Crying baby, is there something am doing wrong?

Even though a crying infant can get you confused,to them, it is the only way they can communicate with us.

There are too many reasons as to "why" new borns cries, identifying the "why" is the main issue.

According to studies, infants cries for two or three hours a day. It sounds a lot, but it's perfectly normal.

During these period, it is very important to trust your instincts. Do not doubt your parental skills. Put the main focus on comforting your baby.

Do not trust the old school parenting skills. That we should leave a child to cry, soothing a crying child is spoiling him. This is completely false :D.

When a parent responds quickly and calmly to a crying baby, the baby feels loved and secure. The cries might continues but the infant will finally calm down.

A baby who is left to cry and calm himself feels lost and remains constantly worried.

When the infant is still in the womb, they feel protected, when the're out, they feel nerverous about the unfamiliar space. A little noice can make them get fussy.

Help your child by introducing him to the world. Talk to him. If you bang something accidentally, re assure him that it is nothing to worry about. It's mommy that has bang the kitchen door by accident. Talk to him and if you do not know what to tell him, Explain what you are doing or what you going to do. eg, we going to change your diper or now it's time to feed. It's a technique that might seem light but it is very helpful. Newborns do listen and they feel what's going on.

Here are some quick tips that can guide you when your baby is crying. They came in handy when my newborn was still new.

If the crying begins during feedings: Your baby may not be hungry anymore.He might want to suck rather than eat. Lay him down or rock small toy to distract him.

Another reason is he may be having colic, massage genthy his tummy toward clock wise direction.

If his crying starts when he's in your arms: He may be tired and he wants to sleep. Even though he's only been drinking for two hours, he may still be hungry, especially if he's having a growth spurt. He may need to suck to meet his need for sucking, which is a survival reflex in infants. He needs stimulation (games, music, toys, massage, etc.).

It might be also because something is bothering him: is he cold? is he hot (touch the back of his neck to find out) is his diaper soiled? does he have diaper rash? Depending on the case, correct his clothing, change his diaper.

If his crying starts when he's alone in bed: He may be between two sleep cycles. Wait a few minutes to give him the chance to go back to sleep on his own. He may have slept enough or needs company. He needs to be reassured. He is cold, thirsty, or hot (touch the back of his neck to find out), or his diaper may be wet.

When you cannot comfort your baby? use these moments to step back, to think, to observe your baby in order for you to understand him better.

Trust him too and let him guide you through the process. It's a team work.

Till next time!