Soothing Your Crying Baby
Babies cry to communicate. In time, you'll learn to decode his wails. But until then, try these tips for calming you both down:
Listen carefully to each cry.
A hungry cry may be short and low-pitched. Angry cries sound angry. A cry of pain starts with a high-pitched shriek, followed by a long pause and then a flat wail. A thin whimper is usually dreaming.
Try rocking your baby, walking him around or swaying gently from side to side.
Try burping him to relieve trapped gas bubbles, or gently patting or stroking his back.
Try a warm bath.
Swaddle your newborn tightly in a soft blanket or hold him firmly in your arms.
Play soft music.
Check his temperature.
If it's over 37.8 C (100° F), it may be an infection. Call his doctor.
Try to stay calm.
If you need a break, ask for help or advice. If no one is around, lay him safely in his crib for a minute or two while you catch your breath.
Never, ever shake a baby.
Shaking can cause blindness, brain damage and even death.
Call your baby's doctor if your baby's crying persists longer than usual.
