Fussy baby 2008

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
Stiffening as if in pain	Formula intolerance
Passing gas	Reaction to foods the breastfeeding mother has eaten
Grimacing	Over stimulation
Possible Remedies:
Motion in any form:
Walking Baby Swing 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 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

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CALMING A FUSSY BABY