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Calming a
Fussy Baby
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: |
Possible
causes (may be more than one): |
|
|
| Periods of inconsolable
crying |
Immature
gastro-intestinal system |
| |
|
| Clenching fists |
Sensitive
nervous system |
| |
|
| Drawing legs up to
abdomen |
Excessive
gas or over-feeding |
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|
| Stiffening as if in pain |
Formula
intolerance |
| |
|
| Passing gas |
Reaction to
foods the breastfeeding mother has eaten |
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|
| Grimacing |
Over
stimulation |
Possible Remedies:
Motion in any form:
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Walking
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Baby Swing
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Rock 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
(Gripe Water)
Singing
White sound (running water,
vacuum, clothes dryer, hair dryer)
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 by 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
Talk to 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 a while.
Lactation Education
Resources, Fairfax, VA 22031
Email us at
Prenatal-Class@leememorial.org or call 239-432-3186 to
speak with a CERTIFIED LACTATION CONSULTANT.
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