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Calming
a Fussy Baby
by Lactation
Education Resources
Crying is often related to hunger,
and feeding is the obvious solution. However, periods of crying,
with no obvious cause and no ready cure, plague many parents.
Here are a few suggestion. Give several a try. One may work today
and another may work tomorrow. Be flexible, and know that "this
too will end".
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Symptoms:
Periods of inconsolable crying
Clenching fists
Drawing legs up to abdomen
Stiffening as if in pain
Passing gas
Grimacing
Possible causes: (may be more than one)
Immature gastro-intestinal system
Sensitive nervous system
Excessive gas or over-feeding
Formula intolerance
Reaction to foods the breastfeeding mother has eaten
Over-stimulation |
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Possible remedies:
- Motion in any form
- Walking
Baby swing
- Rocking in rocking chair
- Rocking side to side while standing
- Ride in the car or in a stroller
- Carry baby in infant sling
- Over-the-counter gas-relief
drops
- Singing
- White sound (running water,
vacuum, clothes dryer, hair dryer)
- Recordings with strong beat
designed to simulate intrauterine sounds
- Swaddle your baby snugly
- Undress your baby and allow
complete freedom of motion
- Avoid over-stimulation from
noises, lights or motion
- Distract the baby with different
sounds, sights or places
- Place pressure on your baby’s
abdomen (gently)
- Hold baby in the "colic
hold" (facing floor, supported by your arm, heel of your
hand putting pressure on the abdomen)
- Hold baby over your shoulder
or over your knees
- Bicycle your baby’s legs
- Keep a food diary to determine
if a particular food bothers your baby
- Consult a Lactation Consultant
who may suggest feeding on only one breast per feeding or other
techniques to balance the "foremilk" and "hindmilk"
your baby obtains while breastfeeding
- Take a break, let someone else
try for awhile.
Reprinted with permission
Copyright © 2001 Lactation Education Resources
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