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WEEK FIVE

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Week Five won’t be very different from the previous week, except that everything might be a little more pronounced. Lopsided smiles will confirm that Baby is beginning to appreciate his environment. Soon she will begin gurgling when awake and not hungry.

Baby’s cries will be one of the things that concern you most. There are many reasons why babies cry. Most of them are not serious and require simple solutions to restore contentment. Crying is simply Baby’s first form of language: his way of communicating with you.

Do not rush to act preventatively at the first little sound a baby makes. A baby will often make a few sounds, moan a little, wriggle around and then settle of his own accord. Leave him for a while to see if he is really in need of something. This does not mean you should allow him to cry bitterly or for long periods, but simply that you should not automatically assume that something is wrong. When Baby cries, consider these possibilities before looking for more serious reasons:

•Is Baby’s nappy wet or dirty? Do check and change regularly.

•Is Baby thirsty or hungry? Feed when necessary, not according to a schedule.

•Is he too hot or cold? Remember that babies feel both cold and heat sooner than adults and you may need to remove or add a layer or two of clothing or blankets.

•Is she uncomfortable, maybe lying on one side only and experiencing pins and needles? Change her position from time to time if niggly.

•Is he tired and rubbing his ears or eyes? A walk, patting, rocking or singing will help him fall asleep.

•Is it late in the day when he is niggly, as almost all babies are? Go for a walk, bath him, or use a baby carrier as time-tested tips.

•Is she bored maybe? Play games appropriate for this age.

Some babies do cry for attention and this is a more serious issue. Most babies require lots of attention and if you give a fair amount you will have a happier baby. Do not label a baby ‘naughty’ – emotional attention is a valid need. Using a baby carrier will often solve the problem of crying for a bit of closeness to Mom or Dad. If Baby is constantly niggly despite your efforts, it might just be the sign of a high-need baby or she might need the homeopathic remedy Chamomilla Tablets. Babies’ personalities are as individual as those of adults and occasionally one might feel that they are not all that pleasant!

If a baby was born by Caesarean section or had a difficult normal birth, Arnica tablets can be useful to reduce the effects of stress. These unhappy babies also respond well to massage.

Other conditions that cause crying and need special attention are colic and teething. Read more elsewhere in this book.

Lastly, if all other reasons for crying have been checked, one thinks of fever and illness in an unhappy infant. Always be observant – ask yourself if Baby feels feverish, is off his milk or whether his wet nappies smell strongly, indicating a bladder infection, for instance.

Sister Lilian’s Babycare Companion: Complimentary and traditional care

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