If your baby won't stop crying then you are probably frazzled, concerned or even in a panic, but don't worry, there is probably a simple explanation a...
If your baby won't stop crying then you are probably frazzled,
concerned or even in a panic, but don't worry, there is probably a simple explanation and a way to stop the crying and regain your peaceful household.
1. Be Calm
A crying baby which won't stop can set your nerves on edge, but crying and screaming yourself will only make matters worse. For some reason, babies can sense distress in their mothers and will likely scream all the more so take a deep breath and calmly set about trying to quieten your baby.
2. Check the Cause
It is rare that babies cry for no reason so check all the usual things first; is he hungry or thirsty and does he need changing? Does your baby have wind or colic? Is the temperature in the room too hot or too cold?
Could your baby be teething; feel around his mouth for any telltale bumps in the gums or inflammation. If it's none of these things then could baby be sick?
Check his temperature and look for spots or rashes on his skin or a discharge from nose or eyes. If any of these is true then take him to your doctor as soon as possible; he may just have a cold, but you can't be too careful.
Baby may just be over tired if he has been over stimulated by a succession of visitors or a period of play or he may be bored and want to play.
3. Babies Do Cry
You may have to resign yourself to the fact that your baby is crying for no reason. Even if the crying seems hysterical and won't be calmed, this is normal so you need to find ways of soothing your baby.
4. What Can I Do to Soothe Baby?
Firstly, pick up your baby and give him a cuddle; he spent nine months in your womb so it's natural that he will still want to be near you.
When your baby was in your womb, he could hear your heart beat as regularly as clockwork so try other repetitive noises; maybe a ticking clock or the sound of the washing machine. Alternatively, you can play white noise especially created for babies to imitate the sounds in the womb. This is available on CD and also on apps downloadable to your phone or tablet.
Gentle movement can also be effective when baby won't stop crying. Try rocking him in your arms as you walk around or sit in a chair or rock him in his pram or crib. Many babies enjoy a ride in the car and while this may not be very convenient in the middle of the night, it can work. If baby falls asleep in the car, take him indoors in his car seat and place it near you but leave him sleeping in it. If you try to put him in his crib, you may wake him up and all your good work will be undone.
Other things that babies find comforting are having something to suck (a dummy or your finger could do the trick), being given a gentle tummy or back rub or having a warm bath.
5. Don't Blame Yourself
If your baby isn't sick and you have attended to all his usual needs then it isn't your fault if he still cries. However, you may get very stressed so you need to find the time to relax if at all possible. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and ask your mum or a friend to sit with baby, if only for an hour so that you can wash your hair or stroll to the shops.
Talk to a health care professional about coping strategies or join a support group for mothers and babies where you can share your problems and maybe pick up some tips for coping from people going through the same problem.
Finally, understand that there isn't anything wrong and the crying won't actually hurt him; he will grow out of it soon enough. Don't drive yourself to distraction trying to work out why he is crying; accept that he just is.
