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him.
D. Spitting
All babies will spit mouthfuls of food from time to time and occasionally may
vomit an entire meal. If this is a persistent problem, please discuss it with us. If
the baby is gaining weight well you need not worry. Spitting may persist for eight
to ten months, but it should clear when the baby learns to sit or stand. "Jiggling
or jostling" your baby immediately after feedings may aggravate the problem of
spitting.
E. Hiccups
These may occur after feeding or burping and may last 5-15 minutes. You may
stop them by refeeding, reburping, or offering a pacifier to your baby. Hiccups
are more distressing to you than to your baby.
F. Crying
Crying is your baby's earliest means of communicating with you. There are
many reasons why babies cry: hunger, discomfort such as being too warm or
cold. Babies also cry when they need to be held and cuddled. That is why your
baby will often stop crying when you pick him up. Do not feel that you are
spoiling him by picking him up when he cries. His need to be close to you is just
as important as his other physical needs. On the other hand, if you have
checked him to be sure that there is nothing obviously wrong, there is no reason
why your baby cannot be left to fuss for 10-15 minutes. Some babies cry just
before sleeping or as an outlet for tension.
Studies have shown that babies fuss and cry more during the first few weeks of
life with a peak at 6-8 weeks of age. Things usually settle down between 2 and
3 months of age.
It can be very frustrating caring for a crying baby when you yourself are
exhausted. NEVER EVER SHAKE YOUR BABY - this may cause brain damage.
If your baby is still crying after you've fed, burped and changed the diaper you
can:
1) take the baby's temperature (less than 3mo of age use a rectal
thermometer, call us if the temp is greater than 100.4)
2) undress the baby. Look for hairs wrapped around fingers or toes. Any
rashes or new findings? Are the eyes red or swollen?
3) swaddle the baby.
4) dim the lights, talk softly and soothingly.
5) rock or walk with the baby.
6) rub his/her back.
7) try a pacifier.
8) play some soft music.
9) take the baby for a ride.
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