Like it or not, at home or at day care, crying is a physiological process, a certainty for new born babes. Babies communicate with other humans via this annoying yet necessary technique. Unless your baby has miraculously mastered the art of speech her method of communication is probably going to be a spot of wailing. Discomfort of any sort is guaranteed to bring on a bout of the tears. Generally, the causes for crying are fairly common i.e. dirty bottom, hungry tummy, too warm or chilly, restrictive clothing, unwell etc.

There are children who demand constant attention and, if not forthcoming, they cry. Habitual crying for absolutely no reason is also common. Crying, whether with or without cause is extremely distressing for parents or carers. Since the underlying reasons for sustained crying could be serious all efforts should be made to discover the cause. Here are some basic considerations when faced with a distressed child.

1, It is dangerous to shake the baby vigorously. 2, Tight clothes can cause irritation hence they should be removed. 3, If the room is hot put the fan on and open the windows. 4, If the diaper is wet remove it and after cleaning dry with a soft towel. 5, Pat her back or stroke her head slowly and let her here your soothing sound. 6, Offer breast milk. 7, If the climate is cold cover her with a soft blanket. 8, Rock her gently in your arms and walk slowly in the room. 9, Take a music making doll and let her listen. 10, Try a pacifier or help her for thumb sucking. 11, If no response change her position. 12, Walk outdors with her. 13, Put her on the cradle and rock gently. 14, If no response ask somebody else to carry the baby.

If even after all these steps the baby continues to cry check for the following; ( Probable cause is given after every sign)

1, Press her abdomen gently,she may twist or resist you:—Colic 2, Pull her ear gently she may become worse or push your hands away:—Earache. 3, Feel her temperature with the back of your hands:–Fever due to an infection. 4, Examine the skin from head to foot:–Eruptive disease,diaper rash,measles,vesicles,allergy etc. 5, See the nose for any discharge:–Coryza. 6, Move the head gently to feel any neck stiffness:–Meningitis,head injury etc. 7, Keep your ear near her chest to hear any rattling sound:–Increased mucus in wind pipes. (pneumonia,bronchiolitis,asthamatic bronchitis etc) 8, Examine the anal orifice:–Anal erosion,rectal polyp,crawling of worms. 9, Examine the genitalia:–Any discharge or erosion. 10, In male baby see the testicles which may be swollen or tender:–Orchitis,torsion of testes. 11, Also notice the body movements and see for any convulsions,rigors,vomiting,cough,labored breathing etc.

If you see the above signs or any other abnormal signs consult your doctor for proper treatment.

Fiona Lohrenz draws on her 10 years of running a day care to write articles on all aspects of child care. She also pours this wisdom into her childcare website and has used it to produce a ‘How to Start a Daycare Business’ DVD guide: Start A Daycare Business DVD Fiona can be found at her website: ChildCareOnly.com

- Fiona Lohrenz

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