You've checked all the obvious reasons why your baby(ies) might be crying, he's been fed, winded, his nappy is clean, he's had a cuddle and he's still crying. He's warm enough and he doesn't look ill. Aagghh!!
What can you do?
How to comfort your babies when they are crying |
Rhythmic noise can be a great way to soothe tetchy babies. Pop on the vacuum cleaner or sit them in front of the washing machine. This method is particularly effective with very young babies, and has the added benefit for mum of drowning out that infernal baby howling! And not only do you get some chores done, chances are that when the spin cycle is complete or the living room vacuumed, baby will be fast asleep.
Take them out for a walk in the pushchair or pram. You'll get a bit of exercise and fresh air too.
A car trip can work wonders. Strap the babies into their car seats and take a trip round the block. This works really well with babies that are over tired. The noise and gentle vibrations and movements will generally have them asleep in no time at all. Be careful of leaving the babies sleeping in the car particularly in hot weather. If you do leave them sleeping, make sure that the car is shaded, ventilated and that you are close by.
Wrapping / swaddling the babies is only effective when they are less than a month old. It probably reminds them of being constricted within the womb and can make them feel comforted, safe and secure.
You don't have to have a voice that Simon Cowell would approve of, your babies will love your singing voice no matter how bad it is. Or put on the radio or your favourite CD.
Baby slings are available for twins too. It means a little bit more weight for you but allows you to get on with other things with them comforted by your closeness.
Carrying or gently rocking your baby is probably better than vigorously joggling him up and down, because this may prevent him from drifting off to sleep.
Some babies do just cry more than others and it can be very wearing. Some babies have a particular bad time of the day and it is important to try to remain positive and calm. Don't do it all yourself. Share the crying times with your partner / parents / friends. If you are by yourself and they are both crying, give each of them turns at being comforted.
My mum (and the neighbours) remember me, as a howling baby, being wheeled to the very top of the garden, bawling
in my pram. Mum would hotfoot it back indoors and have a break in peace in the house. Nine times out of ten, I'd be fast asleep when she checked up on me ten minutes later. It did me no harm and my younger brothers, who also benefitted from "time out" in the garden, are relatively normal too :-)
It is important you get a break from time to time. A stressed mum is an unhappy mum and the babies can sense it when mum is close to breaking point. If you feel you're going to lose your temper, ask a relative or friend to help you and give you some time out. If there is no one, leave the babies in their cots and take five minutes just to clear your head and take some deep breaths.
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