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Crying is the only way your baby can get your attention. It's how he or she communicates that he's hungry or wet, and maybe when he needs your warmth. As your baby grows older, you'd have learned to decipher quickly.
But you can try to lessen the crying spells by being attentive to your baby's needs. Another thing that can help minimize infant fussiness is communicating with your child as if he or she can already understand.
Respective parenting educator Janet Lansbury believes that while your little one may be entirely dependent on you now, he or she is a separate individual with specific needs. Every baby is different, but each one deserves respect, just like any other human being.
What you need to know but your baby can't tell you yet
Do not underestimate babies' and kids' ability to feel and understand. "If we see our infants as capable, intelligent, responsive people ready to participate in life, initiate activity, receive and return our efforts to communicate with them, then we find that they are all of those things," wrote Lansbury, who is the author of Elevating Child Care: A Guide to Respectful Parenting.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWHow can you show your baby the respect he deserves? Lansbury enumerates a few simple ways below:
Talk to your baby all the time.
It's weird talking to someone who can't reply yet, but narrating to your little one what happens helps. Tell your baby what you're going to do, especially if it involves his body, like changing diapers or giving him a bath. Talking to your baby often also helps his speech and language skills.
Be present with your baby.
There's a lot of things to do, even when you're taking care of your little one. Still, your baby needs you to give him your undivided attention. Put the phone down when while breastfeeding or when you're changing your little one's nappy. Carve out small pockets of sacred baby time.
Acknowledge your baby's feelings.
Do you automatically 'shush' or place the pacifier in his or her mouth when your baby cries? This actually dismisses their feelings, like when you tell your crying toddler to just stop. Parents are programmed to check if their kid's cry is because he's hungry or wet, but you can do all of that comfort your little one with empathy.
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowWhen your baby cries, calmly listen to your baby and try to understand him. Often, just being with him already provides comfort, but it may take a little time before he stops crying altogether.
Allow your baby some alone time.
Just like mom and dad, your baby needs his or her me-time too. All parents want to give their child a head start, giving them educational toys that we think can help their development. Still, give your little one time to figure out how to move his body or how building blocks work.
That said, before you leave your baby on his own to play in his crib or playpen, make sure he or she is in a safe space or that you are nearby in case your little one needs you.
Be honest with your baby.
You don't need to hide it if you're feeling upset or when you're crying about something. Being a mom can be overwhelming. Staying true to yourself and emotions can be your baby's first lesson on managing feelings. Your baby might even surprise you with a gesture that can help ease your worries.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWIf you're feeling not yourself, anxious, extra angry, or helpless, don't be afraid to reach out to your partner, friends, or a professional.
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