How to Comfort a Crying Baby When Nothing Else Works
Soothing a crying baby can be a trying experience for many parents. In fact, it is often the most difficult aspect of early parenthood. Even the tried and true techniques--such as rocking, changing the baby's diaper, feeding and going for a car ride--do not work sometimes.
According to Naomi Aldort, leading parenting guide and author of "Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves," babies cry as a necessary form of self-expression. Allowing babies to cry in a safe and nurturing environment is essential if they are to develop a healthy emotional expression.
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Instructions
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Check yourself for anxiety, impatience, frustration or even anger. It is important to acknowledge these emotions. Once you have acknowledged them, move past them as much as you can. Otherwise, your baby is likely to pick up on them and respond by crying. Maintaining a calm demeanor and refraining from reacting to her cries will usually help your baby feel comforted and may even stop the crying.
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Retreat to a dark and quiet room where your baby will not be over-stimulated. Consider closing blinds, turning off the music and keeping the room slightly cool. Try to maintain calm as you do this. Your baby may very well respond to the lack of environmental stimulants and to your calm demeanor.
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Allow your baby to cry in a loving and safe environment. Babies get frustrated in the same way that adults do. They cry because they are not able to express themselves in any other way. Try looking at your baby and saying, "It is okay for you to cry. I love you no matter what." You might try to hold him. If he pushes you away, stay in the room, maintain calm, and hold him again when he is ready to be held. Some babies, once they understand that you have validated their emotions, may cry for some time as a way to release frustration and other emotions. This might happen a few times. Your baby's crying will most likely lessen once he understands that he can express himself and that you will not draw away from him when he does.
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Tips & Warnings
Each baby responds differently to various parenting methods. What might work well for one baby might not work well for another. The best thing for you to do is to try all of them, in varying combinations, until you find one that works for your crying baby. It can take time, but with perseverance and patience, it should all come together, resulting in a happy baby and happy parents.
This article is not meant to offer medical advice. If you suspect that your child is ill or in pain, contact a medical professional.
References
- Photo Credit Smiling baby image by lydmila from Fotolia.com
