My newborn loves to cry. Not because he enjoys screaming to the point of silence, but because crying is the only form of communication he knows. What about nonverbal communication? Apart from burping and tooting, his nonverbal cues are harder to translate than the Mayan prophecies. So what have you tried? Well, Señor Know-it-all, my wife and I have tried just about everything. From feeding, to burping, to shh shhing to bouncing and pacing. In fact, there’s little we haven’t tried. Have a listen and a look…
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We tries:
- Swaddle
- Feed (wife only)
- Change diaper
- Burp
- Hold
- Bounce
- Walk around
- Walk away
- Talk softly
- Play relaxing music
- Change position
- Put down
- Pick up
- Go outside
- Go for a drive
- Swing
- Rock
- Make eye contact
- Stay close
- Reduce stimulations
- Let cry*
*WINNER! This is the most disheartening of all the techniques since it is quite painful to hear Jose cry and cry and cry. But, it works. Yes, I’m aware of colic, and its medical definition: a healthy baby with intense periods of unexplained crying lasting more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks. I’m aware that Jose is only beginning his third week of life and I won’t be able to “confirm” colic until the week’s end. In the meantime, the only solution I have that works is to let the little guy cry until he stops. At least there is some comfort in knowing that he’ll only do this for another 3 1/2 months. Phew!
Regardless of the crying and lack of sleep, I wouldn’t give up my son for the world (OK, maybe for the world). He’s awesome and wonderful and a great addition to the family.
Because I love hearing what other people have to say about their personal lives, please share your newborn by leaving a comment below or sending me an e-mail at TiTy@y2kemo.com.
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