Baby Instructions

"What a wonderful, helpful and specific book. How nice to have suggestions and reassurances from an expert. I would recommend this book to all new parents."

-- Irma Ross MS, CPC, NCC

Excerpts

Babies cry for lots of reasons. They cry when they're tired, hungry, too hot, too cold, over-stimulated, not stimulated enough, wet, soiled, or sometimes just for no reason at all. What makes it difficult, especially if you're new at parenting, is that they can't tell you. If they are tired, they don't act sleepy; they act cranky. If they are wet, they don't point to their diaper; they act cranky. The following tips may help your cranky, crying baby feel better.

Put a receiving blanket into the dryer for a few minutes to get it nice and warm. Swaddle the baby and lay her down in the crib on her side so her back is touching the crib or use a wedge (see Glossary) or a rolled-up receiving blanket. (Note: While babies do come in two genders, my usage of "her" and "she" throughout this book is merely for simplicity.) Babies are accustomed to close quarters and feel secure when they are in small spaces.

• Put the baby into a swing. Get a receiving blanket (again, you may want to warm it up in the dryer first) and pull it up between the baby's cheek and hand so she can touch it and feel the soft fuzziness next to her cheek. This is very comforting. You may want to put another rolled-up receiving blanket against her ear to hold it in place.

• Put the baby into the Exersaucer (see Glossary ) and show her all the fun toys mounted on the tray. If she is almost sitting up by herself, she is old enough to play in this type of toy. You may want to put a rolled up receiving blanket behind her back for more support, especially when she is first starting to play in this toy.

Place the baby on her tummy lengthwise on your knees. Gently rock your legs while rubbing her back or patting her bottom.

Gently stroke the baby's forehead and cheeks with your fingertips as though they were feathers. . .