Soothing Baby Safely
Whether you're a first-time parent or an experienced one, it's important to remember that all babies cry. They cry to tell us what they need. Sometimes babies will cry for two to four hours daily. It's common for parents to be frustrated when their baby cries. But understanding why babies cry and what you can do to soothe them - and yourself - can prevent the devastating effects of shaking a baby.
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Understanding Why Babies Cry
Crying is a baby's way of communicating. Your baby's cries generally are letting you know that something is not right in his or her world. The cries may mean:
- Hunger: Breastfeed or give your baby a bottle
- Gas: Burp your baby to make him or her feel better
- Wet or Soiled Diaper: Make sure your baby is clean and dry
- Sleepiness: Hold and rock your baby
- Sickness: Check your baby's temperature. Call your doctor or clinic if it is over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Boredom: Play music or "white noise" tapes, or go for a walk
- Too much activity: Move the baby to a quiet room and try swaddling
Sometimes your baby may cry for no apparent reason at all. Don't be upset if your attempts at soothing your baby aren't successful; crying also is one of your baby's ways of shutting out stimuli when he or she is overloaded.
Ten Ways to Soothe a Baby
- Feed your baby
- Burp your baby
- Diaper your baby
- Hold and rock your baby
- Check your baby's temperature
- Swaddle your baby
- Hold your baby on his or her side or stomach while in your arms or lap
- Shush your baby (Play soothing music or "white noise")
- Swing/sway your baby
- The action of sucking can be soothing to babies, let them do this.
Call 317-639-HELP (4357), a 24-hour assistance line, if you are feeling frustrated, angry or out of control about being unable to soothe your baby.
Calming Yourself When You Can't Calm Your Baby
Crying is not your fault. It's okay to let your baby cry in a safe place if nothing you try works. It's also good to have a plan to help you stay calm when your baby won't stop crying.
- Breathe. Take some deep breaths. Deep breathing can help you feel less angry.
- Use the 10-step rule. Gently lay your baby in the crib, and take 10 steps away until you calm down.
- Take a break. Take five minutes to do something you enjoy, such as listening to music.
- Talk to someone. Call a friend or relative who will listen sympathetically. Or call 317-639-HELP (4357), a 24-hour assistance line, don't be embarrassed to ask for help.
- Go for a walk with your baby. A walk around the block can help both you and your baby.
- Always take care of yourself!
Share your plan for comforting your baby with the baby's other caregivers.
- Write down your plan for how to best comfort your baby.
- Share the plan with others who care for your baby.
- Invite caregivers to add their ideas to your plan and encourage them to use the ones that you think will work well with your baby.
- Make sure caregivers know that shaking a baby is dangerous.
- Tell caregivers to call you anytime they are frustrated or have questions.
Never Shake a Baby!
Having a plan to soothe your baby - and calm yourself - is critical in preventing the devastating effects of shaking a baby.
Babies who have been shaken may later experience:
- Mental retardation
- Seizures
- Deafness and blindness
- Paralysis
- Speech problems
- Difficulty learning
- Death
Be aware of the fact that your baby may have been shaken if he or she is:
- Very fussy
- Sleeping all the time
- Less alert
- Vomiting
- Not sucking or swallowing well
The baby's condition is more serious of he or she is:
- Unconscious (you can't wake the baby)
- Having seizures (body jerking)
- Has bluish skin or lips
- Not breathing
Call 911 immediately if you think your baby has been shaken! Don't wait - get medical help right away!
Content Modified on: 3/18/2010 10:39:29 AM
