‘The soft spot’
Parents often worry about the soft spot on a baby’s head. These are called ‘fontanelles’, the openings in the skull where the bones haven’t grown together yet. Your baby will have one on the top of the head and at the front, the anterior fontanelle. His is a diamond shaped and closes up when your baby is around 12 – 18 months old. The posterior fontanelle is smaller, triangular and closes up at around 3 months.
A strong membrane underneath the fontanelle protects your baby’s brain. But whenever touching your baby’s head, be extra gentle with these areas. When washing the head, simply sponge lightly around the soft spots.
Carrying your Baby
To carry your baby, you’ll probably find that the most comfortable position is when your baby’s head is nestled in the crook of you are, slightly higher than the rest of the body, and supported by the rest of the arm.
Your baby will also feel snug and secure when held against your chest, so that your baby’s face is resting on your shoulder. Remember to support the back and head with one arm and use the other to support your baby’s bottom.
Changing your baby
At first, dressing your baby can be very fiddly – and quite a challenge! Some babies tend to wriggle a lot, while others go limp and some objects very strongly. Try to make changing time as quick and easy as possible:
- Be prepared with everything you need beforehand.
- Look for easy-to-dress clothes with poppers, stretchy fabrics and large openings.
- Stretch the fabric, not your baby! Stretch the neck opening wide before placing it over the back of your baby’s head and pulling it down over the face.
- Reach into the selves and leg holes with one hand and guide your baby’s arms and legs through. Be careful not to bend finger and toes, or to get them caught in lacy fabrics.
Coping with crying
All babies cry, it’s their only way of letting you know that something is wrong. However, there’s no doubt that some babies cry a lot more than others. It’s amazing that such tiny creature can make so much noise. But one thing is certain, you can’t ignore your baby’s cries, it’s a very stressful sound for any parent.
Remember that crying is perfectly normal and it’s not your fault. But there are lots of things you can do to soothe a distressed baby, so stay calm and you’ll soon find the best way to comfort your baby.
Soothing a crying baby
Hunger: A comforting feed often settles even the most disgruntled baby. Very young babies should be fed on demand, so you needn’t wait until the ‘right’ time for a feed.
Wind: Babies often suffer from trapped wind, especially bottle fed babies. Halfway through feed, or straight afterwards, release any air trapped in the tummy by rubbing your baby’s back. Sitting your baby on your knee, support the head by placing you hand under the chin. Keep their back straight and pat gently.
Alternatively, support your baby on your chest with their face on your shoulder. Remember to put a cloth over your shoulder, as babies often bring up some milk when they’re being winded!
Boredom
Yes, babies get bored too! Talk to your baby. Offer a change of scenery by altering where your baby is sitting or lying at regular intervals. Your baby will also enjoy looking at brightly coloured toys and mobiles.
Loneliness
Your baby may simply want to be held and cuddled. Babies love being held and stroked, and your will son start to realise when you’re trying to get on with other things. Try carrying your baby in a sling while you get on with other activities, or take time for a quite cuddle.
Wet or dry
A nappy that needs changing may make your baby cry although some babies seem not to notice its conditions! Check for nappy rash, as this can make you baby very uncomfortable.
Hot or cold
Add or remove a layer of clothing, or adjust the heating at home if your baby feels sweaty or has chilly arms or legs. Generally, your baby will need one more layer than you’re comfortable in.
Illness
If the crying is especially high pitched or unusual your baby may be ill. Ask you GP for advice.
Crying with colic
Many babies suffer from this distressing condition I the early weeks, although it usually eases off from around 12 weeks. It usually starts in the early evening and the signs include drawing the knees up as if in pain with tummy ache and crying inconsolably for several hours.
It’s not known what the cause is. However, current theories include:
- Your baby’s digestive system contract when your baby passes wind, causing pain.
- Your baby is over stimulated by the end of day and becomes distressed.
- As the level of maternal hormones subsides in your baby, it causes painful spasms in the intestine.
- A ‘colicky’ baby’s cry is simply a normal cry, but more extreme.
