All babies cry — but the tears can take a toll. Here's how to stay calm when the tears won't stop.
All babies cry — but the tears can take a toll. When nothing you do soothes your crying baby, you may feel anxious. What if there's something wrong and you miss it completely? What if you lose control?
Take heart in your ability to care for your baby — and to recognize when you're reaching the end of your rope.
When the tears won't stop
It's tough to listen to your baby cry. First, cover the basics. Try feeding, burping and changing your baby. Maybe it's time for a nap, a change in position or a session in the rocking chair. Perhaps your baby needs a little more — or a little less — attention. Also look for signs of illness, such as fever, vomiting, or changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
If your baby seems otherwise OK but the crying continues, do your best to stay calm. Here's help.
Keep your perspective. You're not failing your baby or being lazy if you can't stop a crying spell. Sometimes babies simply need to cry.
Slow down. Take a deep breath and count to 10. Repeat a calm word or phrase, such as, "Take it easy."
Use your imagination. Take your mind off the crying by picturing yourself in a calm, relaxing place.
Take a break. If you're alone, put your baby in a safe place, such as the crib or bassinet. Close the door and let your baby cry while you take a few minutes to regroup.
Ask for help. Let your spouse or another loved one take over for a while. Take advantage of baby-sitting offers from friends or neighbors.
Express your emotions. When you're getting frustrated, speak up. Saying the words out loud — whether to yourself or to an understanding friend or loved one — can help ease the tension.
Take a walk. Put your baby in the stroller and take a brisk walk. The exertion may take your mind off the tears. If it's too cold for an outdoor stroll, walk laps in a local shopping mall or other indoor spot.
Rest when your baby naps. Sleep deprivation only makes it harder to cope with a crying baby.
Recognize your limits. If you're worried about your ability to cope, contact your doctor, a local crisis intervention service or a mental health help line for support.
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What to do when your newborn cries
Treating your baby gently
When your crying baby can't be calmed, you may be tempted to try just about anything to get the tears to stop. It's OK to be creative, but remember the importance of treating your baby gently.
Babies have weak neck muscles and often struggle to support their heads. Shaking your baby out of sheer frustration may have devastating consequences — including blindness, seizures, paralysis and developmental delays. Severe shaking may be life-threatening or even fatal.
In case of emergency
If you or another caregiver shakes your baby — or you suspect that your baby has been shaken — don't let fear or embarrassment take over. Seek emergency care right away. Prompt treatment may save your baby's life.
Be honest with the emergency staff. Knowing exactly what happened will help them take the best care of your baby.
If you're having trouble managing your emotions or dealing with parenthood, seek help. Your baby's doctor may offer a referral to a counselor or other mental health care professional. Remember, taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your baby.
All babies cry — but the tears can take a toll. When nothing you do soothes your crying baby, you may feel anxious. What if there's something wrong and you miss it completely? What if you lose control?
Take heart in your ability to care for your baby — and to recognize when you're reaching the end of your rope.
When the tears won't stop
It's tough to listen to your baby cry. First, cover the basics. Try feeding, burping and changing your baby. Maybe it's time for a nap, a change in position or a session in the rocking chair. Perhaps your baby needs a little more — or a little less — attention. Also look for signs of illness, such as fever, vomiting, or changes in eating or sleeping patterns.
If your baby seems otherwise OK but the crying continues, do your best to stay calm. Here's help.
Keep your perspective. You're not failing your baby or being lazy if you can't stop a crying spell. Sometimes babies simply need to cry.
Slow down. Take a deep breath and count to 10. Repeat a calm word or phrase, such as, "Take it easy."
Use your imagination. Take your mind off the crying by picturing yourself in a calm, relaxing place.
Take a break. If you're alone, put your baby in a safe place, such as the crib or bassinet. Close the door and let your baby cry while you take a few minutes to regroup.
Ask for help. Let your spouse or another loved one take over for a while. Take advantage of baby-sitting offers from friends or neighbors.
Express your emotions. When you're getting frustrated, speak up. Saying the words out loud — whether to yourself or to an understanding friend or loved one — can help ease the tension.
Take a walk. Put your baby in the stroller and take a brisk walk. The exertion may take your mind off the tears. If it's too cold for an outdoor stroll, walk laps in a local shopping mall or other indoor spot.
Rest when your baby naps. Sleep deprivation only makes it harder to cope with a crying baby.
Recognize your limits. If you're worried about your ability to cope, contact your doctor, a local crisis intervention service or a mental health help line for support.
What to do when your newborn cries
Treating your baby gently
When your crying baby can't be calmed, you may be tempted to try just about anything to get the tears to stop. It's OK to be creative, but remember the importance of treating your baby gently.
Babies have weak neck muscles and often struggle to support their heads. Shaking your baby out of sheer frustration may have devastating consequences — including blindness, seizures, paralysis and developmental delays. Severe shaking may be life-threatening or even fatal.
In case of emergency
If you or another caregiver shakes your baby — or you suspect that your baby has been shaken — don't let fear or embarrassment take over. Seek emergency care right away. Prompt treatment may save your baby's life.
Be honest with the emergency staff. Knowing exactly what happened will help them take the best care of your baby.
If you're having trouble managing your emotions or dealing with parenthood, seek help. Your baby's doctor may offer a referral to a counselor or other mental health care professional. Remember, taking care of yourself is the best way to take care of your baby.
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