Soothing a Crying Infant Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Why Do Infants Cry? An infant may cry because he or she… is hungry wants to suck (pacifier/finger) is too hot or cold has diaper rash is tired has colic is reacting to caregiver’s stress is bored and needs attention needs to burp needs a diaper change is getting sick and cranky is teething is over-stimulated has gas pains is in pain needs to be held and comforted OR…it is just that time of day! Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Why Do Infants Cry? (cont.) Many reasons…it is their only way to communicate! Feeling You say: Infant says: Hunger “When is dinner? I’m starved.” “Waaa!” Boredom “What is there to do? I’m bored.” Over-stimulation “I need some alone time.” Tired “I have had a long day. I need some sleep.” Pain “Ouch. This shirt label is scratching my neck.” Infants cry an average of two to three hours per day. Twenty to thirty percent cry more than two to three hours per day. Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Crying and Visual Cues Cry Cry sound Visual cues Hungry cry Short continuous bursts Hands in mouth, rooting (head turns to side) Tired cry Whimper, gradually turning into loud, distressed cries Looks away, rubs eyes, eyes droopy, yawning Pain cry Short, high pitched piercing wail; breathing stops then wail starts again Facial grimaces, bearing down Discomfort cry Forceful bursts on and off N/A Fussy cry Whimpers in short bursts Note: These are guidelines only. Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Common Crying Behavior The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) coined the acronym PURPLE™ for the: Peak Unpredictable Resistant Painful-looking Lengthy Evening …crying of a typical, healthy infant.1 1 “The Period of PURPLE Crying” is a trademark of the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. (2003). The Period of PURPLE™ Crying. [Brochure] Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Common Crying Behavior (cont.) Many healthy infants show PURPLE™ crying behavior: Crying reaches its peak frequency and duration at two months of age Crying is unpredictable and may start and stop without obvious cause Crying can be resistant to all efforts to comfort Infant may appear to be in pain, with knees pulled up and painful expression Crying can be very lengthy and may continue for a half-hour or longer Late afternoon and evening are often the times when crying is the loudest and longest Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

What To Do Respond right away Address obvious possibilities Avoid infant working him/herself into a frenzy You usually find out what is wrong Remember: You cannot spoil an infant Address obvious possibilities Hungry: Feed Dirty diaper: Change Air/Gas: Burp Needs attention: Hold Cold/Hot: Wrap up/remove excess clothing and/or blankets Needs to suck: Give pacifier or clean finger Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Responding To An Infant’s Cry The 5 S’s of Soothing an Infant by Dr. Harvey Karp, M.D. Techniques especially helpful in the first three months: Swaddling Side/Stomach Shushing Swinging Sucking Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Swaddling Especially helpful when calming to prepare for sleeping Like being in the womb (small, warm, cozy) Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Swaddling Steps Fold one corner of the blanket down. Place the infant’s head in the middle of the fold. Pull the left side across the infant's chest. Lift the infant’s left arm and tuck the blanket under the body. Bring the bottom of the blanket up and tuck it into the first swathe. Pull the last corner of the blanket across the infant’s chest, securing the left arm near the body. Tuck the blanket under the infant’s back as far as it will go. Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Side/Stomach Hold the infant on the side Helps the infant feel secure and supported Left side aids in digestion Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Shhhhhhh “Shhh” into the infant’s ear, loud enough to hear over own crying Other calming noises to try: Clothes dryer Dishwasher Hair dryer Fan Vacuum Running water CD with “white noise” (e.g. ocean waves) Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Swinging Movement similar to being in the womb Back and forth more than side to side: Rock in rocking chair or baby swing Ride in stroller or baby sling (or other wearable carrier) Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Sucking Give the infant something to suck on: Calms the infant Pacifier Clean finger Mother’s breast Bottle Calms the infant Use with other techniques Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

More Ideas Sing or play soothing music to distract the infant Show the infant something to look at Give the infant a warm bath Rock the infant gently Put the infant in a new position and gently pat or rub the infant’s back Run a vacuum cleaner nearby the infant Take the infant for a walk in the stroller Carry the infant around with you Put the infant in an infant seat and play peek-a-boo or a clapping game Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant