Techniques to Soothe a Crying Baby

1. Singing or humming soft, melodic songs and lullabies.
2. Giving the baby a warm bath.
3. Gently massaging the baby.
4. Rocking baby in a rocking chair or swing.
5. Taking the baby for a ride in a car or stroller.
6. Comfort sucking - Pacifiers are great for babies under six
   months and provide comfort as they try to get to sleep.
7. Soothing sounds - Sounds of the ocean or a waterfall,
   the hum of a laundry washer or dryer, or a vacuum
   cleaner can all be soothing to a baby.
8. Swaddling (for young infants)
• Spread a receiving blanket or other small,
  lightweight blanket on the floor.
• Fold down one corner of the blanket.
• Lay baby face-up on the blanket, with his or her
  head on the folded corner.
• Pick up the right or left side of the blanket. Pull it over baby and tuck it snugly beneath him or her on the other side, making sure that baby's arms cannot move too much.
• Fold up the bottom of the blanket to cover baby's feet.
• Wrap the other side of the blanket around baby. Keep his or her head and neck exposed.
9. Lay the baby on your chest and allow him to listen to your heartbeat.
10. Change the lighting in the room.
11. Walk to a different room with her or walk outside to change the surroundings.
12. Allow the baby to look in a mirror.
13. Take the baby to a room with a bright light or a ceiling fan and let her watch it.
14. Wear baby in a specially designed infant sling.
15. Dance gently with baby.

Colicky babies:

Babies with colic cry intensely for several hours every day. The baby may become rigid with the legs pulled up against the stomach. Colic usually starts in babies as early as two or three weeks old and normally ends around 12 weeks. It starts and stops later in premature babies. Late afternoon and evening are worse.

The cause of colic is not really known, but the baby's doctor should be notified if you suspect that he or she has colic. More information on colic is at www.webmd.com.

In addition to the previous tips, colicky babies sometimes respond to the following:

1. Place a warm water bottle wrapped in a small towel or cloth on baby's stomach.
2. Gently rub your baby's stomach.
3. Walk the baby around, gently bouncing and/or jiggling him, supporting his body against your shoulder and supporting his head with your other hand.

Other tips for soothing colicky babies are at the website
http://wiki.ehow.com/Soothe-a-Baby-Who-Has-Colic

Remember:

• The crying will decrease.
• It's ok to place the baby in a safe place and walk away for a few minutes.
• Do not hesitate to call the doctor if you're worried about excessive crying.
• Take care of yourself. Get the proper nutrition, exercise and rest. Practice stress busters such as deep breathing, listening to music, visiting a friend.
• Make sure you get enough adult companionship.