In the first few months of life it is our job as parents to help generate our little ones calm. As a result, it's a good idea to have a variety of soothing techniques on hand to try when your newborn is upset. Assuming your baby is dry, warm and fed, here are a few suggestions that might help:
*It is a good idea to respond to your newborn as soon as possible. It doesn't mean that you have to dash out of the shower with shampoo in your eye, but it is probably a good idea to comfort your little one as soon as you can. The reason being is that once babies get hysterical they become harder to soothe and it will take much longer to settle your little one down.
*Try to use a variety of techniques (not just nursing or bottle feeding) to soothe your baby. Some other tips are: Holding, rocking, swinging, swaddling, using a pacifier, infant massage and repetitive soothing sounds (like gentle "shushing" or white noise).
*If you have been trying a particular soothing technique for 10-15 minutes and it is not working, then you might want to switch to another method. If you have been trying to provide comfort for a while and you feel that you need a break see if your partner, friend or relative can help. If you are alone, you can put your baby someplace safe such as in his/her crib or bassinet and take a moment or two to calm yourself before trying to comfort your baby again.
*Do not worry about creating "bad habits" during these first couple months of life. Right now it is your job to comfort your child. Later on you can balance things out a bit more.
If you would like more tips and/or feel that you need assistance to get on the "right track", please do not hesitate to contact Rest Well Baby for more information!
www.restwellbaby.com
*It is a good idea to respond to your newborn as soon as possible. It doesn't mean that you have to dash out of the shower with shampoo in your eye, but it is probably a good idea to comfort your little one as soon as you can. The reason being is that once babies get hysterical they become harder to soothe and it will take much longer to settle your little one down.
*Try to use a variety of techniques (not just nursing or bottle feeding) to soothe your baby. Some other tips are: Holding, rocking, swinging, swaddling, using a pacifier, infant massage and repetitive soothing sounds (like gentle "shushing" or white noise).
*If you have been trying a particular soothing technique for 10-15 minutes and it is not working, then you might want to switch to another method. If you have been trying to provide comfort for a while and you feel that you need a break see if your partner, friend or relative can help. If you are alone, you can put your baby someplace safe such as in his/her crib or bassinet and take a moment or two to calm yourself before trying to comfort your baby again.
*Do not worry about creating "bad habits" during these first couple months of life. Right now it is your job to comfort your child. Later on you can balance things out a bit more.
If you would like more tips and/or feel that you need assistance to get on the "right track", please do not hesitate to contact Rest Well Baby for more information!
www.restwellbaby.com
