My Baby Won't Calm Down!
There are few words to adequately describe just how much a newborn baby could cry. Whether it's dreaded colic, sensitivity to light and noise, or overall discontent, a baby can cry longer than you can keep your patience. So, what happens when your little bundle is bringing more heartache than joy? You start taking care of yourself.
Sometimes it's good to check the list twice. When the baby has been fussing, you can handle it. When the baby has been screaming, your thinking can get a little fuzzy. Here's a list of things to double check to make sure baby is well taken care of:
- Recently fed (Within the last hour)
- Fresh diaper (Check again to make sure baby didn't leave you a 'surprise.')
- Clothing is keeping baby at the right temperature
- Burp the baby for any lingering air bubbles
- Gently press the baby's knees in toward her stomach to help release any gas
- Think back to when baby's last bath was. Would a warm bath help soothe her?
- Is the TV too loud, or is there too much commotion where baby is?
This list is by no means a comprehensive list. Adding things your baby likes or uses for comfort will help you when you start to get frazzled by your baby's vocal exercises.
Other times, you've done all you can.
It's ok. It really is alright if you can't do anything to help calm the baby down. It happens to most parents, and it happens more than once. There's a time known as the Period of Purple Crying. According to The Purple Period of Crying (www.purplecrying.info), your baby can cry until he or she is blue in the face. Sometimes you might worry that the baby will pass out from lack of air. There are two important things you need when you are at your wit's end. Both of these are accessible and cheap. First, you need a safe place to put the baby.
You can put her or him in their crib, a baby swing, or even a car seat carrier in the nursery. The second thing you need is a quiet place for you. Get out of ear shot. Close the door. Put in earphones. Anything that will give you some quiet time will help. Having time to yourself to help calm your nerves is just as important as anything you could do to calm the baby down. The baby is safe, so it's ok to take five to ten minutes, or as long as it takes to get your temper to calm.
Having a support system works wonders
Living near family or friends can make a difference. Most parents sympathize with the anxiety brought on by a baby. Many of them remember the sleepless nights, the early feedings, the infinite diapers to change, and the toll it takes on a normal human being. Your friends and family can be your biggest source of strength and comfort when you feel overwhelmed by the demands of a newborn. Let them help. Many mothers are eager to hold and play with a newborn. It reminds them of their own children when they were young, and they feel good about turning around and helping a fellow mother in distress. Take a few hours to shower, comb your hair, get out of the house, and feel like a human again. It will give you a second wind, remind you of things you love, and even give you a chance to miss your baby.
