UNICEF – 198 –
How to soothe a baby | Mini Parenting Master Class | UNICEF
Summary
289seconds video
Soothing a baby can be challenging, but understanding their needs and creating a calming environment can help. Dr. Wanda Abreu, a pediatrician, highlights common reasons why babies cry, such as hunger, discomfort, tiredness, need for attention, and overstimulation. Recognizing signs like frowning or lip-smacking can indicate the cause. To soothe a baby, try gentle rocking, soft sounds, skin-to-skin contact, or a tummy massage. Self-care for parents is crucial, as it helps them stay calm and attentive. Prioritize physical health, rest, and seek support if needed. Postpartum depression is common and should be addressed with a healthcare provider if symptoms arise. It’s essential never to shake or shout at a baby, and if overwhelmed, take a short break. By understanding your baby and caring for yourself, you can navigate this phase confidently, knowing it will pass and you’re not alone.
Full Script
Soothing a baby can be hard. However, with a few tips you can better understand what your baby needs and how to create a calm environment for both of you. Hi, I’m Dr. Wanda Abreu. I’m a general pediatrician and mother of three. Let’s explore some reasons why babies cry, how to comfort and soothe them, and how to get parents through this difficult time. Let’s talk about why babies cry. Knowing why your baby is crying can make it easier to calm them. Here are a few common reasons. Hunger. Babies have tiny stomachs and need frequent feeding. Newborns may need to feed eight or more times in 24 hours. Discomfort. Check for things like wet diapers, tight clothing, or temperature changes. Sometimes simple adjustments can make a big difference. Tiredness. Babies can get cranky when they’re tired, but then struggle to fall asleep. Look for signs like yawning, rubbing their eyes, or slow blinking. Need for attention. Babies feel safe when they’re held. Holding them does not spoil them. It actually helps them feel loved and secure. Overstimulation. Too much noise or light can overwhelm a baby. If possible, a quieter setting can be very soothing. Let’s go over signs of crying and what it can mean. Frowning or a wrinkled brow may show discomfort. Clenched fists or arching of the back might signal distress. Babies who are hungry might suck on their fingers or make lip smacking sounds. Now let’s go over some ways to soothe your baby. Try these simple, cost-free techniques to help your baby relax. First, gentle rocking or motion. Rocking them in your arms, gently swaying or going for a walk can be very calming for babies. Soft sounds. Speak softly, play gentle music, or make shushing sounds. Babies love the sound of their parents’ voices. You simply just want to talk to them. Skin-to-skin contact. Holding your baby close and feeling you’re warm can help them feel safe. Babies sometimes have trouble with gas. A gentle, tummy massage moving in a clockwise circle can ease discomfort. And remember, every baby is different, so don’t be discouraged if one technique doesn’t work. It may take some experimenting. I had to try different techniques with all of my boys. Now let’s turn to you and go over why self-care for parents is so important. It helps you stay calm and be able to better care for your baby. Here are some ways you can do that. Physical health. Prioritize rest, healthy meals, and short moments of exercise to stay strong. Take time each week to do something that you enjoy, like reading or going for a short walk. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner, family, friends, healthcare professionals, or local community groups for support. When you feel good, you can give your baby the patience and attention that they need. It’s important to recognize postpartum depression. Many moms and dads can experience postpartum depression, which includes symptoms like sadness, anger, or feeling disconnected from the baby. Postpartum depression can be difficult to recognize as it can develop gradually, but if you notice these or other signs that you’re feeling off, please reach out to a healthcare provider. Support and treatment can make a big difference. Soothing a baby takes time and patience, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. If you ever feel upset, put your baby in a safe place and step away for five to ten minutes to calm down before coming back. No matter how upset you feel, never shake, hit, or shout at your baby. By understanding your baby’s needs and taking care of yourself, you can make this time a bit easier. And remember, this is a phase that will pass and you’re not alone. Reaching out for help shows strength, and every day you’re learning more ways to calm and soothe your baby. You’ve got this.
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