Babies have a lot to say. (02/11/2010)
Parenthood arrives rather abruptly. After an uncomfortable labor process (bearing a well-deserved name), brand-spanking-new humans enter an unfamiliar world, albeit surrounded by the love, care and concern of their equally brand-spanking-new parents.
Even the savviest of parental veterans, however, may be initially unprepared for the persistent protests and tears of their occasionally inconsolable infant children. Crying in tiny babies is a fact of life. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average newborn spends two to three hours of his day literally in tears. Any adult who spent two to three hours a day in tears would be a prime candidate for serious intervention of some sort, but not so with the youngest of our society. They’re just doing their job, acting like little babies.
While these simple facts may be of little comfort to parents who are in the trenches and trying to get through the day – and the long nights – with their new additions, they do allow us a more correct perspective on the world of the newly born. The fact is, crying is the only form of communication these little ones can master at this point in their tiny lives.
They may not be able to use words, but babies have a lot to say. “I’m hungry,” “I’m tired,” “I’m uncomfortable,” and “I need some security,” are the most common. When a baby’s crying seems excessive, even for a newborn, it may be advisable to let your pediatrician verify that there is no underlying medical cause that needs to be addressed. If there are no medical or health problems and your baby is full, dry and comfortably warm, then there are some tricks you can employ to soothe and pacify your troubled little one.
Babies love rhythmic movement. For nine months, they are gently jostled in their mother’s womb, so movement of any kind after birth will usually improve their outlook. Rocking, walking, swaying, car rides, and gentle bouncing and swinging are all quite effective. Repetitive patting on their bottoms or low back is also soothing to them. Swaddling or being tightly wrapped in a light blanket provides added security as well, perhaps due to its similarity to the baby’s pre-birth environment. If you can combine all three, you are a winner, not only for your outstanding coordination, but also for finding the winning combination that may lull your precious bundle into blissful slumber or at the very least, contented relief. When caring for your newborn, it’s important to remember that the first year of life, much like the trimesters of pregnancy, cover stages or phases. The colicky, fussy period of an infant’s life is very similar to the turbulent first trimester of pregnancy – both last about three months. Rest assured that this challenging period will pass, and you and your baby will go on to enjoy your first year and the beginning of your life together.
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