It is really overwhelming when your baby can’t stop crying – you start thinking that something is wrong with your little one, or that you just aren’t a good parent. But hey, they are just babies and that’s pretty much one of their favorite things to do. Babies cry because it is their main way to communicate. It is how they get your attention and express their needs. In the beginning, you might not be able to understand your baby’s different ways of crying, but as you spend more time with your little one, chances are you will learn to figure out what they want once they start crying.
Babies usually cry when they are tired and want to sleep, or are hungry, or their diapers are wet or dirty, or have gas or colic, or are overstimulated from noise and activity…basically, they pretty much cry for everything. Learning the right techniques will help you sooth an upset, colicky, or unresponsive baby while keeping your cool and self-control. Here are a few of them for you to try.
Swaddle
Swaddling your child in a baby wrap is one of the best techniques to settle him/her down when overstimulated or when he/she just needs to feel safe and secure. Your newborn baby will also sleep better and longer if you put them to sleep while swaddled as this prevents newborns from startling themselves awake with random arm movements. For this purpose, I recommend that you use a bamboo baby wrap. Bamboo is the perfect material for baby clothes as it is soft, safe, long-lasting, and naturally a non-allergenic textile. Furthermore, bamboo also allows for breathability. This means that when swaddled in a bamboo baby wrap, your little one’s body temperature will be more easily regulated – he/she won’t get too hot or cold – another major reason why babies cry.
Burp
If your baby cries after feeding, all he/she might need at that moment is a good burp. Babies swallow air when they breastfeed or suck from a bottle, and this can cause discomfort if the air isn’t released. Some babies get really bothered by having air in their tummy, while others don’t need to burp at all. Patting or rubbing your baby’s back is a good way to help him/her.
Exercise for Gas Problems
Many parents turn to over-the-counter anti-gas drops for babies to address tummy problems but they aren’t really effective, at least not for all babies. Always consult with a pediatrician before using these drops. If you suspect gas, try to lay down your little one on his/her back, and move his/her legs in a gentle bicycling motion. After releasing the gas (if any), your baby will feel better and stop crying.
Before trying these techniques, make sure your baby is not hungry or that his/her diaper is clean. Babies have a small stomach, so if yours cries, try offering some milk. He/she may be hungry, even if you just fed him/her an hour ago. the last feeding doesn’t seem very long ago. A wet and soiled diaper will also bother your baby, especially if it has a gentle skin. Make sure that you always use a diaper rash cream on every diaper change to prevent skin rashes, and whenever possible, give your little one some diaper-free time.
