Babies cry. A lot. It can be exasperating and exhausting when they just won’t stop. You may have tried everything you know to soothe them, and nothing seems to help. This can lead to having feelings of frustration or even anger. If you have a newborn or are preparing for a new addition to your family, here are great tips from Christine Powell, BSN, RN, family education and outreach coordinator at the Aultman Birth Center.

First, and most importantly, no matter how overwhelmed, frustrated or upset you feel – never, ever shake your baby. It’s important to understand that babies cry more often during the first few months of life. Crying usually peaks around six to eight weeks of age, but it will gradually decrease as babies grow and develop.

When baby is crying, first make sure all the basic needs are met – is the baby fed, burped and dressed comfortably? Do they have a clean diaper? Do they want to be held? If none of those things soothe your baby, consider moving to a quiet, semidarkened room. Or try changing the scenery by going for walk in the stroller outside, if and when feasible.

Parents can also try skin-to-skin contact, or soothing music or white noise. You can even just run a vacuum cleaner or exhaust fan. You might also consider the five Ss of calming your baby – swaddling, shushing, sucking, swinging or side/stomach position. For more details on the 5 Ss, you can click here.

If the crying persists and you begin to feel frustrated, place your baby safely on their back in their crib and walk away. Take deep breaths, count to 10, go to another room or step outside for fresh air. Remember it’s OK to ask others for help with your baby. Invite a friend or family member to come and take over for a while so you can have a break and regain your composure.

Never let fear or shame keep you from asking for help. If you don’t have family or friends nearby, talk to your doctor and/or pediatrician to get helpful resources for coping with a fussy baby. You can also call the National Parent & Child Despair Hotline at 1-800-422-4453. They provide confidential counseling help so that you do not hurt your baby.

And if you or someone else loses control and shakes your baby, call 911 immediately or take baby to the nearest emergency room. Getting immediate treatment could save your baby’s life!

Sources:
Happiest Baby
The StayWell Company, LLC