Calming a Fussy Baby
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Crying is often related to hunger, and feeding is the obvious solution. However, periods of crying, with no obvious cause and no ready cure, plague many parents. Here are a few suggestions. Give several a try. One may work today and another may work tomorrow. Be flexible, and know that “this too will end”.
Symptoms:
- Periods of inconsolable crying
- Clenching fists
- Drawing legs up to abdomen
- Stiffening as if in pain
- Passing gas
- Grimacing
Possible Causes: (may be more than one)
- Immature gastro-intestinal system
- Sensitive nervous system
- Excessive gas or over-feeding
- Formula intolerance
- Reaction to foods the breastfeeding mother has eaten
- Over-stimulation
Possible Remedies:
- Motion in any form
- Walking
- Baby swing
- Rocking in rocking chair
- Rocking side to side while standing
- Ride in the car or in a stroller
- Carry baby in infant sling
- Over-the-counter gas-relief drops
- Singing
- White sound (running water, vacuum, clothes dryer, hair dryer)
- Recordings with strong beat designed to simulate intrauterine sounds
- Swaddle your baby snugly
- Undress your baby and allow complete freedom of motion
- Avoid over-stimulation from noises, lights or motion
- Distract the baby with different sounds, sights or places
- Place pressure on your baby’s abdomen (gently)
- Hold baby in the “colic hold” (facing floor, supported b your arm, heel of your hand putting pressure on the abdomen)
- Hold baby over your shoulder or over your knees
- Bicycle your baby’s legs
- Keep a food diary to determine if a particular food bothers your baby
- Consult a Lactation Consultant who may suggest feeding on only one breast per feeding or other techniques to balance the “foremilk” and “hindmilk” your baby obtains while breastfeeding
- Take a break, let someone else try for awhile.
Reprinted with permission
Copyright © 2001 Lactation Education Resources
The Author:
Lactation Education Resources provides training for professionals in lactation management and classes for new parents.