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Recommendations of Babies crying
Avoid over-stimulating the baby with too much activity or new experiences, and try to introduce some sort of routine, eg with a regular evening bathtime and quiet bedtime.
Traditional strategies, such as holding, carrying, rocking, cradling or walking with the baby are still firm favourites. ‘White noise’, such as a detuned radio on a low volume, the sound of a vacuum cleaner or a washing machine, can also act as enough of a distraction to interrupt the tears.
Sucking can give relief to babies with colic - you may wish to try offering your (clean) little finger, or a sterilised dummy. There are medicines available for the treatment of colic, which either work to ‘mop up’ tiny bubbles of trapped wind in the gut or break down the lactose in the milk to aid digestion. However, success is varied and the colic may not stop until the baby’s digestive system matures sufficiently at around three to four months.
If the crying is becoming intolerable, arrange to leave the baby in the care of a trusted family member or friend, or put the baby safely in the cot or crib while you take some time out away from the noise. Take turns with your partner to share night duties, so that the disruption to your own sleep is minimised as much as possible. Getting out of the house during the day, arranging to see friends (or for them to visit you) gives both of you a distraction, and an opportunity to talk about the situation with others.
