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The Crying Game
Soothing Your Newborn
By Lisamarie Sanders
As I caressed my pregnant belly, I couldn't wait for my baby to arrive. I had visions of watching her sleep and snuggling with her while she nursed. When she was born, I got much more than I imagined. Although there was plenty of snuggling, and a few moments of sleep, my pregnancy dreams had never included my baby's favorite activity: crying.
It's amazing how much noise a 10-pound mass of human can create. And it's even more amazing how inadequate new parents can feel when they can't soothe their newborns. But there is help. Below, experts and experienced parents share their tips for winning The Crying Game.
- Stay calm. The best thing parents can do when their infant is crying is to stay calm. An increase in your stress level will increase your baby's. Remain calm and your baby might follow suit.
- Check Baby's diaper. A wet or soiled diaper is one of the most common reasons for a baby's tears. Check it first, and change as needed.
- Check Baby's temperature. Feel the back of your baby's neck to see if she is too hot or too cold. Add or remove layers accordingly.
- Feed her. Most babies cry when they are hungry. Try offering the breast or bottle to soothe your little one.
- Ease gas pain. If Baby starts crying after a feeding, he may have a gas bubble. Try patting his back, bending his knees toward his chest, or rubbing his back while he lies on your lap to release the gas.
- Distract him. Dr. Paula M. Elbirt, medical director of The Children's Aid Society of New York and author of several parenting books, including Dr. Paula's House Calls to Your Newborn
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