Crying - The Infant care

- Benson.A.R,

Crying Infant

 As soon as a healthy baby is born it cries. This not only opens the lung cells and gives them exercise, but the exertion also sends the blood coursing briskly through the blood vessels and the skin becomes flushed. It is the baby's principal means of exercise and is a valuable aid to development. Crying is a normal function and need cause no alarm. It is, moreover, almost the only method the baby has of expressing its feelings, and every mother should know the significance of the different cries of her baby.
 Normal Cry : The natural, normal cry is loud and strong, almost a scream. The infant gets red in the face with it. Half an hour a day of such crying is not too much for normal exercise, and if it is accompanied by vigorous twisting and kicking, so much the better. When the cry is too long or too frequent, it is then abnormal and we should seek the cause and remove it if possible. It is wise to look for the cause when the baby begins to cry. Remember that the baby may be thirsty, hungry, wet or uncomfortable. Take up the baby, and if the crying ceases and is resumed when the baby is laid down, it is safe to leave it alone until it is "cried out."
 Cry of Pain : The cry of pain is strong and sharp, and usually not continuous, increasing when the pain comes on and stopping during the intervals. It is usually accompanied by drawing up of the legs or other movements indicating the location of the pain. Earache is a frequent unrecognized cause of pain. It may be detected by seeking carefully for tenderness around the ears.
 Cry of Hunger : The cry of hunger is a fretful, whining cry, usually continuous, and the infant reaches out with its hands in an effort to obtain nourishment, or sucks its fist.
 Cry of Illness : The cry of illness is more in the nature of moaning and fretfulness than real crying. The infant is likely to be restless and uneasy.
 Cry of Fright : A nervous baby often cries out from fright, especially on waking up suddenly or in a dark room alone, and for the same reason on the approach of a stranger.
 Cry of Anger or Desire for Attention : Two other causes for crying are anger and the desire for attention. The latter is easily recognized, because crying ceases when the infant gets what it wants. Babies, even when young, are creatures of habit, and they quickly learn the difference between indulgent parents and those who are firm. The desire for attention, however, is evidence of the individuality and human qualities possessed by a baby, and intelligent mothers will not be likely to heed those who tell them not to pet and fondle a baby which desires attention. Human companionship is a natural desire, and the baby should certainly be indulged within reasonable limits.
 When all other causes are eliminated and we are certain that the baby is crying from anger, it is best to let him alone, and after once having "cried it out," the infant will have learned its first lesson in self control. Little harm can come to the infant from crying. The danger of rupture is so slight that it may be ignored. It is doubtful if crying ever produced a rupture in a normal infant. It is, however, far better to humor the whims of an infant many times than to allow it to cry from pain or other removable causes, and when there is the slightest doubt existing, the benefit should be given to the infant. Many times the cry of pain is mistaken for that of anger, and a suffering infant is blamed for a bad disposition. Do not worry if the baby cries, but study and observe the character of the cry, and, if possible, find the cause.