Please Stop Crying: A Guide to a New Baby

A Crying Baby can be pretty frustrating

I hope to help new parents find ways to help stop their baby from crying. Every little bit helps. With a new baby it can get very tiring for parents.

Baby Crying

A Little About me

My wife and I are on our third boy and we are very excited. Having your first baby can be a very daunting and scary task. But it will all be worth it. I had my first fairly young. I was 20 and my wife was 22. We were a little worried. I was still in College and we both lived with our parents. Luckily I had always been around lots of kids since I came from a big family. While my wife was a daycare teacher for a while and loved kids too. A loving family is the most important thing for a baby. Eventually the money and free time problems will work themselves out. No matter what, baby's are expensive and their will never be enough money. Baby's take up all of your time. So free time is pretty much gone too.

In order to keep your sanity parents need to set aside some time to be together. Without the baby. Don't worry it doesn't need to be done at the beginning. No mother ever wants to leave a newborn. Not even with a compatant baby loving relative. Parents really need to share responsibility too. Changing the first diaper was gross but someone had to do it. I figured it mine as well be me. Both parents need to do everything they can to pitch. The baby will always need something. I couldn't have taken care of them without my loving wife and I hope she would say the same for me. So take turns getting up with your new baby. Let your partner out of the house once in a while. And believe me your partner is always doing something to help out that you don't even realize. So try not to think you are doing everything yourself and get bitter towards your partner. Unless of course you are with a lazy good for nothing bum. And then I would have to ask, why?

Well on to my main reason for this lens. A baby relies on their parents for everything. So if they need something you will be the first to know. You will hear all kinds of cries. Cries to change him, cries to burp him, cries for attention, cries for food, well you get the picture. So here is where you can find the things that can help get your wonderful baby to stop crying.

For a Bored Baby

When my boys were bored my wife would make all kinds of silly faces, sing songs and just plain talk funny. It would work great. But unfortunately I just couldn't do it. I would try and try, but it just didn't come out right. Then they would cry more.So I usually stuck to bouncing them on my knee, walking around holding them and anything else I could think of. Sometimes just talking or reading to them would work.

A Bouncy Seat

We currently have the Rainforest Bouncer for our baby and it is great. The rainforest bouncer can vibrate, has toys attached, has a cool animal design and plays music. I don't think a baby could ask for anything more. A bouncy seat is a must have for any baby. Our oldest would sit in it for hours. Not because I would leave Liam, but because it would always make him happy. I could easily bring it to friends and relatives houses. Then I could use it for feeding him and letting him sit up so I could play with him. Before we had it he would cry kind of a lot with me. I don't know why, he would always be fine with my wife. So it helped me out a lot. They make tons of different bouncy seats. My friend has the Newborn-To-Toddler Rocker for his daughter and she loves it. Eventually you can also turn the newborn-to-toddler one into a rocking chair.

Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer

Babies love the vibration. It can keep them occupied for hours. Also great to sit them up and let them face you.

Amazon Price: $49.88 (as of 11/09/2009)

Fisher-Price Infant-To-Toddler Rocker - Blue/Green

Can grow with your baby.

Amazon Price: $33.70 (as of 11/09/2009)

A Gym to Play

With my oldest boys we had the Tiny Love Gymini - Black, White & Red and it was great. A baby gym has all kinds of toys the baby can look up at and grab. I would always attach more links to it. The Lively Links are cheap and it was one of Liam's favorite toys. They could easily be attached to any stroller or toy.We used to have the Gymini, but we either gave it to a friend or threw it away.

Fisher-Price Rainforest Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym

Amazon Price: $53.95 (as of 11/09/2009)

Tiny Love Gymini - Black, White & Red

Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)

all kids love to jump, even babies

We used to have a jumper that would hang from a doorway and the boys enjoyed it. Jakob liked it a lot more than Liam but it provided them both with lots of fun. My niece has the Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo and it looks so much better than the jumper we once had. The Jumperoo has toys on it, along with flashing lights and music. The Jumperoo seems safer by not being in the middle of the doorway where a baby could bounce into the walls. Although we never had any accidents. I saw my niece using hers a few times and she was bouncing all over the place and having a great time with the toys. Our baby boy will be excited that he can borrow it when my niece grows out of it. They also make some like the Fisher-Price Galloping Fun Jumperoo that are shaped like a horse that seems cool. Just add your own cowboy hat.

Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo

Amazon Price: $72.00 (as of 11/09/2009)

Fisher-Price Galloping Fun Jumperoo

Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)

A swing

A swing is perfect for any baby. For my first son Liam, a swing quickly became a neccesity. Liam would cry a lot. Well not for my wife of course, pretty much just for me. Often times the only way I could get my baby to stop was to swing him back and forth in his car seat. After hours of exercise I quickly picked up a swing. Liam loved the swing but, I liked it even more. We got our newest boy a cradle swing. Swings like every other new baby product have improved quite a bit in the past 5 years. Now they all add attachable toys, music and flashing lights. We bought our new baby boy the Nature's Touch Baby Papasan Cradle Swing. It is kind of expensive but my wife found it on sale at Target for $30 less than usual. Another swing we considered was the Smart Stages 3-in-1 Rocker Swing. It is cheaper and more versatile by changing into seat and a rocker. But it lacked features like vibrating to make a good baby seat. As for being a swing my wife and I loved that the cradle swing can swing side to side as well as back and forth.

Fisher-Price Papasan Cradle Swing - New Nature's Touch

Amazon Price: $199.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

Fisher-Price Smart Stages 3-in-1 Rocker Swing

Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)

Exersaucer

An exersaucer is pretty much another necessity for a baby. My boys always loved their exersaucer. The exersaucer has an adjustable height and can even fold down the legs for storage and travel. For us though once it is up it stays up because the boys always wanted to be in it. It is great because once they can hold their head up and move with their feet a little (I guess like 4 months) this toy seems to give them a little more freedom. It is set up with toys all around and they can turn and reach for whatever toy they want. I expect our newest boy will love it as much as our first two.

Evenflo ExerSaucer Mega - Farmyard

Amazon Price: $66.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

Evenflo ExerSaucer® SmartSteps - ABC

Amazon Price: $86.50 (as of 11/09/2009)

For a Tired Baby

A baby will actually sleep a lot. But it is hard to tell since they wake up every few hours and need to be changed or fed. Once you get your baby sleeping through the night life will be a lot easier.

a Good Night's Sleep

Why make your baby cry themselves to sleep. Well I can't think of a reason. Liam would cry a fair amount when we put him to bed. It always got my wife and I to feel bad and pick him up. He would either end up in our bed with us. Or I would rock him in the glider until he fell asleep and I could attempt to put him back. But not always successfully. Then we found this miracle toy. Actually we had an older version that ran out of batteries every 3 weeks because we used it so much. Best yet is that this one has a remote. I used to need to sneak in if our old one turned off and our baby boy was still awake. Liam could have woken up and started crying. But instead of giving him a bottle when he got older I could turn this on and he would stare and smile and sometimes evan go back to sleep. If you hope on getting a good night sleep this is your best chance.

Ocean Wonders Musical Aquarium Crib Attachment

Amazon Price: $124.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

definitely need a rocking chair or glider

A rocking chair or glider can help you comfort a tired baby. They love being close to you and at the same time rocking them can help get them to sleep. I prefer a glider because they seem a little more stable and I like to put my feet up.

Cherry finish wooden rocking chair

Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)

Danielle Deluxe Sleigh Style Glider Rocker and Ottoman Set- Natural Finish with Natural Cotton Twill

Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/09/2009)

Carolina Cottage Upholstered Oxford Club Rocking Chair, Beige

Amazon Price: $429.00 (as of 11/09/2009)

Just to Comfort a Baby

A baby needs to feel safe and have all of his or her needs taken care of. The most comforting thing to a baby is their parents. But below are a few other suggestions.

Pacifier or binky or whatever else you want to call it

A pacifier has got to be like number 1. Your baby cries so you quickly put it in their mouth and bam. They are instantly quiet. I carried like 2 in my pocket at all times and had a few in the diaper bag. Babies are comforted by sucking so this easily fits the bill. A thumb may seem easier but it will mess up their teeth. A thumb is also impossible to take away once they get to old for it.

Translucent Infant Pacifiers 3-6m (colors may vary)

Amazon Price: $3.59 (as of 11/09/2009)

Avent Translucent Pacifiers, Toddler 6-18month Assorted Colors

Amazon Price: $5.25 (as of 11/09/2009)

mam soft rim silicone pacifiers (0-6 m) (neutral)

Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

The First Years INFANT Soothie Pacifiers, 2-Pack

Amazon Price: $3.95 (as of 11/09/2009)

A blankie

Something to cuddle with is very comforting for a baby. I thought it was stupid that my wife wanted to get our kids blankies. But it actually worked out pretty well for the most part. I never had one and hated the idea of them being so attached to one. My wife told me stories about her sister having threads from her blankie up to high school. If you get your baby a blankie, get 2. One will eventually get lost or dirty. We lost one at the mall one time because our oldest would sometimes just throw it out of the carriage. Then he would want it and it would be nowhere to be found. So I would be racing all over the mall looking for it. I did always find it, but after the first time we knew we needed 2 or maybe even 3. My kids still go to bed with their blankies at night but they stay at home.

Manhattan Baby Dr Seuss HORTON Blankie

Amazon Price: $13.97 (as of 11/09/2009)

Little Giraffe Chenille Travel Blanky 14"x14" - All Colors

Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)

Babies with diaper rash are very cranky.

The best creams I have found are below.

Boudreaux's Butt Paste

Amazon Price: $14.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

Teething Help

Teething is a big cause of crying. Having your first teeth come in is very uncomfortable. My best friends mother swears by using a frozen banana. Unfortunately she told me a little late. My first 2 had already gone through teething. We basically used a teething gel, teething toys and sugar free popsicles when it got really bad. Some other ideas are too wet a wash cloth and put in the freezer for the baby to chew. Cool foods like applesauce and yogurt.

RaZ-Berry Silicone Teether

Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

Teething Doudou, Fox

Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)

Sassy Teething Feeder, Colors May Vary

Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

Some teething help

How to Stop a Crying Baby: Parenting Tips : Pain Relievers for Crying Babies & Teething

Quiet your crying infant; learn how to use teething pain relievers like Orajel and acetaminophen to soothe a crying baby in this child care video with parenting tips. Expert: Alisha Folkman Bio: Alisha Folkman is a mother of two and has worked at the Verde Valley Medical Center for nearly five years. Filmmaker: Dixon Gillette

4.58

Runtime: 1:33
14026 views
10 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Boppy Pillow

A Boppy pillow is great if you are nursing and can also help your baby sit up.

Boppy Bare Naked Expandable Miracle Middle Pillow

Amazon Price: $29.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

Boppy Deluxe Slipcover, Dragon Applique

Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)

Boppy Cotton Slipcover, Hippos

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

Swaddling

My first 2 sons hated to be swaddled. They really liked to move so it never seemed to work well for them. But with my newest son Thomas it has worked like a charm. Thomas was pretty cranky and didn't sleep too much at a time. My wife and I tried most of the other things on this page without much luck this time. Thomas doesn't like his binkys and only seemed to be comforted when we held him. He would stay asleep when we held him. But as soon as we put him down he would right up wake up. A month went by then my wife swaddled him fairly tightly and put him in his swing. Thomas slept for 5 hours and we had a solution. All babies are different and it can take time to find what they like. Now we swaddle him at night and he only gets up once. I am hopeful that this will keep working. He is less cranky now that he is sleeping better.

Swaddle, Swaddle, Swaddle

Kiddopotamus SwaddleMe 100% Cotton Knit Small, Circle Bear

Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

Miracle blanket - blue / green trim

Amazon Price: (as of 11/09/2009)

Miracle Blanket – Baby Swaddling Blanket – Pink

Amazon Price: $29.90 (as of 11/09/2009)

Yellow COMFORT SILKIE - Snuggle Wrap INFANT SWADDLER, Original patented shape for easy swaddle and true comfort. Design by "Mother of Comfort", parent educator Jeanelle Troncone.

Amazon Price: $16.99 (as of 11/09/2009)

Pretty Cranky

Nutramigen: Our solution for our newest boy

Thomas still seemed very uncomfortable sometimes. We tried some different formulas to see if it would help.
We started with enfamil with Lipil and he just seemed like he was in pain. He always seemed constipated. We then tried Enfamil Gentlease and it helped a little.
We called our pediatrician and they suggested adding a tablespoon of corn syrup to each 2 oz. of formula until he stops being constipated. Well it worked but as soon as we stopped he got constipated again. I also really hated the idea of giving a baby corn syrup when it is one of the worst things a person can eat. It makes complete sense it would make him go to the bathroom since his body wants to get rid of it. The corn syrup works because it increases the amount of water that is absorbed. I guess as a last resort for a screaming baby you will try anything once.
At his one month check up we told the doctor and he gave us a sample of Nutramigen. After about a week we noticed a big change. Thomas was sleeping longer and didn't seem to be uncomfortable anymore. Our next problem was when we had to figure out how to pay for it. The Nutramigen is twice the price of regular formula and you get half of the amount. the Nutramigen is a lot easier to digest and doesn't contain milk or soy. But it might be your only solution. We talked to our insurance company and luckily they covered the complete cost of the Nutramigen. So now once a month we can pick up a case of it at our local CVS for free. We are so lucky they cover it or else I would be trying to find a second job.

Useful Links

For the best treatments for Constipation try Treating Constipation for Babies

For a head start on your baby's learning try Brainy Baby DVD

If you have any older boys my site 3 Boys Toys is a great place to find gift ideas.

Do you have any comments or other suggestions for quieting a baby?

Lensmaster

WendyKrick wrote...

Wow I remember those days. I actually miss them. 5 star lens. Perfect for new Moms.

Posted April 06, 2009

Lensmaster

vesta wrote...

Comprehensive lens. Good job!

I would also suggest white noise playing in the background. It will calm your baby down. Learn more about white noise and babies.

Posted February 18, 2009

Lensmaster

wrote...

Great lens. I have a 7 week old daughter who obviously cries a far amount.
Still, she is getting better. Only cries when hungry or bad gas.
some good stuff here for when she gets older. 5 stars

Posted November 12, 2008

Lensmaster

Jim10 wrote...

Thanks for all of the great feedback everyone. It really can be pretty daunting trying to figure out everything your baby will need when you first bring them home. I have found a lot of things that helped stop my my 3 boys from crying. But, for the most part their mother always seemed to work best. With her working at night it could get pretty hard sometimes. Thomas seems to sense when my wife is home and sleeps all night on those nights. But, when she is at work he gets up a few times crying. Usually putting his pacifier back in works. But often times I need to give him a bottle. I guess their is just nothing like a loving mother, even a loving dad doesn't come close when they are little.
Thanks for visiting.

Posted October 26, 2008

Lensmaster

Jim10 wrote...

Thanks for all of the great feedback everyone. It really can be pretty daunting trying to figure out everything your baby will need when you first bring them home. I have found a lot of things that helped stop my my 3 boys from crying. But, for the most part their mother always seemed to work best. With her working at night it could get pretty hard sometimes. Thomas seems to sense when my wife is home and sleeps all night on those nights. But, when she is at work he gets up a few times crying. Usually putting his pacifier back in works. But often times I need to give him a bottle. I guess their is just nothing like a loving mother, even a loving dad doesn't come close when they are little.
Thanks for visiting.

Posted October 26, 2008

view all 24 comments

Some ordinary sounds can help a baby stop crying

Noise from a hair dryer and the sound of running water seem to do wonders for these kids. My wife actually sleeps with a fan on because she likes the white noise. I wonder if that probably helped us out some.

how to stop a crying baby

4.63

Runtime: 0:34
98248 views
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hair dryer to calm a fussy baby

Runtime: 0:33
30235 views
10 Comments:

How to calm a crying baby in 15 seconds

4.60

Runtime: 0:59
419334 views
10 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

Ideas to calm a crying baby

How to Stop a Crying Baby: Parenting Tips : Infant Massage to Stop a Crying Baby

Learn infant massage techniques to soothe a crying baby in this free child care video with parenting tips for newborns and infants. Expert: Alisha Folkman Bio: Alisha Folkman is a mother of two and has worked at the Verde Valley Medical Center for nearly five years. Filmmaker: Dixon Gillette

4.51

Runtime: 0:59
82585 views
10 Comments:

curated content from YouTube

The Diaper Champ will Knock Out the Diaper Genie Anyday

This doesn't really fit in this lens but anyone needing a way to get rid of diapers needs to know this. I had 2 diaper Genies in the past. Both broke easily and both were a pain in the behind. I thought they were the best option but boy was I wrong. The Champ lets you use regular trash bags so you save money. You also don't have half of the hassle the Diaper genie gives you.

Baby Trend Diaper Champ in Blue

Amazon Price: $40.39 (as of 11/09/2009)

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