Mammy.ie - With you from the beginning

ll young babies cry at some time during the day. Whether it's a subdued grumble or a full throated roar, a baby's cries are his only means of communicating his needs. Having said that, there is no doubt that a persistently fretful baby can be a strain for parents, so it's worth thinking about the underlying causes. Look upon crying as conversation rather than an irritant designed to up set you.

Responding To Your Baby's Cries

Research shows that babies do better if you respond promptly when they cry. It's a mistake to think of a baby as good if he doesn't cry much and one who does as naughty, because a baby's cries have nothing to do with good or bad behavior. Responding to your baby's cries is a crucial part of bonding your attitude to your baby in the first few weeks forms the blueprint for your future relationship with him, and for all his future relationships. He'll learn kindness and sympathy from you, which is why you should always answer his cry what ever any one else tells you . A loved baby will be secure, and when the time comes, he will be able to take separations in stride if he's learned that you will answer his needs. A baby who's left to cry is more likely to grow up clingy and attention seeking because he's learned that he has to work harder to make you respond to him.
Why You Should Respond Promptly

Your baby is longing to communicate with you, but his repertoire is limited at first. Crying is the only way.

He can convey his feelings, so don't just ignore him.

Your baby will develop good communication skills and outgoing, friendly behavior.

It will make him secure and self confident.

It will not spoil your baby or teach him bad habits, you can't spoil a baby this way, only love him.
What Happens If You Don't Respond

Not responding to your baby's cries is a form of rejection and your baby will soon sense this.

If you don't respond, he will cry for longer, continuing until he gets the attention he needs.

He will be driven to create a pattern of frequent crying.

What Makes A Newborn Cry

The circumstances of your baby's birth may affect the amount that he cries. It helps if you understand the possible underlying causes of a fretful baby's behavior. Try not to become impatient with him. it is out of his control. He'll begin to settle down as he gets older. Your baby may cry more.

If you had a general anesthetic.

If you had a forceps delivery.

If he was born after a long labor, after which babies tend to sleep in short bursts.
If he is a boy. Boys may cry more than girls in new situations, Try not to make the mistake of some parents of boys who have been known to attend to them less in the mistaken belief that it will toughen them up.

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