Dr. Shirley Pinero-Bernardo, MD, Director, Newborn Nursery & Associate Program Director, Pediatric Residency Program offers the following tips on how to soothe a crying newborn:
A crying newborn often provokes a lot of anxiety and stress in sleep deprived parents. Though crying is a normal type of behavior in all babies, it is important to understand that there are many different reasons why a baby cries. Determining why your newborn is crying can be difficult to figure out at first and the process of understanding the many possible reasons will take time. Providing comfort is essential so check your baby each time.
According to Dr. Pinero-Bernardo, follow HEARTS acronym:
Hold your baby with skin to skin contact. These “hugs” promote bonding, feeding and have many medical benefits for babies and parents.
Eat: Is your baby hungry? Crying is a late feeding cue. Early feeding cues are quiet signals that call for attention. Be on the lookout for early feeding cues, such as smacking of the lips, opening and closing of the mouth and sucking on lips, tongue, hands, fingers and toes.
Air: Does your baby need to burp or pass gas? Your baby may feel discomfort from a belly full of gas. Check your feeding position to prevent your baby from swallowing a lot of air. Keep your baby’s head upright to burp the baby before and after each feeding.
Recheck the diaper: Your baby’s bowel movements will vary in color, consistency and size in the first few days of life. It is not uncommon for a baby to have a soiled diaper after each feeding.
Temperature: Is your baby too hot or too cold? Dress your baby in layers of clothing to keep your baby comfortable in any climate. Avoid excessive blankets.
Surroundings: Could a change in the environment soothe your baby? A change in the scenery or sounds could bring both you and the baby much needed relief.
The reason for your baby’s cries may not be the same each time. Whatever you do with love, and with your baby’s safety in mind, is exactly what your baby needs. Seek the advice of your pediatrician when there is inconsolable crying accompanied by pain, fever or illness.
Dr. Shirley Pinero-Bernardo is one of many qualified Pediatricians at Flushing Hospital. To schedule an appointment for your child with her, or any of our other doctors, please call 718-670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.