Babies cry for many different reasons whether they are mad, angry,
upset, hungry, need their diaper changed or they are just bored.
Distinguishing these cries can be difficult. Knowing the difference
in these cries can help the parent, as well as, the caregiver.
Learning the meaning of babies different cries can do wonders for you
as a care giver. I know it has for me. Moms are very impressed when
you can calm their crying baby when even they couldn't do it.
What does the cry sound like?
Is he/she yelling, crying?
And also, throwing a toy; smiling or laughing when you react?
Your baby might be bored.
Solution: It's a
compliment when your baby signals that he/she wants your attention—it
shows that you have bonded,”says Harvey Karp, M.D. author of
Happiest Baby on the Block. As your baby gets
older, he/she gets bored with everyday things. Just like that mobile
that’s been hanging from his/her crib enticing him/her. He/she
eventually gets bored looking at it and wants to play with it, too.
Your baby will need lots of new and different things to hold his
interest. Engage him by playing your usual games in a variety of
ways. For instance, “when you are singing a song, change the
rhythm, speed up toward the end, make up words, or vary the tone of
your voice,” says Dr. Karp.
Is he/she red faced crying, with eyes squinted shut?
And also, pushing or batting your hand when you go to reach for
him/her ?
Your baby might be frustrated.
Solution: If your baby is
frustrated that means she is not satisfied with what she is doing.
Also your baby might be hungry tired or they might just want a toy to
play with but they can't reach it. Try giving them what you think
they need, whether its feeding them a nap or giving them the toy they
wan to play with. Also use soothing expressions like shushing, or a
short, repeated phase (It's okay, It's okay”)
Are his/her eyes frozen open?
And also, trembling hands and face,
remaining very still or crying out?
Your baby might be in fear.
Solution: It's difficult for
babies to soothe themselves when they're scared, because they may not
recognize what's frighting them, explains Paul Holinger, M.D., author
of What Babies Say Before
They Can Talk. A
loud noise that is normal to you may be terrifying to your baby. Try
cuddling your baby close to you say calmed hush toned words about
what is happening. They probably won't understand what your saying
but the hushed tone of your voice is all it takes.
Is he/she turning downs the corners of her mouth; arching up
her eyebrows in the middle?
And also, a quivering chin, crying?
Your baby might be Distressed.
Solution: Even
babies need their space. If you have been playing a exciting game
with your baby for too long, they might get distressed. When that
happens, so you need to bring him to a quite place to calm him down.
Rhythmic stimulation helps to chill out. So, put your baby in the
swing for a couple of minutes. He might even fall asleep and a nap
will help, too.
Is he/she crying for hours and seems like it will never stop no
matter what you do?
Is it also, during the first 3 to 4 months?
Your baby might have Colic.
Solution:
This is where the 5 S's by Dr. Karp in his book The
Happiest Baby on the Block
come in handy.
- Swaddling- Fold
the corner of the blanket. Then place the baby so that his neck is
on the corner of the fold then wrap each of the ends so that your
baby's arms and legs are confined do not be afraid to make it snug.
- Side/Stomach- Hold
your infant on his/her side or tummy-down. The leopard
hold
is a excellent way. Hold your baby's head in your hand and let the
baby's arms and legs hang down. You can use your other arm for
support if needed.
- Shhh.- When your
baby is swaddled hold them as you rock and swing them. Make the
“shhh” sound in his/her ear, as if you were quieting them down.
Your “shhh” needs to be as loud as he/she is, getting quieter,
as he/she quiets. (The shhh sound and the swaddling reminds him/her
of the feeling and sound of being in the womb. This comforts him/her
and lets him/her know you are there.)
- Swinging-You can
either swing your baby your self or put them in a mechanical swing.
- Sucking- Once your
baby is calm, offer him/her a pacifier, your finger, or bottle to
suck.
(or white chocolate)
