Temperature

• If baby is too warm, lessen clothing or blankets.
• If baby is too cold, increase layers by Swaddling in a receiving blanket 
• New infants tend to loose body heat through the top of the head, cover with a hat
• Let baby lay on your bare chest to feel the warmth of your skin
• Contact your pediatrician if baby is running a fever

Sucking Needs

• Try a pacifier (infant sized). Most babies do not take to one immediately. Gently stroke the roof of her mouth with it or gently hold it in place for a few seconds. Pacifiers should not replace regular frequent feedings.

• Speaking in gentle soft tones or singing
• Humming
• Music (soft gentle music or classical music work well.) Rock and roll music has been proven to make babies irritable.
• Audio Cassettes of womb sounds
• White Noise such as a vacuum cleaner, dishwasher or a radio set on static only.

Massage and Touch

• Sit in the middle of your bed. Lay baby on the bed face up, between your outstretched legs (to prevent him from rolling off). Gently begin with his chest and arms, with slow gentle motions, massage and stroke from the center outward toward the shoulders, then down the arms. You can use a baby lotion, but its not necessary. Then work your way to his legs and feet. You can also gently massage his face and head (being cautious of the fontanel or soft spot). Turn him on his tummy and repeat on the baby’s back side. A very small infant could be laid across your arm to gently massage his back.
• To help a baby expel gas, assume the face up position as above. Gently take his feet and gently bicycle them, occasionally bringing his knees to his tummy and back down. Talk in gentle tones.

You will find that most infants have a “fussy time” usually between 5pm and midnight. In the course of this time, nothing may seem to work. It is during this nerve-racking time that parents to work together to prevent injury to a crying baby. If you feel you are losing control with a crying baby, call a friend, neighbor or family member to come help. There is no shame in tired parents asking for help. A crying baby can be harrowing.