10 Best Parenting Hacks
Updated on: September 2023
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Tips to Help New Parents with Baby
Newer parents trying to find an answer for dealing with baby when he cries nonstop will find some of the best parenting suggestions here for solutions that really do work to help put a parent and baby at ease.
One of the worst distress signals about new parenthood is having to tolerate a baby that cries. Yes, it is a natural sound, but it can get to be real nerve wracking at times. Parents need to walk away if they feel frustrated, and let the baby cry it out, but only if the tips here have not helped. Going where baby cannot be heard is best, just for a few minutes. These minutes can make the difference between losing it and maybe abusing the baby or feeling refreshed to come back to baby to calm him.
Also, what can be the worst demand is in finding out what the baby is in need of and comforting the little infant. [or child that cannot tell you yet verbally.] Crying is the only way that a baby can proclaim what he is wanting. The manner in which the little one cries can tell a mom or dad what is wrong if they make a checklist to go over when the wailing happens. These questions are an important checklist to keep handy. Here are what questions parents can ask and if they do not find the answers, it is time to ask other experienced parents, a doctor, and/or call the ER at the nearest hospital, all depending upon the severity of the crying, what has or has not been tried, etc.
In addition, if parents stay calm, usually baby will as well. Remember that what parents are experiencing, that baby will pick up and it can become a real problem as babies change into toddlers. For instance, if mom and dad are having an argument, the baby hears it, feels it, and if you hold him while you are angry, he will react almost every time with a fearful cry. Also, baby can become jumpy, get an upset stomach, or develop other somatic symptoms or fears.
List of possible reasons why the baby is crying:
First of all, is the baby hungry? When did he last eat? Do not scratch hunger off the list until one is absolutely sure he is not hungry. If he is, usually the baby will respond instantly when offered milk. Some babies can eat and be hungry an hour or less later if they did not get enough to fill them up. Newborns like to eat real often too, so try some formula. Yes, it is okay to feed the baby if you think he is hungry, no matter what a doc has said to stick with. Most parents know their baby better than anyone else, so the responsibility lies with each parent. If food does not work, try a pacifier and maybe he will just enjoy the sucking need being fulfilled, or maybe he just wants his mommy.
Secondly, is the baby soiled? Did he urinate or have a bowel movement and need a change? Sometimes an infant can surprise a parent when that diaper comes off! At times, maybe changing baby will make him feel better even if it is only a slightly soiled diaper. This is the most common reason a baby will cry.
Thirdly, is the baby too hot or too cold? Is the baby uncomfortable in the clothing he is wearing? Does baby have too many clothes on? Or does he need warmer ones on? Babies are better off on the cool side rather than to be too hot, which can cause irritation and rashes on his tender skin.
Next, ask if the baby is overstimulated? Has there been too visitors? Or was he out and about? Did he have too many toys to look at? What has baby been doing the past 30 minutes? Try softening the lighting, use nice smelling candles, and/or play baby music, the ocean, rain, or some other type of soothing music. Keep the baby as calm as one can by providing a calm atmosphere.
Also, maybe baby is lonely, bored, or even scared? It is so important to comfort baby when he is young and he has fears. This teaches him trust. Try holding him, comforting him, soothingly talking to him, and keep him firm in the arms. Hum, whisper, or sing softly to him. Try softly rubbing his head or cupping the side of his face, over the ear.
Another question a parent can ask is could baby be sick? Check his temperature, gums for teething pain, ears, and stomach for gas or upset. If baby does have a fever, call your pediatrician right away, but make sure you have all his symptoms written down for when you get to talk to the physician.
Long lasting crying can really become overwhelming to some parents until they are ready to yell at the baby or shake him. There are musts that parents can do to maintain control over the situation, even when the baby continues to cry. Get help if you cannot control yourself.
Do not ever, ever shake a baby for any reason because it can kill him! His little brain can hit the back of his head inside and death is very possible, so be careful! Moreover, do not act out with yelling, screaming, pacing, or distress ~ put your baby down where he is safe and walk away. Do not let him see or hear a parent shouting out in frustration. Be kind to him, love him, and get help if there is no controlling an outrage. Verbal abuse can ruin lives and age is no exception. Call a friend or relative to listen to and validate feelings. If one feels out of control, call a toll free hot line for help.
Well, if none of the list suggestions help, try some of these other ideas that have worked for many parents:
Hold the little bundle of joy in your arms firmly, or your lap if he is an older baby.Swaddle him in a blanket as tight as you can, with his arms down at his sides. Wrap him up like a package and hold him close to your heartbeat. Rock or sway back and forth.
Depending upon what time of day it is and the weather, take baby for a ride. Strollers are a nice, smooth way to move about. Also, most babies love car rides. The motion often puts a baby to sleep.
Another way that can stop a baby from crying is to distract him. Make quiet noises to get his attention, or make silly faces. Play a song, or let the sweeper make some "white noise" for him by letting it run. Hair dryers will help lull the little stinker to sleep.
Last, but by no means least, is water. Get the baby undressed where it is warm for him, and put him into the water. Very warm water is the best. Test the temperature with a thermometer, your elbow, or wrist. Bathe the baby and dress him, cuddle him up.
It is very normal for babies to cry and it is also common for parents to get tense. Different babies respond to different soothing techniques, and parents will eventually learn what works best with their baby. Meanwhile, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch the child while one takes a short break, a walk or a brief nap. Grandparents can be such a great help too. They have experienced the same difficulties and know what is best at times.
