Presenter’s Notes
The Crying Teaching Kit Includes: • “Crying” Presentation • “Why is This Baby Crying?” Game. This includes the facilitator presentation booklet with instructions and laminated participant cards • “Staying Calm When Your Baby Cries” tip sheet • “When Your Baby Can't Stop Crying” tip sheet • “Keeping Your Baby Comfortable In Winter” tip sheet • “Keeping Your Baby Comfortable In Summer” tip sheet
Optional Handouts • “Safety Tips For Sleep Sacks And Other Swaddling Products” tip sheet • “Safety Tips for Swaddling” tip sheet
Facilitators: If you have questions regarding information contained in this kit please contact : IMPACT, the Injury Prevention Program of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority • Phone: 204 940-8300 • Email: [email protected]
Important: This kit includes general information about why a baby may cry, how to respond and what you can do to cope with crying. If parents have concerns about their baby’s health and excessive crying they should see their health care provider for an assessment and support.
Babies and Crying What You Need to Know
Source: http://www.purplecrying.info/sub-pages/protecting/the-relations-of-crying-to-sbs.php
Used with permission from the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome" Babies and Crying What You Need to Know
• Hearing your baby cry can be distressing but it is important to know that it is normal for all babies to cry. Crying doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong.
• Most babies: . start crying at birth, . cry the most around 2 months of age . start to cry less around 3-5 months of age . are happier in the daytime and fussier in the evening
• Looking at the graph we can see that a baby two months old may cry anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours in a twenty four hour period. Six hours is a lot of crying and would still be considered normal for some babies. Some babies simply cry more than other babies.
• The amount of time your baby spends crying each day can often feel much longer than it actually is - even 1/2 an hour can feel like an eternity when you're tired.
It is Important to Know that a Crying Baby…
• is not being bad • is not angry with you • does not mean that you are a bad parent
It is Important to Know That a Crying Baby…
• Crying is one of the ways your baby communicates with you. As part of her survival instinct, crying ensures her basic needs for food and comfort are met.
• Crying may also be your baby's way of letting off steam. For babies that are overtired and over-stimulated crying is a way they unwind and release tension.
• Crying does not mean you're a bad parent. . Babies don't know how others feel at the sound of their crying . Babies don’t cry because they're spoiled . Babies don’t cry to annoy you
• When babies cry they are simply trying to communicate that they need something.
You Need To Respond to a Crying Baby
You Need To Respond to a Crying Baby • Babies need to be comforted, protected and nurtured by their parents. • Babies do not have the ability to comfort themselves. • It is very important that you respond to your baby when she is: . hurt . ill . upset (afraid, sad, angry) • If your baby is not picked up and comforted, she will learn she can’t rely on or trust her caregivers. If your baby’s needs are not met on a regular basis, this will interfere with normal healthy child development. • Comforting your baby will not “spoil” her. Research shows that babies who are quickly and effectively comforted when they are upset cry less and are soothed more quickly. • Comforting is: soft soothing voices, gentle calming touch, holding, reassuring that everything will be okay. • Comforting is not: hushing, laughing at, making fun of/mocking, overreacting and panicking, ignoring, asking our children to comfort us. What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Address Basic Infant Needs What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Ask participants: What are basic infant needs? Answer: Hungry, wet/soiled, too hot, too cold, tired, overstimulated, etc.
Address Basic Infant Needs • If your baby is crying, the first step is to try and figure out if he is crying because of something he needs. • Is your baby: Hungry? Needing a diaper change? Overheating? Cold? Over-stimulated? Tired? • These are all examples of basic needs that your baby may try to tell you about by crying. • If your baby is crying and you are not sure why, there are things you can do. We will discuss this in the next few slides.
What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Comfort Your Baby What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Comfort Your Baby: • Comforting is trying to soothe your baby’s emotions. • You can: . Wrap your baby in a blanket and hold her in your arms (Remember do not swaddle your baby for sleep) . Look into your baby’s eyes and talk softly to her . Try rubbing her back and holding her upwards on your shoulder . Change her position • In some newborns, the need to suck is very strong. Sucking at your breast or on a clean finger or a soother can bring great comfort . Comfort sucking can steady a baby's heart rate, relax her tummy, and help her to settle.
What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Carry Your Baby
What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Carry Your Baby • Crying babies often need lots of cuddling, physical contact and reassurance. If you hold your baby close she may be soothed just by hearing your heartbeat. • Your baby may stop crying just by being carried. It may be that she just wants to be held closely. This can include skin to skin contact. • You may be worried about spoiling your baby if you hold her too much. Remember during the first few months of her life that's not possible.
What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Walking and Movement What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Walking and Movement You can try: . Holding him and walking . Taking him for a stroller ride . Sitting him securely in a baby swing when he is old enough . Taking him out for a ride in the car . Sitting with him in a rocking chair . Dancing with him
What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Talking
What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Ask Participants: How does your baby react to your voice when you talk to him or her? Does your baby like to hear you singing? Answer: Allow participants time to share how their baby reacts to their voice.
Talking . Your voice is comforting to your baby. He has heard it since before he was born and he will listen to your voice as you speak. . Did you know that babies will even move their arms and legs in time with your voice? . Singing a lullaby or nursery rhyme with a soft voice or saying the same things over and over with a melody can help to calm baby. . Calmly talking to your baby when he is upset can change the focus both for your baby and for you.
What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
White Noise and Vibration What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
White Noise and Vibration
• In the uterus (womb), your baby hears the beat of your heart which is why she likes to be held close to you now. • There are other repetitive noises that may also have a calming effect and may even lull your baby to sleep: . The steady rhythm and vibration of a washing machine (Only put baby beside the washer and dryer and never on top) . The noise of a vacuum cleaner • There are downloadable white-noise sounds, phone apps and CD created to sooth crying babies. On this website, you can download an app for your apple or android product. http://simplynoise.com/
What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
Have a Routine
Feeding: For newborns and young infants respond to your baby quickly when she starts to show hunger cues such as sucking her fingers, rooting, making sucking sounds, etc. For older infants (6 months) try to have consistent meal and snack times. Eat at the table with your baby.
Nap Time: Watch for cues that your baby is tired and respond quickly. Place baby in her crib and let baby fall asleep in the crib.
Bed Time: Give your baby a bath, put your baby in pajamas, sing some quiet lullabies or songs, read a book, dim the lights. Put your baby in the crib to fall asleep. What Can You Do When Your Baby Cries?
• Have a Routine.
• Several studies show that your baby will cry less if they have a regular routine.
• Routines give parents structure and a sense of accomplishment and add predictability to baby's day. Routines help babies feel safe and able to trust that their parents will consistently respond to their needs.
• Creating regular routines for sleeping, feeding, bath time, play and quiet time may help your baby know what to expect.
• A routine is often a way of doing things that are the same. For example a bed time routine may include giving your baby a bath, putting your baby in pajamas, singing quiet songs, reading a book, dimming the lights, It would be done everyday roughly at the same time as you start to notice that a certain time of the day works best for getting baby ready for bed and before baby is overtired.
• Try to avoid continuous entertainment, visits, outings that can over stimulate your baby. However, the reality is that some of the time you cannot avoid these things and it is about finding a balance.
Important: Your baby will have many changes in their first year and some of the routines you develop will only last a few weeks before you need to adapt again. Remember that no schedule or routine should come before baby’s needs especially during the first few months of life. During this time your baby needs to nurse/feed on demand, and needs lots of sleep, especially if tired.
How to Stay Calm and Cope With Your Crying Baby How to Stay Calm and Cope With Your Crying Baby
You may feel overwhelmed when your baby continues to cry even though he/she is not sick, hungry, or in need of a diaper change. It is very important for you to stay as calm as you can.
Ask participants: What do you do to keep calm when your baby is crying? Answer: Allow participants to share how they keep themselves calm. Add to their tips from the list below. The following tips can help you relax, stay calm and cope with your crying baby. . Gently place your baby in a crib on his or her back and leave the room. Check on your baby every 5 to 10 minutes. . Breathe slowly. Inhale and exhale long breaths through your nose. Do this 3 - 10 times. . Be kind to yourself. Think positively: “My baby knows I’m trying”; “I am getting calmer”; “I’m doing the . best that I can”; “I choose to be relaxed”. . Ask for help. If you need a break, let your partner, neighbour or family member care for the baby. . Call a friend or family member. Ask them to come over for company or chat on the phone. . Tense, stretch and hold. Sit or lay down. Close your eyes. Tense your feet for a second or two, then release them. Feel how relaxed your feet are for a few moments. Do this through your body from your feet, calves, thighs, buttocks, stomach, shoulders, arms, hands, to your face. . Reset and reduce your stress. Be active. Put on a favorite song and dance. You can also try thinking of a relaxing place or memory. Remember that with a crying baby some things will work some of the time, but nothing works all of the time. Remember that all babies cry and crying is normal. Never shake a baby. It is safer to gently put your baby in a crib on his or her back to cry when you are upset or overwhelmed.
Things to Remember!
• All babies cry and crying is normal! • Expect your Baby to go through crying phases • Expect that you won’t always be able to calm your baby easily • Coping with a crying baby can be tough. Know that there are a variety of community resources available • Know when to get help!
Your baby’s crying won’t last forever!
Things to Remember!
• All babies cry.
• Crying is often the way your baby communicates to let you know what he or she needs. In the first year of life, all babies go through a crying phase. It is important to remember that you are not alone and your baby’s crying won’t last forever.
• There are times that your crying baby will be easily comforted and there will be times that your baby will not settle no matter what you do. Knowing that this normal can help you cope.
• Being a parent can be very hard. If you are having trouble coping with a crying baby or being a parent (e.g., frustration, losing your temper, feeling hopeless or out of control) it is important to get help.
. Talk to your Public Health Nurse . Talk to your doctor, midwife, nurse or other healthcare provider . Call the Triple P Parent Line which provides Manitoba parents with free, confidential parenting support . Contact community agencies that support pregnant women and new mothers/parents like Women’s Health Clinic, the Mothering Project at Mount Carmel Clinic, Post Partum Depression Association of Manitoba
If you feel that you could harm yourself or your baby, or are in crisis: . Go to the Emergency Department of your local hospital . Call the WRHA Mobile Crisis Service 204-940-1781 . Call Klinic Community Health Centre Crisis Line 204-786-8686
Where Can I Get Help?
“Crying ” has been developed and produced in partnership by Healthy Child Manitoba and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Information about crying: PURPLE website http://purplecrying.info/
Information about safe use of children’s products: Health Canada www.healthycanadians.gc.ca - Visible and kissable pamphlet (slings and carriers) http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/kissable-visible-calin-eng.php - Is your Child Safe pamphlets (children’s products) http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/child-enfant/index-eng.php
If you have questions about your baby’s crying please contact your Public Health Nurse or Health Care Provider in your area.
The information in this presentation kit is not meant to replace health care advice
This kit was developed in January 2015 It is not intended as a handout for program participants
Where Can I Get Help?
“Crying ” has been developed and produced in partnership by Healthy Child Manitoba and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Information about crying: PURPLE website http://purplecrying.info/
Information about safe use of children’s products: Health Canada www.healthycanadians.gc.ca - Visible and kissable pamphlet (slings and carriers) http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/kissable-visible-calin-eng.php - Is your Child Safe pamphlets (children’s products) http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/child-enfant/index-eng.php
If you have questions about your baby’s crying please contact your Public Health Nurse or Health Care Provider in your area.
The information in this presentation kit is not meant to replace health care advice
This kit was developed in January 2015 It is not intended as a handout for program participants
References for Professionals
Research publications about the PURPLE program and management of crying:
• Barr RG, Barr M, Fujiwara T, Conway J, Catherine N, Brant R. Do educational materials change knowledge and behavior about crying and shaken baby syndrome? A randomized controlled trial. CMAJ, March 31, 2009; 180(7):727-733. • Barr R, Rivara F, Barr M, et al. Effectiveness of Educational Materials Designed to Change Knowledge and Behaviors Regarding Crying and Shaken-Baby Syndrome of Newborns: A Randomized, Controlled Trials. Pediatrics 2009; 123(3):972-980. • Fujiwara T, Yamada F, Okuyama M, Kamimaki I, Shikoro N, Barr RG. Effectiveness of educational materials designed to change knowledge and behavior about crying and shaken baby syndrome: a replication of a randomized controlled trial in Japan. Child Abuse and Neglect. 2012 Sep;36(9):613-20. • Bradshaw, Jill Marie, "Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome: A comparison of two parent education programs" (2010). Doctoral Dissertations. Paper AAI3415571. • van Sleuwen BE, L'Hoir MP, Engelberts AC, Busschers WB, Westers P, Blom MA, et al. Comparison of behavior modification with and without swaddling as interventions for excessive crying. The Journal of Pediatrics 2006;149(4):512-517. • McRury JM, Zolotor AJ. A randomized, controlled trial of a behavioral intervention to reduce crying among infants. J Am Board Fam Med. 2010 May-Jun;23(3):315-22.
Why is This Baby
Why is This Baby Crying?
The purpose of this game is to involve and encourage participants to discuss how much they know about why their baby cries and things they may try to soothe and comfort their baby. It also helps parents realize they already know a variety of ways to help their baby when they are crying.
How to use the cards: • Facilitator will pass out the “Why is This Baby Crying?” participant cards. (If the group is too large, the facilitator may choose to read the cards themselves to the group or put them up as a PowerPoint). • Participants will take turns reading the cards to the group.
Ask Participants: o What are the reasons for the baby’s crying? o What are the things you may try to comfort/help your baby?
• Allow participants to determine why the baby might be crying and what to do. • The facilitator cards will have the answers and ideas about the scenario and can add to the participant responses if necessary. • The answers on the card are very basic and participants’ extra responses are encouraged. Participants will likely have many more answers than are listed on the card. • Finish the game by telling participants how much they know about their baby’s crying and how to appropriately respond to their baby.
Note: The scenarios in this game are about common reasons a baby may cry. They are NOT about health issues or health concerns. If there are health concerns, parents should see their health care provider for assessment and support. A infant who is sick and crying uncontrollably needs to be assessed.
Your baby is crying and… is opening her mouth, rooting
1A
Your baby is crying and… is opening her mouth, rooting
Reason for crying: • She may be hungry
1A Your baby is crying and… is opening her mouth, rooting
1B
Your baby is crying and… is opening her mouth, rooting
Things you may try to help your baby: • Responding to early signs of hunger from your baby will help prevent crying. Early signs of hunger are: – rooting – sucking fingers – smacking or licking lips – opening and closing mouth – sucking on lips, tongue, hands, fingers, toes, toys, or clothing • Feed her slowly and burp her often
1B Your baby is crying and… keeps looking away
2A
Your baby is crying and… keeps looking away
Reason for crying: • Your baby may be overstimulated
2A
Your baby is crying and… keeps looking away
2B
Your baby is crying and… keeps looking away
Things you may try to help your baby: • Reducing noise, light and movement (i.e. turn off the TV or radio, dim the lights) • Singing or “shushing” gently • Take baby to a quiet room
2B
Your baby is crying and… is making facial grimaces or straining
3A
Your baby is crying and… is making facial grimaces or straining
Reason for crying: • Your baby may have gas pain
3A
Your baby is crying and… is making facial grimaces or straining
3B
Your baby is crying and… is making facial grimaces or straining
Things you may try to help your baby: • Try burping your baby • Lay him across your lap on his abdomen, with his head slightly higher than the rest of his body, and firmly rub and pat his back • Rub and gently pat his stomach • Bring his knees up and down to his tummy to help relieve gas or help him to have a poop • Hold him securely over your arm in a facedown position, known as the "gas hold" or "colic hold"
3B
Your baby is crying and… has a wet or soiled diaper
4A
Your baby is crying and… has a wet or soiled diaper
Reason for crying: • Your baby may be uncomfortable or her skin is being irritated
4A
Your baby is crying and… has a wet or soiled diaper
4B
Your baby is crying and… has a wet or soiled diaper
Things you may try to help your baby: • Change her diaper and use a cream if she has a rash • Give her time without a diaper
4B Your baby is crying and… reaches out his arms towards you
5A
Your baby is crying and… reaches out his arms towards you
Reason for crying: • Your baby needs your comfort and wants to be held
5A
Your baby is crying and… reaches out his arms towards you
5B
Your baby is crying and… reaches out his arms towards you
Things you may try to help your baby: • Holding him • Make eye contact and talk softly with him • Carry him in a carrier or sling. Make sure baby’s face is visible and kissable http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/kissable-visible- calin-eng.php
5B
Your baby is crying and… is sweating on the back of the neck and has a red face
6A
Your baby is crying and… is sweating on the back of the neck and has a red face Reason for crying: • Your baby may be too hot
6A
Your baby is crying and… is sweating on the back of the neck and has a red face
6B
Your baby is crying and… is sweating on the back of the neck and has a red face
Things you may try to help your baby: • Removing a layer of her clothing or take her to a cooler location • Refer to “Keeping Your Baby Comfortable In Winter” and “Keeping Your Baby Comfortable In Summer” tip sheets
6B
Your baby is crying and… has cold ears, hands or feet
7A
Your baby is crying and… has cold ears, hands or feet
Reason for crying: • Your baby may be cold. She may even have blue fingernails, legs or feet or a marbled appearance on the skin
7A
Your baby is crying and… has cold ears, hands or feet
7B
Your baby is crying and… has cold ears, hands or feet
Things you may try to help your baby: • Pick her up and hold her close, you may even do skin to skin • Add a layer of clothing or a hat • Refer to “Keeping Your Baby Comfortable In Winter” and “Keeping Your Baby Comfortable In Summer” tip sheets
7B Your baby is crying … he has been fed and changed but continues to cry
8A Your baby is crying … he has been fed and changed but continues to cry
Reason for crying: • Your baby may be bored and wanting to do something different • Your baby may need attention or reassurance
8A Your baby is crying … he has been fed and changed but continues to cry
8B Your baby is crying … he has been fed and changed but continues to cry
Things you may try to help your baby: • Picking up your baby and snuggling with him • Talking, singing and playing with him • Reading with him • Offering a different toy to him
8B
Your baby is crying and… is rubbing her eyes or has droopy eyelids, is yawning, is moving her head side to side
9A
Your baby is crying and… is rubbing her eyes or has droopy eyelids, is yawning, is moving her head side to side
Reason for crying: • Your baby is tired
9A
Your baby is crying and… is rubbing her eyes or has droopy eyelids, is yawning, is moving her head side to side
9B
Your baby is crying and… is rubbing her eyes or has droopy eyelids, is yawning, is moving her head side to side Things you may try to help your baby: • Tired babies are often fussy – and she might need more sleep than you think • Newborns often sleep up to 16 hours a day. Some newborns sleep even more • Put her down for a nap or for the night to sleep
Remember sleep patterns change over time for your baby. This can be from growth spurts, age, routines, etc.
9B
Your baby is crying and… putting her hands in her mouth and making sucking noises
10A
Your baby is crying and… putting her hands in her mouth and making sucking noises
Reason for crying: • Your baby may be hungry and she may want to breastfeed or have her bottle • Sucking is a natural reflex. For many babies, it's a comforting, soothing activity. If she isn't hungry, try a clean finger or pacifier • She may be teething
10A
Your baby is crying and… putting her hands in her mouth and making sucking noises
10B
Your baby is crying and… putting her hands in her mouth and making sucking noises.
Things you may try to help your baby: • If she is hungry, feed her • If she wants to suckle, you may try letting her suck on her hand or fingers and/or a pacifier to self soothe • If teething, you may try a cold cloth on her gums
10B Keeping Baby Warm in Winter
In the Home In the Crib or Bassinet • Dress your baby as you would dress yourself. If you • Place the crib or bassinet in the warmest room, away from are comfortable in pants and a light sweater, your windows, drafts and outside walls as well as radiators, baby will be too. heaters, fireplaces and woodstoves. • During the day, (7a.m. to 11 p.m.) the temperature in • Choose a flannel fitted sheet for your baby's crib. your home should be at least 21°C. • Dress baby in one-piece footed sleepers. For an extra layer, • During the night (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.), the temperature use a onesie or undershirt. in your home should be no lower than 18°C. • Newborns, preemies and, if the room is cold, older babies may need a hat to stay warm. If you rent, ask your landlord to follow these recommendations. If your landlord does not comply, • Hot water bottles or electric blankets should not be used. you can call the Residential Tenancies Branch at • It is not safe for babies to be swaddled during sleep. If your 204-945-2476 or toll free: 1-800-782-8403. baby falls asleep while swaddled, remove the swaddle.
If baby is still cold and you want to use a blanket in a crib Use a crib-sized blanket that is large enough to be • Lay baby on back with feet near the bottom of the crib. firmly tucked in without coming loose, but small • Place blanket so that it is no higher than baby’s armpits. enough that it does not make the mattress uneven • Tuck the blanket into the sides and bottom of the crib. when tucked in.
December 2015 Dress your baby for the weather • In the winter, keep your baby warm by dressing him or her in layers that are easy to put on and remove. • Mitts, socks, boots will help keep baby warm. • Babies lose a lot of heat through their heads so a warm hat is important. • If you are out with a stroller or a sled, remember that while the exercise can make you feel warm, your baby is just sitting and will feel the cold much more than you. • When you go indoors prevent overheating by removing or at least unzipping baby’s snowsuit and taking the hood or hat off.
If baby’s skin is turning white, this is a sign of frostbite. Take baby indoors as soon as possible. Call Health Links - Info Santé at (204) 788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257 for information on what to do next.
How to tell if your baby is cold • Upper arms, thighs or ears feel cold to the touch. A word about car seats Cold hands and feet do not necessarily mean that Your baby needs to be dressed warmly in the winter. the baby is cold. It is important that baby’s snowsuit or other clothing • Baby is fussing and you are not sure why. doesn’t interfere with the fit of the car seat. When buying a snowsuit choose one that isn’t puffy or • Baby’s skin is turning white or looks blotchy. made from slippery material. To warm baby, hold him or her closely - skin to skin is best. You may need to turn up the room temperature • When baby is in the car seat, only two fingers or dress baby in more layers of clothing. should fit between the straps and collarbone. The chest clip should be at armpit level. • If you are using a blanket, make sure it is no higher than baby’s armpits. Never place the blanket behind or under baby. • Only use infant car seat covers briefly when taking baby outside. Remove the cover as soon as you are inside or in the vehicle. Why is This Baby
Participant Cards
Your baby is crying and… is opening her mouth, rooting
1A Your baby is crying and… keeps looking away
2A
Your baby is crying and… is making facial grimaces or straining
3A
Your baby is crying and… has a wet or soiled diaper
4A
Your baby is crying and… reaches out his arms towards you
5A
Your baby is crying and… is sweating on the back of the neck and has a red face
6A
Your baby is crying and… has cold ears, hands or feet
7A Your baby is crying … he has been fed and changed but continues to cry
8A
Your baby is crying and… is rubbing her eyes or has droopy eyelids, is yawning, is moving her head side to side
9A
Your baby is crying and… putting her hands in her mouth and making sucking noises
10A Keeping Baby Cool in the Summer
It is important to keep baby comfortable in the summer. In hot weather, babies are at risk of heat rash, dehydration, sunburn and heat stroke. Overheating has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Babies become overheated much more quickly than adults. When it’s hot, your baby will need to breastfeed and drink water often to stay hydrated.
Keeping Baby Comfortable Keeping Baby Comfortable Outdoors
Indoors • Dress baby in lightweight clothes that cover the skin, • Dress your baby the way you are dressed, or in an including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and a hat. • undershirt and diaper or diaper only. Babies have delicate skin and burn easily. Keep baby out of • Place the crib or bassinet in the coolest room. the sun, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 4: 00 p.m. when • A fan can help keep the room cool. Fans should the sun’s rays are the strongest. The sun can also cause a never blow directly on the baby and should be out burn on cool or cloudy days. of baby’s reach. • Infants under six months of age should be kept out of direct • A lukewarm bath or cool wash cloth can help sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's cool baby down. rays are the strongest. If the sun cannot be avoided, cover baby in light long sleeve tops, long pants and a hat. Use • In very hot weather, take your baby somewhere with sunscreen on exposed areas, like face, ears, neck and back of air-conditioning such as a mall or a friend’s house. hands. For babies over 6 months, it is okay to use sunscreen. If you have air conditioning, your home may be cool Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming. enough! • Never leave a baby or child inside a vehicle. Parking in the If you’re comfortable, then your baby probably is too. shade, opening the window or running the air conditioner will not keep the temperature inside the car at a safe level. • Check that the car seat is not too hot before putting baby in, especially the metal parts which get extremely hot.
December 2015 Your baby might be too hot if he or she … • feels hot to you • looks unwell (check the back of the • becomes floppy neck and abdomen) • is irritable • is sweating • has skin that feels dry • has a heat rash • refuses to drink (looks like tiny pink pimples surrounded • has fewer wet diapers by pink skin) than usual
If your baby is hot • Give extra fluids Take baby to a cooler • Cool baby down with a location luke warm (not cold) bath or wash cloths
About Heat Stroke Heat stroke occurs when the body overheats and loses too much water. Heat stroke can damage the body’s organs and cause death.
Signs of heat stroke include: If your baby or child has any of these signs, rising body temperature • baby seems sleepy he or she needs urgent medical treatment. • less urine than usual • confusion Call an ambulance (911), or take your baby to a hospital. • increased thirst (but as • shortness of breath baby gets weaker, he or • vomiting While waiting for medical treatment: move baby to the she may drink less) shade or indoors and use damp cloths to cool your • coma (not waking when baby down. • dry mouth and eyes touched or called) • headache If your baby is conscious and able to swallow, try get him or her to drink fluids. • muscle cramps Staying Calm When Your Baby Cries Babies & Sometimes a baby will continue to cry even though he or she is not sick, hungry or needing a diaper change. This can feel overwhelming. Staying calm is the best way Crying to soothe your baby. When you are calm, it is easier to listen and discover what your baby needs. All babies cry. Crying is how babies tell you that they need something. Some Remember, you’re not alone. babies cry more than others. All babies go through a crying phase. Understanding why your baby might be It won’t last forever. crying can help you soothe your baby. Sometimes a baby cannot be comforted, no matter how hard you try. You may These tips can help you relax, stay calm feel overwhelmed and it may be com- and cope while your baby is crying. forting to know that many parents have these feelings. Think positive thoughts. Take a break. Tell yourself If you soothe your baby throughout the Gently place your baby on his or “I love my baby” her back in the crib and leave day (not just when baby cries) it may “I am getting calmer” the room. Check on your baby help reduce how much and how hard “My baby is okay” every 5 to 10 minutes. Your Breathe slowly. your baby cries. baby will be safe and you can “I am a good parent” use the time to calm down. Take 3-10 long, slow breaths Think of a relaxing place or Be active. through your nose to feel a nice memory. Put on a favorite song and calmer. dance. Jog on the spot. Do an exercise DVD. A crying baby… 5-6 Hours Length of High Crier Time Average Crier is not being bad Tense, hold, and relax. Crying in Low Crier Sit or lay down and close your eyes. 24 Hours is not angry with you Tense your feet for a second or two, Ask for help. Call a friend or 20-30 Minutes does not mean that then release them. Feel how relaxed If you need a break, let your family member. your feet are for a few moments. partner, neighbour or family 2 weeks 2 months 4-5 months you are a bad parent Do this through your body from your member care for your baby. Ask them to come over for feet, calves, thighs, buttocks, stomach, company or talk on the phone. Source: http://www.purplecrying.info shoulders, arms, hands, to your face. Share your feelings with them. Used with permission from the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome Most babies Start crying at birth Never shake a baby! Cry the most at about 2 months It’s okay to ask for help! Babies have weak necks and heavy Who can you call for support or a chat? heads. Even a few seconds of shaking Start crying less at 3-5 months List them here. can cause serious injury such as blindness, inability to walk, brain damage, or death.
December 2015 Babies Cry for Many Reasons If your baby is crying and… Your baby may … You can try… If your baby is crying and… Your baby may … You can try… Changing baby’s diaper Is opening his or her Be hungry Feeding Has a wet or soiled diaper Be uncomfortable mouth, rooting or his or her skin is Using a cream if he or she being irritated has a rash Giving some time without a diaper
Is making facial grimaces Have gas pain Burping your baby Is sweating on the back of Be too hot Removing some clothing or straining Rubbing and gently patting the neck Taking baby to a cooler baby’s back or stomach Has warm ears or calves location
Holding baby to your chest Is reaching out to you Needs to be held Wants your attention Be bored Talking, singing & playing or touched Carrying baby in a carrier with baby or sling Changing his or her Gently rubbing tummy or position back.
Has very cold ears or calves Be too cold Holding baby close to Wants to relax or be Want to be breastfed Breastfeed Skin looks marbled Adding a layer of clothing soothed or may need to suck Giving a pacifier or baby’s Nails or lips are blue hand to suck on
Is rubbing his or her eyes Be tired Putting baby down for Just keeps crying! Just needs to cry Putting on some white or has droopy eyelids a nap noise, like a vacuum Is yawning cleaner Is moving head side to side Any of the above tips
Keeps looking away Be overstimulated Reducing noise, light and You know your baby best. If you think he or she might be sick, movement contact your doctor, public health nurse, or call Health Links - Singing or “shushing” gently Info Santé anytime at (204) 788-8200 or toll-free 1-888-315-9257. Taking baby to a quiet room Choosing safer sleep sacks Swaddling Safely
Although swaddling has Many types of products are available to been practiced for years, help your baby sleep and keep your baby recent studies show that warm. Some products are sold as: swaddling for sleep can • sleep sacks put your baby at risk of • swaddling sacks suffocation. If you have • swaddle blankets tried calming your baby • wearable blankets and nothing has worked, • or baby sleeping bags. you can try swaddling to The product should: settle your crying baby. • be snug around the upper body so that baby For your baby’s safety, do is unable to wiggle out of the sack; not swaddle for sleeping. Not all products are safe choices for • not be tight around baby’s chest. You should be your baby. Some designs can put your able to get two or three fingers between baby’s baby at risk of choking, suffocating or chest and the sack; and overheating. • be loose around the hips. Your baby’s legs and hips should bend and move comfortably. What are the risks of swaddling? Always follow the manufacturer’s age, weight and length recommendations, and safety precautions. Swaddling can get in the way of mother- Swaddling for sleep may result in sudden If you choose to use sleep sacks or other baby bonding and newborn feeding infant death sleeping products, look for ones that: Choose a safe sleep place Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby • Loose fabric can cover baby’s face and cause • do not have drawstrings, ribbons, cords or • From birth to six months of age, the safest place has many benefits. It helps you develop your suffocation. tight elastic; for baby to sleep is a crib, playpen or bassinet in relationship with your baby, helps reduce your • If the baby becomes unwrapped, the fabric can • do not have buttons, snaps or decorations the same room as the parents. baby's stress, promotes more restful sleep and become wrapped around baby’s neck and cause helps with breastfeeding. which could become loose and cause choking; • The room should be smoke-free. strangulation. • do not have a hood, collar, or wrap near the • The crib should meet Health Canada’s safety Tight swaddling can be risky • The baby may roll onto his or her stomach and face that could cover baby’s mouth and nose; standards. • Tight swaddling can interfere with breathing be unable to roll back . and can even lead to pneumonia. Your baby • meet children’s sleepwear flammability • Only use a fitted bottom sheet – no other • Babies wrapped in blankets or heavy fabrics can guidelines (Check the label). must have enough room for his or her chest to get too hot, which increases the risk of Sudden blankets, bumper pads, pillows or toys. move. • are made from lightweight fabric; and Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). • The crib rails are raised to their highest position. • It can cause long-term hip problems. Your baby • fit properly. • Sleeping with a baby on a bed or couch greatly • Baby should be placed on his or her back to sleep. must have enough room to freely move the increases the risk of sudden infant death and hips and legs. suffocation. This risk is even higher when a baby is swaddled.
December 2015 When to stop swaddling baby 1 When baby can roll or is able to unravel the wrap, it is time to stop swaddling because the loose fabric causes a suffocation or strangulation How to safely swaddle baby risk. If your baby likes the “tucked in” feeling: Dress your baby in a light sleeper or undershirt to prevent overheating. • Lay baby on back with feet near the bottom of the crib. 1. Spread the wrap out flat with one corner folded down. • Place blanket so that it is no higher than baby’s armpits. Lay baby face-up with baby’s head and neck above the folded corner. • Tuck the blanket into the sides and bottom of the crib. 2. Bring baby’s hands together over the 2 chest. Bring one side of the wrap over top of the arms and tuck it beneath the baby. 3. Fold the bottom of the wrap up, leaving room for your baby’s feet to Choose a wrap that is: move freely. The hips and knees should • Free of drawstrings, ribbons, cords or tight be a little bent and have room to elastic. move. What are the reasons for swaddling? • Free of buttons, snaps or decorations which 4. Bring the second side of the wrap could become loose and cause choking. across the baby, tucking the end • If you’ve tried to soothe your crying baby by • Made of breathable fabric such as light cotton behind baby. feeding, changing, and cuddling and your baby 3 with a loose weave. Do not use a heavy blanket Check that the swaddle is not tight: still isn’t comforted, you might try swaddling to for swaddling. calm him or her. 2 fingers should fit between the wrap and your baby’s chest. • Healthcare providers may recommend swaddling during bottle feeding for babies who are born Choose the right swaddling technique If your baby is sweating, he or she is prematurely, who become upset or distracted for your baby’s age too warm. You need to remove the when feeding, who have a very low birth weight, • For younger babies (about 0-3 months old) swaddle. or who have trouble gaining weight. wrap the arms in the swaddle with baby’s Your baby is now ready to be held for elbows bent, and hands close to the chin. • Swaddling can provide pain relief for infants. comfort or feeding. Swaddled babies Your doctor or nurse might swaddle your baby • For older babies (about 3-6 months old and must never be placed on their sides or for needles or other painful procedures. babies who can roll) leave their arms free. stomachs, even for a minute. 4 If your baby is getting sleepy or falls asleep, remove the swaddle before laying baby on his or her back in the crib.