Learn how to use parenting sense to soothe their tears
APANEL of national experts in baby care will visit Nelson Mandela Bay Metro this weekend as part of a series of workshops on topics close to a new parent’s heart. The Johnson’s Baby Sense seminars are aimed at helping parents navigate through the at times overwhelming jungle of parenting information.
The Saturday seminars are designed to convey concise and expert information to moms-to-be and new parents with babies up to 12 months of age, and the Bay one will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Summerstrand this weekend on August 1.
Nurse and midwife Dr Welma Lubbe, senior lecturer in the School of Nursing Science at North-West University, is one of the panellists. She also has qualifications in neonatal nursing science and is the CEO of Little Steps, an educational resource on premature babies.
Her fellow panel members include Sister Ann Richardson, co-author of Baby Sense and Sleep Sense; Tina Otte, midwife and special editor of Your Pregnancy; and occupational therapists Lizanne du Plessis, author of Raising Happy Children, and Kate Bailey, early childhood development and stimulation expert.
Lubbe says babies cry for a variety of reasons, with the following a few of the most prominent reasons.
Try her suggestions on how to deal with issue: ý Tummy talk Hunger may really get your baby worked up so respond to early signs of hunger. Gas and colic can also cause a lot of discomfort, therefore ensure that your baby is well burped and feeding in a relaxed manner. Provide sucking opportuni- ties, which provides comfort and soothing. A clean finger, baby’s hands or fingers or a pacifier works wonders. ý Nappies Some babies get very upset when wet or dirty, so ensure that she is clean and dry. ý Sleep and stimulation Tiredness causes fussiness. Newborns need more than 16 hours sleep a day, preferably in a quiet, dimmed sleeping environment.Tone down on stimulation and rather provide gentle rocking (swaying) and don’t pat vigorously. Constant, repetitive sounds such as womb sounds, mom’s heartrate or other white noise may be useful to calm your crying baby. ý Hold me Sometimes babies are just lonely and need closeness. Place your baby in skin-to-skin contact as much as possible – it will keep her warm, snuggled, comfortable and with feeds provided if necessary. ý Temperature Ensure your baby is not too cold or too hot. A general rule of thumb is to dress your baby in one layer of clothes more than what you are wearing.
Do not allow crying to make you anxious. Try to tune in to your baby’s needs and do what your instinct tells you to.
For more information and to book for the parenting seminar, visit www.babysense.com