Having a new baby is one of life’s greatest joys. However, it can also be stressful and tiring, especially when your little one cries for long periods. As a parent or foster carer caring for a baby, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do when your baby cries excessively. Here are some useful tips to help manage a crying baby.
Determine the Cause
Babies cry for different reasons – hunger, discomfort, overstimulation, etc. Try to identify what could be causing the crying by looking for clues. Check their nappy, see if it’s time for a feed, or if they need burping. Babies can’t tell you what’s wrong, so you’ll need to do a bit of detective work. Knowing the likely cause can help you address it.
Comfort Your Baby
If you can’t identify a specific reason, just comforting your baby can help soothe their cries. Hold them close, gently rock or walk with them, sing or talk softly. Skin-to-skin contact is very calming for newborns. Your touch, voice and familiar smell provides reassurance. Stay patient and keep trying different techniques until you find what works best to comfort your baby.
Introduce White Noise
Steady sounds like a vacuum cleaner, fan or white noise from a special app or device can help drown out stimulating noises that may be disturbing your baby. The soothing sounds remind them of being in the womb. Try different white noise volumes and see if it helps calm your little one.
Go for a Stroll
For some babies, movement and a change of environment can help stop crying. Pushing them in a pram or baby carrier may do the trick. Make sure they’re securely strapped in and dress them appropriately for the weather. Fresh air and new visual stimulation distracts them from whatever was upsetting them indoors.
Give Yourself a Break
It’s exhausting coping with a crying baby, especially when nothing seems to console them. Don’t be afraid to put your baby down in their cot to give yourself a short break. Take some deep breaths, get a drink of water or do something to re-energise. You can’t help your baby if you’re overwhelmed.
Ask for Help
You don’t have to manage this alone. Ask your partner, family member or friend for help with the baby. Having someone take over even for a short time lets you recharge so you can tackle the crying with a clearer head. If you don’t have relatives nearby, consider hiring a babysitter to give you regular breaks.
Remember, babies in foster care and their foster carers get plenty of support from their agency and social workers, so help is always at hand.
See Your Doctor
If your baby’s crying seems excessive and none of the above tips help, consult your GP. Persistent, inconsolable crying could signify colic or another medical issue. Your doctor can check for any underlying problems and provide advice tailored for your baby. Don’t hesitate to get medical guidance if you have ongoing concerns.
Don’t be afraid to ask others for help and support during this challenging period. The tips above can hopefully make managing a crying baby less stressful for new parents.
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