How to Use the Rocking and Motion Method to Calm Your Newborn
- Details
- Category: August 2008
Most of us dream about having a newborn baby, and then when we do have one, we can’t dream due to not getting to sleep because of the constant crying of our infant.
Most likely, if your baby is crying constantly, he or she is suffering from colic. This is very common in newborn babies from the age of two weeks up to the age of four months. So, what can you possibly do to get a good night’s sleep some time within those four months, if your baby has colic? Good question!
One way to help you and your baby get some much needed relief is by using the rocking and motion technique to alleviate the colic. This has been proven to be a very effective way to help with colic. It’s best to hold the baby on his or her side when rocking him or her as this technique can really help in keeping your baby calm. However, be certain to always support your baby’s head and neck when rocking him or her.
Listed below are some different techniques for using the rocking and motion technique:
1. Method #1 – This consists of the traditional rocking motion that most people use to put their babies to sleep. It’s just a gentle swaying back and forth. It does work for some, but not for all.
2. Method #2 – This is the same as the first method, but with much faster and smaller motions. You should aim to go back and forth about twice a second, or even a little faster.
3. Method #3 – This method is more like vibrating than rocking, and involves holding the baby and shaking it as if were shivering. This can get tiresome, so many parents may choose to hold the baby on their lap and vibrate one of their legs up and down. It’s mainly the upper body of the baby that you want to vibrate, but be certain you support his or her head and neck while doing this.
4. Method #4 - This method is a little more complicated. Begin by holding your left hand out, palm up, elbow bent, and then place your baby on your hand so your hand is under his or her chest and your left forearm or wrist is under his or her crotch. Finally, bring your baby close to your chest and use your other arm to support his or her head and neck while wrapping your right hand around to hold his or her side and bottom. This should allow your baby to be draped over your left hand with his or her arms and legs dangling toward the floor. You can then support the head and neck with your right arm.
Hopefully one of these methods will help your
baby. There are many more techniques
(These are just a few from the e-book), but this should give you a start. Best of luck to you.
“This information was taken from the free e-book, “The Parent’s Guide to Calming a Crying Baby.”