How to Deal with a Crying Baby who Won't Sleep -- Sanity Check! Quick!

The trouble with babies is they cry. And cry. And cry...

And for most new moms this is a serious problem because there's nothing that makes you feel worse or more inadequate than a baby who won't stop crying. You need help and you need it fast when this happens. This quick guide should help.

1. Keep it in perspective. This is the most important step of all when dealing with an infant who won't keep crying. So first of all remember that dogs bark, babies cry. It's one of the chief ways babies communicate and it's natural for them to cry. Completely, totally, 100% natural, and their crying doesn't mean you are the worst mother ever. I promise.

2. Now that you understand that the baby is trying to tell you something, try to figure out what that something is. Does the baby's diaper need changing? Is he or she hungry? Is the baby tired? Over-stimulated? Is he or she running a fever? These are some of the first things to check to try and understand why the baby is crying. Often it's just that they're tired and need soothing through rocking or being walked. Maybe they just need a little extra milk. Maybe their tummy hurts and they need a good burping!

3. Be proactive. Sometimes a fussy baby has colic or acid reflux that causes pain after they've eaten. If you notice that this is the case with your infant, consult your baby's pediatrician. There are some wonderful new medications on the market, designed to help with the discomfort caused by colic and acid reflux. And it doesn't make you a bad mom. It makes you smart and caring to be proactive and give the baby medication to ensure he or she doesn't have to suffer from conditions such as colic. So watch your baby's crying habits and consult the doctor. If the doctor prescribes medication, great! Relax and be grateful there's help for your baby.

4. Have a routine. Schedules are an important part of everyone's lives, including infants. The sooner you have your infant on a feeding and sleeping schedule, the better off everyone will be. This helps ensure that your infant feels safe and secure, and a baby who feels secure that his needs are going to be met is much less likely to cry. So get the baby on a routine as quickly as possible to give you both some peace of mind.

5. Use motion and sound to soothe the infant. Many times, a crying baby is silenced by swinging and rocking motions. They are also calmed by the sound of a heartbeat or soft music. Fans help many infants, as the sound is similar to what they hear in the womb. Unfortunately, you'll have to find what works using the old trial and error method. What calms one infant won't necessarily

6. Get support. If your baby is one that is trying out for the Olympic crying team, don't suffer alone. Call your friends, your mom, your sister, go to an online support group or discussion board for new mothers, go to any one who can offer you support and remind you that you're a great person. Because, seriously, nothing is worse on your self-esteem and self-confidence than a baby who refuses to be soothed. Trust me on this one, and get on the phone or the computer for help! Now! Go, already!

About The Author: Molly Collins is a freelance publisher based in Los Angeles, California. She publishes articles and reports in various ezines.