Babysitting Classes offered by St Mark James train teens and pre-teens about how to properly care for young children. One important lesson that prospective babysitters must learn is how to calm a crying baby. When caring for very young children, you should understand that crying is their main form of communication. Babies cry for a reason and in order to calm them, you should know the reason why they are crying. Some of the
- The baby is hungry.
Hunger is the most common reason why babies cry. Babies have increased metabolism but limited capacity to ingest, as such they need to be fed at least every 8 to 12 times a day or every 2 to 3 hours. Make sure you know how to prepare the feeding and how to give it to the baby.
- The baby wants to suck.
Babies are naturally exploitative and one way of exploring is through sucking. Ask the parents if the baby is allowed to suck on a pacifier or his/her fingers. Make sure to clean the pacifier before handing to the baby.
- The diapers or baby dress are wet.
Babies can easily become uncomfortable in wet diapers. If the baby cries and feeding does not pacify him/her, check if the diapers are wet and need to be replaced. Wet diapers may feel warm and heavy.
- The baby may be experiencing gas pains.
If the baby cries right after or shortly after feeding, gas may be causing discomforts. Very young infants need to be burped often, especially after feeding. If you do not know how to burp the baby, make sure you ask the parent to demonstrate it to you. You can also give the baby a back rub or fold the knees back and forth to the baby’s chest to relieve gas pains. Another way of relieving back pain is by applying warm compress over the baby’s lower abdomen.
- The baby is overtired.
Babies are naturally hyperactive but over-stimulating them can cause them to become too tired. Crying is a way for them to release tensions. This is especially common during the afternoon or right before nap times. To stop their crying spell, take away stimulation or just bring the baby to a quiet place. Eventually, the child will fall asleep.
- The baby has some illness or discomfort.
Crying can also be a symptom of some illness, especially those that cause pain. Ask the parent if the baby has any scheduled medications. If the baby takes any medication, let the parent demonstrate how to give the medicine.
Some babies may cry for unknown reasons. Usually, these babies stop after a while when the cause have resolved. If you are worried that the baby you are caring for is crying too much, contact the parents.
Remember: DO NOT vigorously shake a child or baby in trying to pacify him. This can cause injury to the head and spinal column. Learn more about managing minor and major emergencies by taking workplace approved first aid and CPR training here.
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