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Soothing your Baby
Crying baby is a pain for the parents, too. But all babies cry sometimes, and is a way, it is not necessary a bad thing. Crying is the only way for babies to express their needs and feelings. Experiencing a pain, feeling hungry, wet, sleepy, colicky, cold or hot, and being left alone… all these could be a good reason for the baby’s cry. Babies are different as much as parents are. But whatever your way of parenting is, it is always good to sooth your baby naturally first.
Baby’s perceptions in these early days could be crucial for her development and confidence as an adult. A baby, who hasn’t been comforted when crying, feels left alone by her parents and gradually loses her trust in them. This can destroy the parental bond. As grown ups, these people usually have less confidence.
Babies can not be manipulative, they cry because they have (their) good reason. If we want our children to trust us as parents, we need to learn how to trust them from their first day. So “being there” and showing that you care for your child when crying is a good thing; there are some other things to try.
Trying to understand the reason for the cry is the first thing. If she is hungry – feed her; if she is wet – change the nappy; if she is bored – interact with her. Try to response to your baby’s needs in the best possible way. Sometimes an infant’s cry varies in the different situations. If is high-pitched, the reason is most probably a pain, and quite often either colic or ear infection. On unconscious level babies do appreciate what we do for them and the love we give them. So soothing and caring for your baby when crying is an excellent base for a good relationship between parents and a child, and this relationship can last for life.
But if you have done everything from feeding through taking her temperature to wearing her close to your body, and nothing have worked, why don’t you try the following:
Sing or play music. Music can calm down quickly when their parents start to sing. Don’t worry if it doesn’t sound good to you though; it would be the best voice for your baby, and she will be soothed soon.
Bath – a nice warm bath can instantly calm some babies, so why not giving it a try. Make sure the water temperature is just right. If you and warm-up her clothes a bit just before dressing her, she might like it and feel calm.
Give your little one a massage. Using your fingers, massage very gently her head from forehead to the back of the head, continue with the neck and go down with the back. Do it slowly, while whispering something nice to your baby. It will be so relaxing for both of you!
Lavender essential oil* can do magic on a clingy baby. You could use it in different forms – one drop on a cloth, placed near her bed can sooth and improve her sleep. You could use a few lavender oil drops in her bath before going to bed, or simply diluting it in carrier oil – organic extra virgin olive oil would be fine.
*Use <1% dilution and do not use for babies under 2 months.
Go for a walk. Most babies might excessively cry when inside, but the moment you go out, they stop crying immediately. It might be the movement, it might be the fresh air, or both, it makes wonders.
Distract your baby by making strange movements with your hand fingers, or by trying different sounds. She might forget she has been upset earlier.
Homeopathic remedies
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