Causes of babies' crying
Your baby will still cry if she's hungry, if she's in pain and if she's too hot or too cold and the cures for these will remain the same as for newborns (see Causes of Crying). However, as she gets older she will also be distressed by new things.
Boredom
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- Hang a mobile or similar toy above your baby's cot so that she can swipe at them and watch how they move about. Leaves on trees, curtains blowing by an open window, lampshades moving - they all provide amusement for your baby.
- You'll have a more contented baby if you keep her near you whenever she's awake; she will always sense your presence.
Crying due to anxiety
- Understand that this is just a period in your child's development that she has to go through.
- Never force her to go to a stranger if she really can't stand it.
- Let your baby have a comforter, even if it's a dummy. She'll grow out of using it in time.
- Give your baby lots of cuddles.
Crying due to frustration
- Make your home as “child-proof” as possible by removing breakable objects from low tables and shelves and by using the correct safety fittings throughout your home (see Room-by-room Safety).
- Remove the baby from the source of frustration. If, for example, she keeps going up to a dog and pulling its tail, either remove it or the baby from the room. Your baby's memory is very short at this time so she'll soon forget the object of her curiosity.
- Distract your baby with other games.
New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard
Posted 03.11.2010
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