Health Care for Children

“Would you please take off this sweater?”
 
Just because the air is a tad brisk outside doesn’t mean your baby needs to be dressed for dogsledding in Siberia. Parents tend to overdress infants, who get cranky when they’re hot and sweaty — just like adults do.

The fix: Dress your baby in the same number of layers as you’re wearing. If you’re not sure whether she’s too hot or too cold, put your hand on her tummy or back to gauge her body temperature. “A baby’s feet or cheeks can often seem cool even when she’s comfortable,” says Charlotte Cowan, MD, a pediatrician in Boston..

“Can’t we all just get along?”
 
Babies don’t understand sentences such as, “I can’t believe you forgot to pay the Visa bill,” or “Why can’t you ever take out the trash without being reminded?” But they can sense when Mom and Dad are fighting — and they don’t like it. “If there’s tension or yelling, a baby can pick up on that and may become fussy,” says Ellen Schumann, MD, a pediatrician at the Marshfield Clinic, in Marshfield, Wisconsin.

The fix: Occasional arguments with your husband will happen (especially given the intense demands of caring for a new baby). But try to express your feelings calmly so that you create a consistent, soothing environment. Save the heated discussions for after your child goes to bed.

“I’m totally stressed out!”
 
Too much noise, movement, or bright light — at the mall, a crowded coffee shop, or a family party — can drive a baby to tears. And after a point, too much stimulation of any kind — even being left in a doorway jumper for 20 minutes or surrounded by too many toys — can overwhelm her.

The fix: Every child has a different breaking point, so pay close attention to how your baby handles commotion. Keep visits to busy stores short, eat at restaurants in the off-hours (when they’re quieter), and introduce new toys — even noise-free ones — in small doses. Also schedule some quiet time after an outing so your revved-up child can settle down.