Do you sometimes feel like nothing works when you are trying to calm your crying baby? You are not alone. No matter how much you think that no one else’s baby cries as much as your little one, remember that they do. Every baby cries. Some babies do cry more than others, some have good days and bad days. Crying is just part of the package.

A baby is considered fussy or colicky when they cry 3 hours or more per day at least 3 days of the week. Doctors do not know exactly what causes fussiness or colic in babies, it could be physical, developmental, or a combination of both. The fussy period for babies usually peaks around 6-8 weeks of age, and most babies are completely over their fussiness by 6 months (there is a light at the end of the tunnel).

Crying can have a big impact on mothers, especially new moms. 8% of mothers reported experiencing difficulty consoling their fussy infant. Mothers of fussy babies are more likely to suffer from post partum depression. The Center of Disease Control conducted a study of 2727 mothers. 19% of the mothers in the study suffered from moderate to severe post partum depression, most of them reported their babies were inconsolable.

So what can parents do to stop the crying? The CDC study found that those mothers who went through hands on parenting training were better equipped to handle their fussy babies. Each baby is different, they cry for different reasons and are consoled by different things. The key to learning how to deal with your fussy baby is learning to recognize what triggers your baby’s fussiness. Learning how to recognize when they are over stimulated, or tired, or hungry, or just crabby, and then what works to console them. Hands on parenting classes seem to work well at teaching new parents what to look for.

Crying is just one of those things that moms and dads have to learn how to live with. Every baby cries, and every parent has those days when they just feel like their baby will never stop crying. Just remember you are not alone and they will eventually stop crying. If you need to take a break and get a way for little bit of quiet alone time ask a close friend or family member to babysit for a few hours. Talking to other mothers about your experiences and sharing tips and tricks can be a lot of help too.

Ask your pediatrician for advice if you are concerned about your baby’s crying or if you need advice on how to console your fussy baby. If you feel you may be suffering from post partum depression consult your doctor, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

 

(source: US News and World Report)