Dear Netters, wonder how many times you deal with this advice?
I often ask parents what they feel like doing when their baby cries?
I ask them what they have discovered that works with their
baby? How does it feel to try to let them cry for 10 minutes, knowing
that they are working themselves into a frenzy as they worry that the
parent will never appear... I will write Dr. R to ask if he has any research
to back up the info that babies need to learn to comfort and quiet themselves
prior to 6 months. What do you all think? michelle scott, MA, RD, IBCLC in NH
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(2) What to Do When Your Baby Starts to Cry
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Babies have few options when it comes to communicating, and crying
is a natural way for them to let us know when they have needs.
Russell G. Robertson, MD, Associate Professor of Family and
Community Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, offers
these suggestions:
1) Check your emotional condition, which may cause anxiety in the
child and has a lot to do with how you will respond to a crying
infant.
2) Check for the usual problems: wet diaper, hunger, too hot or
too cold, etc.
3) Check for evidence of illness: temperature, rapid breathing,
vomiting, hysterical crying, and call your doctor if you're
concerned.
4) Check the clock periodically. Often the time passed is actually
less than what you think.
5) Put your baby in bed and let him or her cry for at least 10
minutes before checking again. Babies must learn to comfort and
quiet themselves.
6) Persistent crying by a child who is fed and well may mean your
baby has colic (a form of bowel irritability). Call your doctor's
office for a list of suggestions.
If you think you are losing control put your baby in the car seat
or stroller and go for a quiet ride or a walk, no matter what time
it is. Keep the phone number of a friend or relative nearby who
can provide consolation and is willing to help.
This kind of crying behavior usually doesn't last beyond four to
six months of age. Keep this in mind, try to be patient, and be
sure to build into your schedule time for you to get some rest.
Dr. Robertson practices at the Columbia Family Care Center. For
more information or to set up an appointment, please call 414-962-
1999.
>> http://healthlink.mcw.edu/content/article/3504/951755845.html
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