Is my baby a cry-baby?

Babies cry to let their environment know something is wrong. Either it's hungry or has a diaper that needs a change. Some babies cry more than others. Babies that cry constantly and consequently get very little sleep are called cry-babies.

Different kinds of cry-babies

Crying babies can be classified into six different groups. The first group is called the early cry-baby. Early cry-babies begin crying almost immediately after birth. Mothers will often remain in the ward in an attempt to soothe their baby. The second group is called cry-babies with cramps. This category baby will start crying soon after feeding as if suffering from stomach cramps. As a result they cry a lot and sleep very little. The third group of cry-babies is called the need-attention cry-baby. These babies have a strong desire to participate with the rest of the family and savour the attention they receive. The fourth group is called the frustrated cry-baby. Symptomatic of this kind of cry-baby is their loud and irregular manner of crying. The fifth group can be indicated as the older cry-baby. These babies will start crying after the fifth or sixth month, teething being the most prominent cause. The last and sixth group is called the forever cry-baby. These babies cry non-stop and consistently whereby the crying over a longer period of time becomes habit and sleep a rare and occasional happening.

What to do about cry-babies?

A common remedy for a crying baby is allowing the baby to suck. This relaxes both the stomach and the muscles. The baby may be given the mother's breast, a bottle or a soother. 

A second way to quiet the baby is to cradle it. Babies simply love to be cradled, whether in their own cradle, on a shoulder, in the buggy or in a bouncer.

Thirdly, babies respond well to soft and quiet singing bringing them to a state of tranquility. If singing is not your strong side, music boxes will also do the trick. 

Giving your crying baby a massage is a fourth way to help it to relax. Apply this when your baby is constipated, has stomach cramps or any other physical discomforts.

Finally, many babies find a warm bath very enjoyable and relaxing.

How to survive!

It really helps to keep regarding your baby in a positive way. Of course the constant crying is deeply frustating, but try and remind yourself that this will not last a lifetime. When it overwhelms you anyway, it helps to tuck your baby in its bed and take a 15 minute walk. Talking to your partner, a family member, friends or nurse may also help to clear the air and allow you to settle your ruffled nerves.

In this respect it is necessary to make time for yourself when your baby has finally fallen asleep. Taking a nap, reading a book or doing something else that lifts your spirits are good activities to sustain you in this difficult period of your baby. Being involved in something other than the care for the baby is important to the balance that every mother needs in her life.

Sources: www.todio.nl