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ENCOURAGING YOUR CHIMolly Balint
"Playtime helps develop a
baby's social, intellectual,
language, and problem-solving
skills," says Marilyn Segal,
PhD, an early childhood
studies program director at
Nova Southeastern University
in Fort Lauderdale.
As busy as your day seem to be,
play time is extremely important
for bonding and building a great
relationship with your little one. A
big part of time is spent teaching,
feeding, bathing and potty training
babies. Even though these
activities are crucial for your baby,
play time is something that is fun
and probably one of the best
experiences with your baby.
Coming into a brand new world,
your curious little bundle of joy,
has eagerness for new experiences
and knowledge. Play time would
provide exactly that!
So with this in mind, here are
some useful tips to encourage
play, throughout the day, with
your baby:
1. Setting up play areas –
Whether you live in an
apartment or a house, your
baby doesn’t need a whole lot
of space initially. So you can
provide a play area for your
baby by creating a small space
where he/she can play with
toys. Chances are that your
GREAT TIPS AND ADVIC
[Pick the date] [Edition 1, Volume 1]
ENCOURAGING YOUR CHILD TO PLAY
baby will start recognizing this
space is he/her own.
Preferably this space should
be on the floor or ground;
with pillows and cushions to
providing a protective and
comfortable surrounding for
your child. My 8 months old
son has the tendency to chase
his colorful football should to
go out of his play area.
Therefore I’d recommend that
the play area should not be on
higher grounds (e.g. a bed)
because it risks the child
falling, should he/she decide
to follow toys outside of the
play area.
2. Developing routines – A
thorough laid out routine is
not practice for your child,
however a loose routine would
allow structure and ensure
play time for your baby.
Routines could be developed
around activities such as nap
time, feeding time etc. So, for
example, after feeding your
baby you can place him/her in
play areas and encourage
playing.
3. Participate in games and
observing your children
reactions – To build bond with
your child, you should also
participate in playtime.
However some parents like to
leave their little one alone to
play with toys; in order to
A GUIDE TO BABY SIGN LANGUAGE.
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
Welcome to A
to Baby Sign
Language free
newsletter. We have
incorporated some
great tips and advice
to help you in taking
care of your precious
bundle of joy. This
edition includes
articles on:
• Encouraging your
child to play
• First aid essentials for
every househ
• Positive discipline
• Relationship building:
Infants, Toddlers and
2 Year olds
• Colic and how to
help your baby.
E FOR YOUR BABY!
Welcome to A Guide
to Baby Sign
Language free
newsletter. We have
incorporated some
great tips and advice
to help you in taking
care of your precious
bundle of joy. This
edition includes
articles on:
Encouraging your
child to play
First aid essentials for
every household
Positive discipline
Relationship building:
Infants, Toddlers and
2 Year olds
Colic and how to
help your baby.
GREAT TIPS
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N
develop independence. Either
way, it’s best to have a
balance of both styles. At
times you can join-in with your
child and play to develop
bond; and other times you can
leave your child in the play
area and observe his/her
reaction from a distant.
4. Getting your child to
experience the outside world –
It’s amazing to see how your
baby reacts to the outside
world. I’m sure. every child is
different, but whenever I take
my son outside he is
fascinated with cars, airplanes
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N L A N G U A G E .
and even flowers. I’m noticed
that he silently observes
people and everything around
with his curious eyes, probably
wondering at the outside
world. Just taking your baby
out for a walk or a ride can be
close to play time, which
enable him/her to new
experiences and satisfy
curiosity.
5. Involving your family in
playtime – Some of the best
memories that your child can
have would be when the whole
family played together, from
dad, mom and even siblings.
More family members would
mean more fun and enjoyable
for the baby. At infancy, a
child is only recognized the
people around
games would instill a very
positive relationship with the
family members your baby
interacts with on a daily basis.
Also with the complete family
playing together, a family
culture could easily be
established and taught to
children. So go ahea
hide and seek, peek
setup a play scenes in your
living room.
L A N G U A G E .
More family members would
mean more fun and enjoyable
for the baby. At infancy, a
child is only recognized the
people around him/her and
games would instill a very
positive relationship with the
family members your baby
interacts with on a daily basis.
Also with the complete family
playing together, a family
culture could easily be
established and taught to
children. So go ahead play
hide and seek, peek-a-boo or
setup a play scenes in your
living room.
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N L A N G U A G E .
FIRST AID KIT ESSENTIALS FOR EVERY HOUSE HOLD
This article provides you with some basics that you should keep in your house hold. In
case of an emergency this kid should be ready, as it is much easier to take the first aid
kit to the child than the child to the first aid kit. Keep the box out of the reach of
children, but handy for adults. You don't want to be hunting for your first aid kit when a
child is injured and frightened.
The Essentials
Item: waterproof plasters.
Quantity: selection of different
sizes.
Use: for most minor wounds.
When to use waterproof
plasters: If there is a bleeding
wound that is fairly small, an
adhesive dressing should be
used. If you're preparing food
in the kitchen use a blue plaster so
you will be able to see it if it drops
in the food.
How to use: Minor wounds can
be washed with water and padded
dry, then the adhesive dressing
should be stuck over the top.
Top Tip: A small number of
people are allergic to the adhesive
strip, which could cause irritation.
If you're applying one to a family
member, you may be aware of
this. If it’s someone you don’t
know, ask them first.
Item: sterile eyepads.
Quantity: 2.
Use: for minor eye injuries.
When to use sterile eyepads:
If the wound is small, or the
casualty has a foreign object in
their eye such as dirt or grit, but
it's not embedded, you can apply
an eyepad or small dressing. Use
an eyepad until you can get
medical advice.
How to use it: Place the pad
lightly over the eye and secure
with some bandage around the
head using a knot or with tape.
Item: crepe bandage.
Quantity: 1.
Use: for a sprain or strain.
When to use a crepe
bandage: It's mainly used for a
sprained or strained ankle or
wrist. First treat the injury with
an ice pack to reduce swelling.
After 10-12 minutes, remove the
ice pack for a few minutes then
re-apply. If the swelling does
not go down, it could be a break
and you should seek medical
advice as an X-ray may be needed.
If you think it's just a strain, and
some of the swelling has gone
down as a result of using the ice
pack, apply a crepe bandage for
support.
How to use it: The bandage is
generally applied in a figure of
eight. For example, on an ankle
you would start at the base of the
leg (above the heel), make two
turns, then take the bandage
inside the instep of the foot and
begin the figure of eight. The heel
stays exposed. If the sprain or
strain is to the wrist, you can
simply wrap the bandage around
the wrist. If the bandage came
with clips, secure it with these.
“RESEARCH FROM THE
BRITISH RED CROSS SHOWS
THAT YOU ARE MOST LIKELY
TO USE YOUR FIRST AID
SKILLS ON A RELATIVE OR A
FRIEND.”
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N L A N G U A G E .
Alternatively, you can use tape or
safety pins.
Item: triangular bandages (sling)
Quantity: 4.
Use: to lift a limb.
When to use a triangular
bandage: You can use a
triangular bandage in different
ways: as a sling to lift a limb to
prevent blood loss, to secure a
fractured collarbone or hand, and
also for sprains and strains if a
crepe bandage isn’t available.
How to use it: If there’s an injury
to the lower or upper arm, you can
also make an arm sling, tied at the
neck. Triangular bandages can
also be folded and used as a
supporting bandage if a crepe
bandage isn’t available.
Item: medium sterile dressing
pads.
Quantity: 6.
Use: when a plaster is too small.
When to use medium sterile
dressing pads:
These pads are wound dressings.
When you open them up, there is
a roll of bandage attached so you
can secure them into place. They’ll
cover most common wounds and
should be used whenever a plaster
is too small. The dressing applies
firm pressure on the wound.
How to use them: Make sure the
pad covers the entire wound.
When you wrap the bandage part
of the dressing (which is attached
to the pad) around the wound,
make sure you seal each end of
the pad with it to stop infections
entering the wound, and stop
blood seeping out. The bandage
should be secured by tying in a
knot, above the wound if
possible, which will apply more
pressure.
Top Tip: If the wound is severe,
apply the dressing and seek
medical advice. If blood soaks
through the dressing, don’t
remove it or clotting (which will
have started) will be disturbed.
Instead, take a large dressing and
apply it over the top as a second
layer.
Item: large sterile dressing pads.
Quantity: 2.
Use: for dressing large wounds.
When to use large sterile
dressing pads: These pads are
large wound dressings. When you
open them up, there is a roll of
bandage attached so you can
secure them into place. They’ll
cover most common wounds and
should be used whenever a plaster
or medium dressing pad is too
small. It applies firm pressure to
the wound.
How to use them: Make sure the
pad covers the wound and that the
bandage part of the dressing seals
each end of the pad. If the wound
is severe, put the dressing on and
seek medical advice.
Item: sterile gloves.
Quantity: 1 pair.
Use: to protect the casualty and
first aider.
When to use vinyl gloves:
These protect the casualty if the
first aider’s hands are dirty, and
they protect the first aider if the
casualty is bleeding.
Top Tip: Gloves are usually
available in small, medium, large
and extra large. Make sure you
have the right size to fit you in
your first aid kit.
Item: tough cut scissors.
Quantity: 1 pair.
Use: to safely cut clothing off.
When to use tough cut
scissors: These are used for
cutting clothing to get at a wound
or the site of a fracture. They are
safety scissors so you can’t jab
them into somebody’s leg by
accident – there is no danger of
cutting the skin.
How to use: Only use if you need
to expose the site of an injury. If
the wound is on the arm or leg,
cut along the seam of the trouser
leg or shirt, and on a side away
from the wound.
Top tip: Always tell someone you
are going to cut their clothing
before you do it.
Item: alcohol-free wipes.
Quantity: 6.
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N
Use: to clean grazes if water is not
available.
When to use alcohol-free
wipes: These are used to clean
grazes and minor wounds when
water is not available.
How to use: Wipe the wound
once, then dispose of the wipe.
Take another one and repeat.
Wipe away from the wound, to
avoid introducing an infection.
Top Tip: Tap water is the best
thing to clean a wound, but if
there's no water available, an
alcohol-free wipe is better than
nothing.
Item: safety pins.
Quantity: 6.
Use: to secure a bandage or
sling.
When to use safety pins: Safety
pins can be used to secure a crepe
bandage, or for securing a sling on
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N L A N G U A G E .
the elbow.
Take a First Aid Course
Why is it important to learn
first aid? Research from the
British Red Cross shows that you
are most likely to use your first aid
skills on a relative or a
friend. Wouldn’t you want to help
a friend who was choking, or help
a relative who had burned
themselves? It’s quick and easy to
learn and having first aid skills can
make a real difference.
Find a first aid course being
provided in your community and
take the time to take it. It could
save the life of your loved one.
SHOPPING LIST
Here's a shopping list for a
basic first aid kit:
• 2 sterile eyepads
• 1 crepe bandage
• 4 triangular bandages
• 6 medium sterile dressing pads
• 2 large sterile dressing pads
• assorted waterproof plasters
• 2 pairs of sterile gloves
• 1 pair of paramedic scissors
• 6 alcohol
• 6 safety pins
• tape
L A N G U A G E .
2 large sterile dressing pads
assorted waterproof plasters
2 pairs of sterile gloves
1 pair of paramedic scissors
6 alcohol-free wipes
6 safety pins
tape
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N L A N G U A G E .
POSITIVE DISCIPLINE
Nelsen, Jane (ED.D) Erwin, Cheryl (MA) Duffy, Roslyn Ann Positive Discipline the First
Three Years. 2007.
The concept of positive discipline has evolved with time. In many traditions discipline has been associated with
punishment. However the word discipline comes from the Latin root disciplina, which means “teaching; learning”.
Therefore positive disciple is more about teaching, understanding, encouraging and communicating rather than
about punishing.
Positive discipline technique can be implemented with your child from birth to three years. Since much of what an
infant does in early years of development has more to do with emotional, physical, and cognitive development;
babies that are provided with non-punitive disciple enhance their development. Discipline has more to do with the
parent deciding what you will do about your child’s behavior rather than expecting your child to behave in a
certain manner. Some of the basic principles, laid out in this article, with enable parents to build a relationship of
love and respect with their young ones and will help live and solve problems together for many years to come.
Some basic differences between the way parents discipline their children can be found in the questions parents
ask themselves. Below is a comparison between punitive style of parenting and positive discipline:
Punitive style Positive Discipline
• How do I make my child mind? • How do I help my child learn respect, cooperation
and problem solving skills?
• How do I make my child understand "no"? • How do I help my child feel capable?
• How do I get my child to listen to me? • How do I help my child feel belonging and
significance?
• How do I make this problem go away? • How do I get into my child's world and understand
his developmental process?
• How can I use problems as opportunities for
learning - for my child and for me?
These questions are focused towards long-term thinking and if you are
able to ask the right questions you will be able to find solutions with
your baby that would last a long time. By this technique the short-term
questions will be resolved automatically.
So the building blocks of Positive discipline includes:
• Mutual respect – As a parent, firmness can be demonstrated
respecting yourself and the needs of the situation. On the other
hand kindness can be demonstrated by respecting the needs and
humanity of the child.
• Understanding the belief behind behavior – Children demonstrate
behaviors based upon beliefs that they establish while growing up.
Believes are developed within a child of three years of age or
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N
younger. You can be far more effective with your child by changing the belief that is
Also close attention should be given to the development abilities and needs of the child.
• Understanding child development and age
beyond his/her comprehension and
• Effective communication – This is extremely important throughout the upbringing of your child. Parent and
children (even at a very young age) can learn to listen and use respectful words for what they need.
• Discipline that teaches – Effective di
nor punitive. This is also best method of instilling in your child the social and life skills necessary for later on
in life.
• Focusing on solution rather than punishment
shame and pain. Therefore to resolve problems you should decide on how to approach challenges with your
child. As time progresses, together, you should make a conscious effort to find solutions that are
and helpful to both.
• Encouragement – This helps develop self
celebrating effort and improvement in the relationship.
• Children “do” better when they “feel” better
and offer affection and respect when they feel encouraged, connected and loved. Where did the idea come
from that in order to “make” a child behave, we should make them feel shame, humiliation or even pain? It
never works with adults let alone with kids.
Some methods to avoid will ensure better cooperation and development. If you are screaming, shouting, yelling,
lecturing or spanking, stop immediately. All these actions would do is encourage doubt, shame, guilt and (in
some case) rebellion. Also threats and warnings would not produce cooperation or any positive effect from your
child. There are plenty of studies that show punishment ultimately results in misbehavior. True discipline guides,
teaches and invites healthy choices.
From the earliest moments in a child’s life there are essentially four basic needs that should be met:
• A sense of belonging and significance
becomes a place of peace, respect and
• Perceptions of capability – Capability comes from experiences of accomplishments and self
provide an environment for your child the enables him/her to accomplish tasks suitable to his/her abilities.
• Personal power and independence
the earliest development tasks your child will show. And while parents may not exactly like it, even the
youngest child has personal power and quickly learns how to use it.
• Social and life skill – Teaching your toddler skills
fall asleep, how to feed and dress
practical life skills never goes away.
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N L A N G U A G E .
younger. You can be far more effective with your child by changing the belief that is
Also close attention should be given to the development abilities and needs of the child.
Understanding child development and age-appropriation – It is unfair to expect from a child things that are
beyond his/her comprehension and abilities.
This is extremely important throughout the upbringing of your child. Parent and
children (even at a very young age) can learn to listen and use respectful words for what they need.
Effective discipline teaches valuable skills and attitudes, and is neither permissive
nor punitive. This is also best method of instilling in your child the social and life skills necessary for later on
Focusing on solution rather than punishment – Blaming a child will only develop negativity in him/her such as
shame and pain. Therefore to resolve problems you should decide on how to approach challenges with your
child. As time progresses, together, you should make a conscious effort to find solutions that are
This helps develop self-esteem and confidence in children. Encourage is a way of
celebrating effort and improvement in the relationship.
Children “do” better when they “feel” better – Children are more motivated to cooperate, learn new skills,
and offer affection and respect when they feel encouraged, connected and loved. Where did the idea come
from that in order to “make” a child behave, we should make them feel shame, humiliation or even pain? It
rks with adults let alone with kids.
Some methods to avoid will ensure better cooperation and development. If you are screaming, shouting, yelling,
lecturing or spanking, stop immediately. All these actions would do is encourage doubt, shame, guilt and (in
some case) rebellion. Also threats and warnings would not produce cooperation or any positive effect from your
child. There are plenty of studies that show punishment ultimately results in misbehavior. True discipline guides,
From the earliest moments in a child’s life there are essentially four basic needs that should be met:
A sense of belonging and significance – When you create a sense of belonging and significance, your home
becomes a place of peace, respect and safety.
Capability comes from experiences of accomplishments and self
provide an environment for your child the enables him/her to accomplish tasks suitable to his/her abilities.
Personal power and independence – You will notice that developing independence and initiative are among
the earliest development tasks your child will show. And while parents may not exactly like it, even the
youngest child has personal power and quickly learns how to use it.
Teaching your toddler skills – how to get along with other children and adults, how to
fall asleep, how to feed and dress - will occupy most of your parenting hours. But the need for social and
practical life skills never goes away.
L A N G U A G E .
younger. You can be far more effective with your child by changing the belief that is behind his/her behavior.
Also close attention should be given to the development abilities and needs of the child.
It is unfair to expect from a child things that are
This is extremely important throughout the upbringing of your child. Parent and
children (even at a very young age) can learn to listen and use respectful words for what they need.
scipline teaches valuable skills and attitudes, and is neither permissive
nor punitive. This is also best method of instilling in your child the social and life skills necessary for later on
child will only develop negativity in him/her such as
shame and pain. Therefore to resolve problems you should decide on how to approach challenges with your
child. As time progresses, together, you should make a conscious effort to find solutions that are respectful
esteem and confidence in children. Encourage is a way of
vated to cooperate, learn new skills,
and offer affection and respect when they feel encouraged, connected and loved. Where did the idea come
from that in order to “make” a child behave, we should make them feel shame, humiliation or even pain? It
Some methods to avoid will ensure better cooperation and development. If you are screaming, shouting, yelling,
lecturing or spanking, stop immediately. All these actions would do is encourage doubt, shame, guilt and (in
some case) rebellion. Also threats and warnings would not produce cooperation or any positive effect from your
child. There are plenty of studies that show punishment ultimately results in misbehavior. True discipline guides,
From the earliest moments in a child’s life there are essentially four basic needs that should be met:
When you create a sense of belonging and significance, your home
Capability comes from experiences of accomplishments and self-sufficiency. So
provide an environment for your child the enables him/her to accomplish tasks suitable to his/her abilities.
You will notice that developing independence and initiative are among
the earliest development tasks your child will show. And while parents may not exactly like it, even the
how to get along with other children and adults, how to
will occupy most of your parenting hours. But the need for social and
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING: INF
TODDLERS AND 2-YEAR
McGaha, Cindy G.
HTTP://ECRP.UIUC.EDU/V13N1/MCGAHA.HTML, 2011.
In 2011, a research study was
conducted at Appalachian State
University by Cindy G. McGaha,
Rebekah Cummings, Barbara
Lippard and Karen Dallas, on
relationships between children
during infancy. Since a lot of
emphasis has been on infants’
relationship with adults, the
purpose of this study was to pay
attention to relationships between
children. Also adults are often
fearful of the interactions between
a toddler and an older child,
primarily due to concern that the
older child may harm an infant.
This study explored what happens
when infants are given the
opportunity to interact with older
children.
Teachers and administrators in a
classroom carefully examined the
relationships between children.
The study which was conducted
over the course of a year and
focused on building relationships
between the infants and the
toddlers/2-year-olds. Findings
support the idea that these
children, with support, can be
quite capable in interacting with
each other.
The study was conducted with
children between ages of 6 weeks
and 3 years. Infants and toddlers
were located in the same large
room, with transparent barriers.
The barriers were gated children
who were mobile were often able
to open barriers and cross into the
other sections of the room. Bare in
mind, that the study room was
staffed with qualified full-time
teachers and caregivers.
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N L A N G U A G E .
ONSHIP BUILDING: INFANTS,
YEAR-OLDS
, 2011.
During the beginning of
research mutual interests
were explored between
children and it was noted
that children expressed
curiosity about each other
by gazing across
transparent barriers in classroom.
Children also showed the desire to
visit each other’s areas of
classroom. Over the course of a
year, it was observed how
relationships evolved between
infants and the older children and
how these relations could be best
supported. Also changes were
made to children’s environment
and schedule; with introduction of
new experiences through infant
materials, playing with dolls and
opportunity to assist in care giving.
Further both planned and
spontaneous social interactions
where provided.
Environmental Arrangement
Mealtime was used as an
opportunity to provide children to
see and interact with one another.
One obvious behavior between
children was that as they saw one
another the interest and curiosity
to interact increased. Older
children were interested in feeding
infants (even during bottle
feeding). This showed that older
children can and should be given
the opportunity to assist in
frequent routines such as
diapering, feeding, hand washing
etc. For families that have older
children they can engage them in
care giving activities toward
infants.
Also, since the classrooms
provided transparent barriers
between older children and
toddlers, both spend time at the
barriers observing one another.
Infants frequently observed the
play of older children and vice
versa. Th
signify strong connection between
them; and results shows exchange
of smiles, laughs, touches and toys
through barriers.
Care giving
Older children showed great
interest to provide care giving
assistance which included
comforting children who were
crying, holding infants (with adult
support), bringing toys or other
material to infants, assisting with
feeding or with diapering and
rubbing backs for children who
were going to sleep. Some children
would seek out care giving
opportunities on their own, while
others would spontaneously offer
to help when they observed adults
engaged in such activities.
Spontaneous Interactions
As time went on, children started
to spontaneously interacting with
one another with minimal adult
suppor
offer words and interpretations of
actions; older children started
L A N G U A G E .
Also, since the classrooms
provided transparent barriers
between older children and
toddlers, both spend time at the
barriers observing one another.
Infants frequently observed the
play of older children and vice
versa. This mutual observation
signify strong connection between
them; and results shows exchange
of smiles, laughs, touches and toys
through barriers.
Care giving Assistance
Older children showed great
interest to provide care giving
assistance which included
orting children who were
crying, holding infants (with adult
support), bringing toys or other
material to infants, assisting with
feeding or with diapering and
rubbing backs for children who
were going to sleep. Some children
would seek out care giving
ortunities on their own, while
others would spontaneously offer
to help when they observed adults
engaged in such activities.
Spontaneous Interactions
As time went on, children started
to spontaneously interacting with
one another with minimal adult
support. Even though adults would
offer words and interpretations of
actions; older children started
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N
approaching non-mobile infants
and communicated by gazing,
touching or talking. If an infant
“lost” a toy, for example, an older
child would pick it up and return it
to the infant.
It was also observed, that older
children not only imitated
behaviors of the caregivers, they
also spontaneously expanded on
those behaviors. For example,
when caregivers did not swaddle
any of the infants, but the toddlers
were repeatedly observed
swaddling dolls while playing.
The study conducted at
Appalachian State University,
teaches many lessons about older
children. With proper guidance and
supervision older children can
express caring and helpful
behavior towards younger ones.
By no means should older children
be left with infant unsupervised;
however they can be taught on
how to take care of younger
babies. It helps us reflect and
better understand the barriers
between ourselves and other, and
the ways in which our expectations
color our interactions with others.
By being open to new possibilities
and appreciating what each person
brings, we are able to experience
richer interactions and
relationships that defy our
expectations.
GREAT TIPS AND ADVICE FOR YOUR BABY!
A G U I D E T O B A B Y S I G N L A N G U A G E .
COLIC AND HOW
TO HELP YOUR
BABY Davie, Kim. The Handbook
of natural baby and
childcare. 2009.
Colic is stomach ache that is
experienced by one in five babies.
It can start in two to four weeks
old babies and can last up to four
months. When babies cry for long
periods of time without any
obvious cause it could because of
colic. Usually this happens at the
same time each day (could be later
afternoon or evenings). Babies
may also pass wind and have
challenges passing stool. The
cause of colic is not known
precisely, even though there are
many theories about this subject.
It could be because of a reaction
to milk (in case of cow milk) or to
the mother’s diet (in case of
breastfed babies). Colic could also
be a reaction of your baby’s
sensitivity to the stimulation
received during the day from
various activities.
Some tips which can help you and
your baby deal with colic:
• Swaddling your baby in light
blanket or shawl. Many
hospitals advise against
swaddling at night because of
the risk of overheating, but
wrapping can be very soothing
when you are awake and keep
an eye on your baby.
• Apply colic hold –
support the baby’s crotch with
you hand while the tummy
rests on your forearm and the
head is near you elbow. (See
picture).
• Gently swing the baby in your
arms.
• Allow your baby to suck on a
pacifier or finger. However
with using a pacifies please
keep these tips in your mind:
• Never
• Don’t use a string or ribbon to
tie the pacifier around the
baby.
• Don’t use a pacifier in the first
six weeks if you are breast
feeding.
• Don’t give your baby a pacifier
whenever he/she is upset (it
will become a hard
habit)
• Restrict use to sleep times and
colic.
• Wash and sterilize pacifiers
between each use.
• If pacifier shows signs of
damage, replace it.
• To prevent wind and help with
reflux, feed in an upright
position and make sure you
burp after every feed. If you
are
expert to check your
technique. If bottle
try using a teat with bigger
holes; if they are too small,
your baby may be swallowing
lots of air with milk.
L A N G U A G E .
Gently swing the baby in your
arms.
Allow your baby to suck on a
pacifier or finger. However
with using a pacifies please
keep these tips in your mind:
Never it in sugar or honey.
Don’t use a string or ribbon to
tie the pacifier around the
baby.
Don’t use a pacifier in the first
six weeks if you are breast
feeding.
Don’t give your baby a pacifier
whenever he/she is upset (it
will become a hard-to-break
habit).
Restrict use to sleep times and
colic.
Wash and sterilize pacifiers
between each use.
If pacifier shows signs of
damage, replace it.
To prevent wind and help with
reflux, feed in an upright
position and make sure you
burp after every feed. If you
are breastfeeding, get an
expert to check your
technique. If bottle-feeding,
try using a teat with bigger
holes; if they are too small,
your baby may be swallowing
lots of air with milk.