Slide 1Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Soothing a Crying Infant

Slide 2Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Why Do Infants Cry?

• An infant may cry because he or she…– is hungry– wants to suck

(pacifier/finger)– is too hot or cold– has diaper rash– is tired– has colic– is reacting to

caregiver’s stress– is bored and

needs attention

– needs to burp– needs a diaper

change– is getting sick and

cranky– is teething– is over-stimulated– has gas pains– is in pain– needs to be held

and comforted

OR…it is just that time of day!

Slide 3Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Why Do Infants Cry? (cont.)

• Many reasons…it is their only way to communicate!

Feeling You say: Infant says:

Hunger “When is dinner? I’m starved.” “Waaa!”

Boredom “What is there to do? I’m bored.” “Waaa!”

Over-stimulation “I need some alone time.” “Waaa!”

Tired “I have had a long day. I need some sleep.” “Waaa!”

Pain “Ouch. This shirt label is scratching my neck.” “Waaa!”

Infants cry an average of two to three hours per day.Twenty to thirty percent cry more than two to three hours per day.

Slide 4Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Crying and Visual Cues

Cry Cry sound Visual cues

Hungry cry Short continuous bursts Hands in mouth, rooting (head turns to side)

Tired cry Whimper, gradually turning into loud, distressed cries

Looks away, rubs eyes, eyes droopy, yawning

Pain cry Short, high pitched piercing wail; breathing stops then wail starts again

Facial grimaces, bearing down

Discomfort cry Forceful bursts on and off N/A

Fussy cry Whimpers in short bursts N/A

Note: These are guidelines only.

Slide 5Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Common Crying Behavior

• The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome (NCSBS) coined the acronym PURPLE™ for the:– Peak– Unpredictable– Resistant– Painful-looking– Lengthy– Evening

…crying of a typical, healthy infant.1

1 “The Period of PURPLE Crying” is a trademark of the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome. (2003). The Period of PURPLE™ Crying. [Brochure]

Slide 6Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Common Crying Behavior (cont.)

• Many healthy infants show PURPLE™ crying behavior:– Crying reaches its peak frequency and duration at

two months of age– Crying is unpredictable and may start and stop

without obvious cause – Crying can be resistant to all efforts to comfort– Infant may appear to be in pain, with knees pulled up

and painful expression– Crying can be very lengthy and may continue for a

half-hour or longer – Late afternoon and evening are often the times when

crying is the loudest and longest

Slide 7Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

What To Do

• Respond right away– Avoid infant working him/herself into a frenzy– You usually find out what is wrong– Remember: You cannot spoil an infant

• Address obvious possibilities – Hungry: Feed– Dirty diaper: Change– Air/Gas: Burp– Needs attention: Hold– Cold/Hot: Wrap up/remove excess clothing and/or blankets– Needs to suck: Give pacifier or clean finger

Slide 8Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Responding To An Infant’s Cry• The 5 S’s of Soothing an Infant

by Dr. Harvey Karp, M.D.– Techniques especially helpful in the first

three months:• Swaddling• Side/Stomach• Shushing• Swinging• Sucking

Slide 9Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Swaddling

• Especially helpful when calming to prepare for sleeping

• Like being in the womb (small, warm, cozy)

Slide 10Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Swaddling Steps1. Fold one corner of the blanket down.

2. Place the infant’s head in the middle of the fold.

3. Pull the left side across the infant's chest.

4. Lift the infant’s left arm and tuck the blanket under the body.

5. Bring the bottom of the blanket up and tuck it into the first swathe.

6. Pull the last corner of the blanket across the infant’s chest, securing the left arm near the body.

7. Tuck the blanket under the infant’s back as far as it will go.

Slide 11Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

• Hold the infant on the side• Helps the infant feel secure

and supported• Left side aids in digestion

Side/Stomach

Slide 12Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Shhhhhhh

• “Shhh” into the infant’s ear, loud enough to hear over own crying

• Other calming noises to try:– Clothes dryer– Dishwasher– Hair dryer– Fan– Vacuum– Running water– CD with “white noise” (e.g. ocean waves)

Slide 13Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Swinging

• Movement similar to being in the womb

• Back and forth more than side to side:– Rock in rocking chair or baby swing– Ride in stroller or baby sling (or other

wearable carrier)

Slide 14Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

Sucking

• Give the infant something to suck on:– Pacifier– Clean finger– Mother’s breast – Bottle

• Calms the infant• Use with other techniques

Slide 15Unit Two, Lesson Two - Soothing a Crying Infant

More Ideas• Sing or play soothing music to

distract the infant• Show the infant something to look at• Give the infant a warm bath• Rock the infant gently• Put the infant in a new position and

gently pat or rub the infant’s back• Run a vacuum cleaner nearby the infant• Take the infant for a walk in the stroller• Carry the infant around with you• Put the infant in an infant seat and play

peek-a-boo or a clapping game