don’t rub too lightly, though, or you could tickle her and make her even fussier. This method can be so effective that Baby falls asleep. If this happens, be sure to turn her over to her back so she can sleep safely.

16. Pacify Baby.

Although the use of pacifiers is controversial in some circles, many babies find comfort in sucking. If your baby doesn’t need to be fed, but does need to suck, offer one and see how he reacts.

17. Reduce external stimulation.

Babies sometimes cry because there is too much going on for their little minds to process. Try dimming the lights, removing toys and reducing noise levels.

18. Swaddle Baby.

Wrapping your baby tightly in a warm, soft blanket can help her calm down. Because babies don’t realize that the flailing arms they see are their own, they may become frightened by them. Swaddling reduces anxiety and returns them to a womb-like state.

19. Go for a drive.

Few things can calm a baby as effectively as a ride in the car. The vibrations and soothing sound can hush even the most persistent wails.

20. Go for a stroll.

Fresh air and sunshine can help Mom and Baby feel better. Break out the stroller or the baby sling and take a walk around the block.

21. Use white noise.

A tool used by many parents of inconsolable babies is “white noise.” Any continuous mechanical sound can help calm a baby and put him to sleep. Vacuums, hair dryers and fans are examples. If you find a noise that works for Baby, make a recording of it for your safety and sanity.

22. Know when to surrender.

Even the most calm and patient parent can reach her breaking point when dealing with an extremely fussy baby. Knowing your limits will help protect you and your baby. When you find yourself feeling overly frustrated, lay Baby in his crib and close the door. Take a few moments to calm down and remind yourself that this stage will not last forever. If necessary, call a friend, family member or babysitter for respite.(babiestoday.com)

Planning Ahead for the Birth of Your Baby

November 24th, 2009

The following are things you can do to get ready 6-8 weeks before your baby is
due.

    • Choose a baby doctor called a pediatrician or a family doctor for your baby.
    • Take a hospital tour. This helps you know where you will deliver your baby
    and gives you the chance to learn about the hospital’s routines and policies.
    • Fill out hospital forms and send them to the hospital. This will shorten the
    admission process when you are in labor.
    • Put the car seat in your car. Have it checked by a trained person. You cannot
    take your baby home from the hospital without a car seat. If you have
    limited income, check with your doctor or clinic to see if they have free or
    lower cost car seats available.
    • Make plans for someone to care for your other children while you are in the
    hospital.
    • Plan for help with housework and meals for a couple of weeks after your
    baby is born.
    • Get the baby room, crib and other items ready for use. Prepare a place to
    care for your baby such as diaper changing spot on each floor of your home.
    Some parents put baby care items in a basket that can be carried from room
    to room.
    • Plan childcare arrangements. Many day cares have long waiting lists.
    • Pack your bag for the hospital.
    • Think about taking childbirth education, breastfeeding and baby care classes
    to prepare you to care for your baby.

Finally,donot forget to talk to your doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns.