- Why are children crying?
- A lot of “good tips” to deal with crying children
- Singing can calm children
- Why is a long scream dangerous?
For over 70 years, pediatricians have been recommending parents to leave their children cry alone. New studies have shown the opposite results: prolonged crying increases the risk of developing mental illness. A child never screams from anger, whims, or a desire to scare parents.
Why are children crying?
Hunger, a full diaper, the need for intimacy or fatigue - these are perfect normal reasons for crying. In the first months of life, crying is the only way to communicate with mom. Often parents hear or read a recommendation not to respond immediately or to let the child scream.
Hunger is one of the most common reasons why children cry. The younger the child, the greater the likelihood that he will scream.
You should not feed the newborn only every 3 hours - this is an outdated recommendation.
Especially in the first months of life, children should be fed at shorter intervals. At large intervals, children take a very large amount of food at once - and this often burdens the small stomach.
Some children do not like to swim or be wrapped in three blankets. They are not used to feeling the air on their skin. The child should not overheat, as the risk of sudden cardiac arrest increases. The rule of thumb states that a child always needs a layer of clothing that an adult puts on to feel comfortable.
Mom can independently determine whether the child is too hot or cold by feeling his neck. You should not be fooled by the temperature of your hands and feet, as they are always colder.
German experts strongly recommend that you refrain from unverified methods of raising children. With each crying of the child, it is necessary to find out the root cause, and then eliminate it. You can not leave a newborn alone.
A lot of “good tips” to deal with crying children
“A little scream has not harmed anyone yet”, or “A scream strengthens the lungs” - “good” advice from relatives and friends. Some counselors also recommend that parents do not respond immediately and allow their child to "harden." But this is a very bad idea, scientists say.
Many parents feel uncomfortable imagining a crying child. A newborn never screams because of malice or “vagaries”. The kid needs confidence that he gets feedback when he is afraid or in pain.
A calm speech or gentle touch usually helps. However, this does not mean that the child needs to be hugged every time he screams. It is important to find out the cause of the suffering of the baby.
Often parents come, take the baby in their arms, give a pacifier and change the diaper. To avoid this stressful situation, it is recommended that you remain calm and look at the child for 3 minutes or talk to him calmly.
However, a prerequisite here is that the child is full and wrapped up to exclude the feeling of hunger or a full diaper.
If the newborn does not calm down this way, soft and slow touches often help relieve stress.
If the baby is still crying after stroking, parents should pick him up and calm him down. If this process is carried out again and again in the same way, it can become a familiar calming ritual for the child.
Singing can calm children
A recent study by the University of Montreal concluded that singing soothes children.
According to scientific work, singing was much more soothing to children than gentle speech.
As the researchers expected, listening to songs helped the children develop emotional self-control.
Why is a long scream dangerous?
Dutch scientists have found that a long cry of a newborn increases the risk of depression and anxiety in adulthood. If the child does not receive the necessary care or food, the risk of developing mental disorders increases threefold.
If the newborn cries for a long time and does not calm down, despite the actions of the parents, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician. Sometimes the baby screams due to physical illnesses that cause pain. Do not underestimate the constant complaints of the child.