Why Is My Baby So Fussy? — Conclusion

Breastfeeding issues

Many mothers worry about lack of milk unnecessarily, just because their babies are fussy. If your baby is gaining enough weight solely on breast milk, you don’t have a problem with too little milk. A standard supply of dirty diapers is another reassuring sign.

You can get advice on breastfeeding or a referral to a counsellor through:

• The National Office on Women’s Health Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446)
• La Leche League USA International Helpline: 1-877-4-LA LECHE (1-877-452-5324)
• Breastfeeding USA – Find a Breastfeeding Counselor
• ZipMilk.org

Here are more breastfeeding tips for new moms.

Other tips to soothe a fussy baby

• Parents have come up with various soothing options. To get rid of gas, lay your baby across your knees and rub her back or bicycle her legs while she’s lying on her back.
• Many babies like motion. Rock her standing up or in a rocking chair. Use a swing designed for infants. Put you baby in an infant seat on top of a vibrating washing machine or dryer. Take her on a drive or out in a stroller.
• Swaddle your baby in a thin light blanket, or place her undressed against your naked skin, and cover both of you.
• Put her in a sling.
• Give her a massage.
• It’s fine to give a newborn a pacifier.
• Try changing the temperature or adding or loosening clothing.
• Noise can help, too. A whirring fan or loud vacuum can soothe infants. Play recordings of surf, rainfall, or waterfall sounds.
• On the other hand, some babies get over-stimulated. Turn down the lights and turn off the TV, if you think that is the case with your baby.

You may never know why your baby went through a fussy spell. Just remind yourself that the spells end and aren’t clearly associated with future problems. There is evidence that colicky children are more likely to develop migraines without an aura. They may also have more unhappy emotions or stomachaches during meals as four-year-olds.

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