First off, let it be known that babies cry! They can cry up to two hours a day and in the first few months, possibly even more.
It is important to understand that your baby may not be crying for any reason or he may be crying because:
- He needs a diaper change.
- He is hungry.
- He is experiencing physical discomfort such as being too hot or too cold.
- He has gas or an upset tummy.
- He just wants comfort.
As time progresses and you spend more time with your baby, you will be better equipped to perceive the mean of his cries and other noises.
But at first, it is often trial and error. If you have fed your baby, burped him, changed him and otherwise done everything you know to do, it is acceptable to let him cry for a little while.
That being said, please call Dr. Rezk or your favorite pediatrician in Panama City immediately if your baby's cry becomes more high-pitched than usual or excessive. If your baby will not stop crying no matter what steps you take, there may be something wrong.
Having said that, try to remain calm. Babies cry and sometimes there is no stopping it. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, put your baby down in a safe place on his back until you can catch your breath and calm down.
If you need help on ways to soothe your baby, don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician for help, until then here are some tips from Harvey Karp, MD that Dr. Rezk finds helpful.
The 6 S's, Tips to Soothe Your Baby
- Swaddling
- Side/Stomach Positioning while awake
- Shushing
- Swinging or Swaying
- Sucking
- Singing
