0-6 Months

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!  This stage is one of the hardest because your child is non-verbal and so many factors can affect their mood.

Development:

1. Babies are easily frightened.  Everything is new!  They need to know they are safe and protected.
2. They need to know their needs will be met.  They need to trust you!  This means responding to all crying with love and warmth.   Listen and respond!
3. Infants need to be held, rocked, cuddled, and loved on.  This builds connections among brain cells.
4. Babies are oblivious to your feelings and theirs.  They cry out of valid need and need alone.  They may cry more in the evening.  As their brain develops, they start to sense YOUR anxiety and this can interfere in different ways, such as with sleep.
5. Grasping and chewing develop their muscles and help them explore the world around them.  If it's not safe to go in their mouth, keep it up and out of their area.  It is your responsibility to childproof and endlessly supervise.
6. Your baby knows nothing about danger.  They cannot be taught that something is dangerous yet.
7. Acknowledge and/or repeat everything your baby "says".  This encourages language development!  Talk to your baby all of the time, with everything you are doing.  Read to them - it's a good time to form a bedtime routine that includes winding down with a bath then reading books before bed. 

Why is my baby crying?

Common Culprits:

• Teething: Teething pain is often worse in the evening.  The child may develop a low-grade fever.  You can soothe with a cold washcloth, teething toys (Sophie is a popular choice), and Tylenol (ask your Pediatrician for dosing information).  Some parents have luck with teething tablets, but most pediatricians do not recommend them.  Teething can wake your child at night, cause them to refuse to nurse, and cause drooling.  Teething babies can be especially irritable.
• Illness:  The worst part of parenthood is having a sick child but not really knowing how sick they are.  Call your doctor/go to the ER for any fevers over 100.4.  Treat with a humidifier, Tylenol, aspirate their nose, saline spray or drops, and any medications your doctor prescribes.  Remember how miserable you are when you are sick - let them rest and give LOTS of snuggles.  Invest in a ring sling or carrier you prefer to give them the extra snuggles they need.  A lot of parents avoid picking up illness by using Airborne at the first sign of symptoms (check with your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing). If your child is in daycare, they WILL get sick, and often.  Watch out for repeated ear infections, which usually announce themselves by an absolute refusal to being laid flat.  Give probiotics any time they are on antibiotics to avoid a c. diff infection.  Don't be afraid to get tubes in their ears upon ENT recommendation - it can be life-changing!  Also watch out for things like thrush and reflux.
• Something wrapped around a finger/toe or other clothing issue:  If your baby is crying, one of the first things you can do is carefully inspect each finger and toe to make sure there isn't something such as a hair tightly wrapped around the skin.
• Diaper Rash/Yeast Infection: Look for red and irritated skin or crying while peeing or pooping.  In really bad cases (such as with a c. diff infection) you may need to utilize a shower head to avoid wiping and further irritating the area.  In milder cases, you can rinse wipes with water before using them.  Pinxav is a great barrier cream as it contains clove oil which can help with pain relief.  Desitin is another good cream, and don't hesitate to call your doctor for a more power barrier if needed, as they can prescribe them.  Go diaper-free as much as possible.  Also watch for a reaction to certain diaper brands.
• Sleep: Babies need a lot of sleep!  The Baby Sleep Site is a great resource and has sample schedules for every age here.  Another good article to read is here.  It's important to establish a schedule and make sure your awake and sleep times are appropriate for their age.  Invest in a warm air humidifier (in a safe location), a white noise machine, a projector, or a night light as needed.  Make sure baby sleeps in a safe location alone (or practice safe co-sleeping habits) that includes a firm surface, mesh bumper, no blankets, a sleep sack, swaddling, etc.  It is recommended that you use a ceiling fan and a pacifier to help reduce the risk of SIDS. Munchkin makes a great white noise/projector for around $20 that plugs in and can play all night.  You can also search for "baby white noise" or "baby got colic" or similar on YouTube to find videos to play on your phone while holding baby.  Remember, loud is good at this stage.  These can be instantly calming!
• Cut out the Dairy: Whether you are breastfeeding or using formula, a very common culprit of pain, aka Colic, is dairy.  We are just not designed to drink cow's milk and, per Dr. McDougall, it actually causes the intestines to bleed.  If you are breastfeeding, it can take two weeks to get all of the dairy out of your system once you stop it.  If you are using formula, make sure you are using one without casein.  Similac Isomil is an example of a soy formula.  Soy is perfectly safe and can actually work as a hormone regulator.  It does not contain estrogen like cow's milk does.  Some babies are also allergic to soy as well so you may need to keep trying.  If you are at the 6 month mark, you may try to work with your doctor to see if you can provide enough nutrition with solids.  I recommend Baby Led Weaning.
• Hunger: Make sure you are sending enough milk/food to daycare.  If you are breastfeeding, follow weight gain guidelines to be sure you are producing enough.  You may need to supplement or move to formula and there is NO SHAME in that - all that matters is that you feed your baby, it doesn't matter how. 
• Gas: You can use simethicone drops (but watch out, they can cause constipation) or products like Colic Calm if you suspect your baby has gas.  Also try exercises like pumping their legs.  Some babies also benefit from regular use of a probiotic, and some formulas include them. Don't be afraid to switch formulas or stop breastfeeding if your baby seems fussy non-stop!  Keep trying until you find a combination that works.
• Car Rides:  First, make sure your child is comfortable in their seat. Are they too hot?  Do you need to remove the infant insert?  Do you have them dressed appropriately?  Try using toys on the carrier's handle, a mirror, and music (such as Disney, kids songs, even rap that has a beat similar to a heartbeat).  Brica makes this great mirror that has toys on it that swing while you drive.  Some babies just won't ever like a car ride (especially those you have trouble putting down at home) but will do better as they grow.  I used a Graco infant carrier with my first but a Britax convertible with my second and the level of comfort for them is so much greater (and my babies don't like to stay in the heavy carrier when we're out and about).

Also, sing to your baby.  It calms them down faster than anything you say.  Play music for them, especially in the car. 

Finally, invest in a RING SLING.  Baby-wearing is so good for your baby and will make your life easier too.  I prefer a ring sling because they are easy to take with you, easy to put on, and easy to get the baby in.  They are like a swaddle so they are calming.  Put any overtired baby in a sling and go for a walk and you're likely to have them fall asleep almost right away!  I love my Sakura Blooms silk sling.