Topics:
Food jags and temper tantrums
Why babies do what they do
Remember when you first found out you were pregnant? You probably pictured nestling your tiny newborn close to your heart, seeing him take his first shaky steps, maybe hearing mama or dada. But did you also picture your arms aching from holding your wailing baby as you walk him for hours on end? Or watching him ping peas against the wall instead of putting them in his mouth? Or hearing him declare No! every time you ask him to come get ready for bed? Probably not.
Yet all of that baby and toddler behaviour — from the kind that melts your heart to the kind that makes you scratch your head — is normal. In fact, some of your child’s more trying traits are actually good signs of healthy development. Here’s a sampling of common behaviour challenges from babies on up to three-year-olds — along with some insight from the pros on how to handle them.
Crying and crying and crying
Birth to 6 months
Everyone knows that babies cry. It’s the only way they have of letting their caregivers know that something is amiss — whether it’s hunger, a soiled diaper, an upset stomach or just needing to be held and cuddled. Most new parents expect to contend with some crying. But how much is considered excessive?
“It’s really variable,” says Danielle Grenier, medical affairs officer with the Canadian Paediatric Society. “Some babies are sleepier than others and don’t cry as much. We do see babies who will cry for three hours in a row — especially in the evenings. They’re upset and nothing seems to comfort them. It’s so hard for parents!”
What can a parent do? First, run through your checklist of possibilities: Is your baby hungry, wet, uncomfortable, overtired? If your baby seems physically fine but fussy, try to stay calm and comfort him the best way you can — hold him in your arms or in a sling or carrier that keeps him close to your body. Or try taking him out in a stroller; many babies find the motion soothing and settle down to sleep.
Whatever technique you try, know what your own limits are. If you feel you are getting angry or overly frustrated with your baby, put him gently in a secure place and get support from your partner or a trusted friend or relative.
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What do you think?
Debos (not verified) says ....
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