The Crib: A Blog for New Parents

Posted by pecuellar on 02/25/08 - 07:04 PM

Even if you are blessed and your child does not have colic you can still expect a few sleepless nights. Babies do not know what to do or how to communicate when they don’t feel well so they cry and cry and then they cry some more. Nothing can make you feel more helpless or exhausted than another sleepless night. Trust me when I tell you that this is not an evil plot cleverly designed up by your infant to drive you to the brink of insanity (although it may feel that way). What can you do when that day arrives?

• Remain calm; if you get upset your child will be more upset and then you will just be crying together.

• Call for reinforcements when you can. I have been known to wake up dad at 4 am just so I can get a couple of hours of sleep.
• Look for signs of a bigger problem. If your baby has a persistent cough or a fever she may need some medical attention. Don’t be afraid to call your pediatrician in the middle of the night. Most have a nurse on call that will be able to advise you on what to do.

Most of all remember that the shockingly loud crying machine is still the precious bundle that you love and cherish.