Health Care for Children

Tips 13-23
 
Getting Rid of Gas
 
13-15. Letting it go: Some people think infants smile when they have gas; others know better. If you suspect your baby is crying from gas pain:
lay him down across your knees and gently rub his back
bicycle his legs while he lies on his back
talk to your doctor about using infant gas drops

Could It Be Colic?
 
One-fifth of babies develop colic, which means they cry inconsolably for three hours or more a day for three weeks or more; it peaks at six weeks and usually resolves itself by three months.

16. Watch your diet: If you’re nursing and regular soothing tips don’t help, try eliminating:

dairy
caffeine
onions
other potentially irritating foods from your diet

17. Try the colic hold: Lay baby facedown on your forearm, cradle her close to your body, and rock her back and forth.

Pacifier Cures?
 
Many moms wonder, “What’s the deal with pacifiers? Should I use one, or will my baby develop a bad habit?”

18. Offer a binky: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there’s nothing wrong with giving a newborn a pacifier. Some children have strong sucking needs and are quickly soothed by a binky. Most babies give up the paci on their own around the seventh month. If yours doesn’t, don’t worry. The AAP says it’s unlikely to harm his development.

Nothing Is Working! Now What?
 
All is not lost! There are still a number of tricks you can try to jolly your little one out of his cranky mood.

19. Go outside: A change of scenery can be distracting enough to calm your newborn’s cries.

20. Give baby a massage: Some babies find stroking soothing.

21. Dim the lights and shut off the TV: Too much stimulation can jangle a newborn’s nerves.

22. Check the temperature in your house: Baby could be too hot or too cold.

23. Check baby’s clothes: Hot, tight, or confining clothes can cause tears to flow.