Like it or not, at home or at day care, crying is a physiological process, a certainty for new born babes. Babies communicate with other humans via this annoying yet necessary technique. Unless your baby has miraculously mastered the art of speech her method of communication is probably going to be a spot of wailing. Discomfort of any sort is guaranteed to bring on a bout of the tears. Generally, the causes for crying are fairly common i.e. dirty bottom, hungry tummy, too warm or chilly, restrictive clothing, unwell etc.

Some kids need the constant presence of another person or they will simply resort to crying. Crying without any cause is habitual in some babies. Even though crying is considered as normal it may worry family members or carers. Since the reasons for crying ranges from simple causes to more serious ones it should not be ignored thus exact cause must be identified and managed accordingly. The following are some points which should be considered while dealing with a crying baby.

1, Never vigorously shake a baby. 2, Tight, restrictive clothing can irritate delicate skin and should be loosened. 3, Check room temperature and if too warm open the window or turn on the fan. 4, Check to see if the diaper is soiled and change. 5, Make soothing noises as you gently stroke her head or back. 6, The baby may be hungry to offer the breast or bottle. 7, Swaddle with extra covers if the room is cold. 8, Pace the bedroom slowly whilst gently rocking the child. 9, Use a musical toy to soothe. 10, A pacifier can be a great comfort. 11, Move the baby into a different position. 12, A breath of fresh air might do you both good so head outside. 13, Rock the cradle. 14, Perhaps try changing to a different set of arms i.e. ask dad to carry her.

If even after all these steps the baby continues to cry check for the following; ( Probable cause is given after every sign)

1, Press her abdomen gently,she may twist or resist you:—Colic 2, Pull her ear gently she may become worse or push your hands away:—Earache. 3, Feel her temperature with the back of your hands:–Fever due to an infection. 4, Examine the skin from head to foot:–Eruptive disease,diaper rash,measles,vesicles,allergy etc. 5, See the nose for any discharge:–Coryza. 6, Move the head gently to feel any neck stiffness:–Meningitis,head injury etc. 7, Keep your ear near her chest to hear any rattling sound:–Increased mucus in wind pipes. (pneumonia,bronchiolitis,asthamatic bronchitis etc) 8, Examine the anal orifice:–Anal erosion,rectal polyp,crawling of worms. 9, Examine the genitalia:–Any discharge or erosion. 10, In male baby see the testicles which may be swollen or tender:–Orchitis,torsion of testes. 11, Also notice the body movements and see for any convulsions,rigors,vomiting,cough,labored breathing etc.

If you see the above signs or any other abnormal signs consult your doctor for proper treatment.

ChildCareOnly.com is the brainchild of Fiona Lohrenz who has 10 years experience running a day care. Fiona has also produced a ‘Start a Daycare Business’ DVD: Start A Daycare Business DVD. Fiona can be found at her website: ChildCareOnly.com

- Fiona Lohrenz

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