need for special time in mommy’s arms. Your assessment may produce
many options. However, blocking your child’s cry because you can’t
handle it should not be up for consideration.
When Should I Hold and Comfort My Baby?
You will, of course, hold your baby many hours each day. As you care for
and feed your baby, holding and cuddling him comes naturally. Flirt with
baby. Rock him in your arms. Sing a sweet song to your infant. Happy or
not so happy, baby loves the attention. Wouldn’t you? Understand,
though, that constantly holding baby during every fussy time is easily
overdone.
Parents should offer comfort when comfort is needed, but stay
mindful of this basic question: What type of comfort should I give my
baby right now? A diaper change will comfort a wet baby. A feeding will
comfort a hungry baby. Holding will comfort a startled baby, and sleep
will comfort a tired baby. A baby can receive comfort in many ways and
from different people. Certainly dad, older siblings, grandma, and
grandpa can be sources of comfort. Also, comfort for baby comes by
being held, rocked, sung to, taken for a stroller ride, or placed near a
source of music.
The good news for baby is that mom’s breasts are not the only source
of comfort. Mom, too, finds peace in this reality. Wisdom dictates that a
mother should recognize that a baby responds to different forms of
comfort at different times. If you use one source exclusively, such as
nursing, you are not necessarily comforting your baby, only stopping the
baby’s cry by arousing the sucking reflex. If nursing is the only form of
comfort, too often real needs are missed.
Summary
As a parent, learn to recognize your baby’s different cries. Trust in this
knowledge. Then, confidently respond to your infant. A wise parent will
listen, think, and then take action. Don’t get caught up in the watchful