BABY CRYING When your BABY can ‘t stop CRYING What Parents Need to Know about Infant Crying and Shaken Baby Syndrome

All Babies Cry Crying is normal. Babies cry for many reasons. ALL babies will have times when they CANNOT stop crying.

Normal Infant Crying Adapted from the NCSBS & Ronald G. Barr, MDCM The amount of crying: changes over time varies among normally- developing babies

The Period of PURPLE Crying From the NCSBS & Ronald G. Barr, MDCM Peak Pattern Unpredictable Resistant to Soothing Pain-like Face Long Bouts Evening Cry The Period of PURPLE Crying

Same Baby - Same Day

What is Colic? “Colic” is derived from the Greek “kolikos” which means suffering in the large intestine. Is something medically wrong with the baby? Is the baby in pain? Does “infant colic” simply refer to a baby that cries a lot?

What if MY Baby Cries a Lot? “Colic” is extreme, but normal, crying. Crying will greatly decrease by the time the baby is 3 to 4 months old. Colicky infants show no lasting harm. Get help if the crying is a problem for you or your baby. Normal doesn’t mean easy!

Soothing a Baby Feed baby slowly and burp baby often. Make baby as comfortable as possible, e.g., check temperature and diaper. Provide gentle motion. Provide soft music or other relaxing sounds. Is baby hungry? Thirsty? Bored? Anxious? Sleepy?

All Babies Have Times When They Cannot Stop Crying What if: you are by yourself you have done your best, but your baby keeps crying you are getting frustrated, over- whelmed, angry !!!!

Anger Pre-Anger Heating Up Before Boiling Over Don’t Let Yourself Boil Over

A.N.G.E.R. Workout Accept Name Get it Out Energize Resume

A tired, frustrated caregiver and a crying baby can be a deadly combination leading a parent or other caregiver to shake a baby in a moment of frustration.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) What is it? SBS is a medical term used to describe the injuries that can result if a baby is violently shaken. The younger the baby, the greater the risk of harm. Violent shaking is one of the most devastating forms of child abuse.

What is the Result? Even with prompt medical attention many victims die. Those who survive may suffer from: blindness paralysis deafness broken bones coordination problems developmental delays seizures learning disabilities The most common reason given for shaking a baby is that the baby wouldn’t stop crying.

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When Your Baby Cries Try different ways to soothe your baby. Know that a comforted baby doesn’t necessarily mean a quiet baby. Know that crying isn’t always a sign that something is wrong. If at anytime you start feeling tense or frustrated, it is important for you to take a break.

Put the baby in a safe place. Shut the door. Leave for up to 15 minutes. If you are calm, try again to soothe the baby. If you are not calm, seek help. Call someone. Take a break, don’t shake It is More Important to Stay Calm than to Stop the Crying

Take a Break What does that mean? Try venting anger in a non-violent way. Try a relaxation exercise. Try talking it out. Get some help so you can get some sleep.

It’s OK to Ask for Help a neighbour, relative or friend that can come over right away and help the baby’s doctor or community health nurse local community resources for health advice ANYTIME - Health Link Alberta Have the phone numbers of people who can help when the crying is too much.

Make a Plan to soothe your baby to calm yourself for who you can call for help

Some caregiver factors that increase the risk of shaking: late teens and early 20s males other factors – drug and alcohol use, mental illness, lack of self-control, inexperience with babies, high stress It could happen to ANYONE. Know You Can Trust Your Baby’s Caregivers

What Your Baby’s Other Caregivers Need to Know Babies cry for many reasons. Tips for soothing your baby. It is NEVER OK to shake a baby. Who to call when the crying is too much, such as where you can be reached and Health Link Alberta.

Remember... All babies cry. It is more important to stay calm than to stop the crying. Plan ahead for who you will call when you need help. Make sure that everyone who looks after your baby knows to never shake a baby for any reason. Take a break, don’t shake.