Baby Cries To Communicate
Crying is baby’s only form of verbal communication with you for quite a while. By this time, you are probably beginning to recognize her various cries. Answer her cries as soon as you can. Baby may be overwhelmed by her needs and sensory experiences. Take the following steps to respond to your crying baby.
- Make sure she isn’t hungry, wet, cold, hot or hurt.
- Take her in your arms as you sit in a comfortable chair. Look at her face. If her eyes are open, look into them. Hold her calmly; don’t bounce her.
- Talk to baby in a quiet voice. Tell her she’s safe with you.
- Gently touch her arms and legs to reassure her.
- Hold her until her crying ebbs.
If those measures don’t work, try these suggestions.
- Take a shower and place baby in a safe spot in the bathroom with you. The sound of running water may soothe her.
- Put her in the baby swing, crank it up and let her go. Be aware that when the swing stops, you may wake her up if you rewind it.
- A walk might also do the trick, whether in an infant sling or her stroller.
- Massaging can work wonders, so we’ve included a variety of different massage exercises in discussions these first 6 weeks. See the massage technique described on page 70 to help relieve gas.
- If you cannot console or calm baby, schedule a visit with her pediatrician to rule out a medical problem, such as an ear infection or strep throat.
Responding to cries is important. Responding to her cries immediately during the first 6 months of life doesn’t spoil her. It does teach her that you will be there when she needs you. Even at this early age, you are teaching her to trust you. This helps her develop confidence, which in turn makes her more able to learn. She will also be more independent as she grows older.