Crying

A baby uses crying to communicate with you but it is sometimes difficult to know what a baby needs when he is crying. It may be useful to ask yourself the following questions:

• Is my baby wet or dirty - does he need his nappy changing?
• Is my baby hungry - when was the last time he fed and how much milk did he take?
• Is my baby uncomfortable - does he look as though he is in pain, is he hot, is he lying on something uncomfortable?
• Is my baby over tired - is he trying to sleep but is being disturbed with noise, bright light or a lot of people.

Some solutions to calm a crying baby include:

• Changing a dirty nappy
• Offering baby a breast or bottle feed
• Check your baby's temperature; adjust his clothing/bedding if he is to hot or cold.
• Comfort your baby with cuddling, gentle talking, rocking or walking or swaddling.
• Try some gently baby massage actions (these are taught by the instructors in the hospital - to book a place on the course telephone the neonatal unit).
• Turn on a low rhythmic noise or try a variety of rhythmic movements; for example using the vacuum cleaner, the washing machine or going for a drive in the car.
• Call a friend.