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Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American
Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical
professor at the George Washington University School
of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.
She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national
television programs, discussing issues related to children's health.
Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.
Q: Our 12 week-old son cries for approximately 90% of the time that he is awake. He only calms down if he is held upright on a shoulder or given a massage. Do you have any suggestions to soothe him?
A: Babies cry for a variety of reasons; it is usually an expression of some type of need. A persistently crying baby may be hungry, tired, wet, in an uncomfortable position, ill, frightened, or even lonely. Always check your son to be certain that he is not in one of these categories. The act of crying itself, after a period of time, may make your baby even more uncomfortable. Some babies stop crying when they see a smiling face, feel the warmth of being held close, smell a familiar body's scent, or hear mom's soothing voice. Being held upright on your shoulder and a massage are great techniques to help expel any swallowed air or intestinal gas which may increase his comfort.
If you are breast feeding, you may want to review your diet. You can try eliminating any highly seasoned or very spicy foods from your diet for several days, and if he seems calmer and more comfortable, you will have solved the mystery.
If you are formula feeding, you might consider trying one where the protein content does not form hard curds and has been broken down to be easily digested in your baby's tender tummy. However, before making any feeding changes, I suggest that you discuss this with his pediatrician.
Some other "soothers" you might try include holding your baby securely over your arm in a face down (football hold) position while gently rubbing his back with your other hand, and wrapping him tightly in a swaddling blanket which allows him to feel "held" and more secure. Many babies respond to a warm bath or soft background music to calmly settle into a relaxed state. Of course, if his crying persists despite your efforts, consult his pediatrician who may have other suggestions to offer after your son is evaluated.
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