Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Rule #4: Listen to your Baby

Babies are smart! They have a unique set of sounds and cries to tell you what they need. If you immediately pick up your baby every time she cries, you may be missing out on an opportunity to hear what she needs from the expert. Once you take the time to learn her cries, try a new way to calm her. Let her know you're there by shushing and talking in a soothing voice if she needs to hear you. You can place a hand on her chest firmly, but gently to establish your presence. Wait a few moments and see if she calms right back down. Sometimes she just needs reassurance that you are near. Since this method is less disruptive, she'll easily get back to sleep. On the other hand, if she's hungry, cold, or needs a new diaper you'll know the exact solution since those are two different cries! (Hint: a hunger cry sounds like a few wails followed by short coughs and does not get louder. The other two clearly indicate distress.)


Hannah recently learned to squeal, so we're enjoying all the delightful sounds she can make! I think she's saying "Mama, this is hard work, but I can do it because I'm tough like Dada!" What do you think?

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