All babies cry no matter how “good” a parent you are! If your baby has been crying for a number of minutes try the following:
BREATHE. Your baby is screaming and you are probably all wound up. Stop for a moment and take a deep breath and calm yourself. Crying is how babies communicate so your baby is trying to tell you something.
ASK YOURSELF. Is my baby tired/hungry/hot/cold/wet/dirty?
GO WITH YOUR INSTINCTS. Call your Public Health Nurse or GP if you believe that something is wrong with your baby.
GENTLY HUG YOUR BABY. This close contract may help settle your baby. Talk to your baby in a soothing voice. Try giving your baby a massage, turn down the lights, and put on some soft music. Try something you have used before and something you have never used before.
NEVER SLAP OR SHAKE YOUR BABY. If you feel yourself becoming frustrated and are thinking about it get help immediately.
WALK AWAY FOR A MOMENT. Put your baby in a safe place and walk away for a moment. Don’t go far away, perhaps into another room. Wait a few minutes and then return to your baby.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS. Ask someone you trust to take over for a while if you need some help. Someone else who has already gone through this before can be a great source of support and information.
SUPPORT YOURSELF. Remember that you are doing your best for your baby and that it won’t always be like this. Get on-going support if you feel you need it.
REMEMBER: BABIES CRY! But if your baby is crying more than usual and you can’t soothe him or her it is a good idea to call a doctor or nurse.
Produced by TREOIR, The National Information Service for Unmarried Parents, visit www.treoir.ie for more information.
