It doesn’t matter if they are at day care or at home crying is a physiological process in the life of a baby. Babies communicate with other humans via this annoying yet necessary technique. Since they can’t express their feelings in words crying is the only way for communication. Discomfort of any sort is guaranteed to bring on a bout of the tears. Normally babies cry in particular situations for example hunger, soiled diaper, too hot or cold, tight clothes, pain etc.

There are children who demand constant attention and, if not forthcoming, they cry. Crying without any cause is habitual in some babies. Crying, whether with or without cause is extremely distressing for parents or carers. Since the reasons for crying ranges from simple causes to more serious ones it should not be ignored thus exact cause must be identified and managed accordingly. Here are some basic considerations when faced with a distressed child.

1, Never vigorously shake a baby. 2, Tight, restrictive clothing can irritate delicate skin and should be loosened. 3, Check room temperature and if too warm open the window or turn on the fan. 4, Check to see if the diaper is soiled and change. 5, Make soothing noises as you gently stroke her head or back. 6, The baby may be hungry to offer the breast or bottle. 7, Swaddle with extra covers if the room is cold. 8, Pace the bedroom slowly whilst gently rocking the child. 9, Use a musical toy to soothe. 10, A pacifier can be a great comfort. 11, Move the baby into a different position. 12, A breath of fresh air might do you both good so head outside. 13, Rock the cradle. 14, Perhaps try changing to a different set of arms i.e. ask dad to carry her.

If even after all these steps the baby continues to cry check for the following; ( Probable cause is given after every sign)

1, Press her abdomen gently,she may twist or resist you:—Colic 2, Pull her ear gently she may become worse or push your hands away:—Earache. 3, Feel her temperature with the back of your hands:–Fever due to an infection. 4, Examine the skin from head to foot:–Eruptive disease,diaper rash,measles,vesicles,allergy etc. 5, See the nose for any discharge:–Coryza. 6, Move the head gently to feel any neck stiffness:–Meningitis,head injury etc. 7, Keep your ear near her chest to hear any rattling sound:–Increased mucus in wind pipes. (pneumonia,bronchiolitis,asthamatic bronchitis etc) 8, Examine the anal orifice:–Anal erosion,rectal polyp,crawling of worms. 9, Examine the genitalia:–Any discharge or erosion. 10, In male baby see the testicles which may be swollen or tender:–Orchitis,torsion of testes. 11, Also notice the body movements and see for any convulsions,rigors,vomiting,cough,labored breathing etc.

If you see the above signs or any other abnormal signs consult your doctor for proper treatment.

10 years experience of running a day care renders Fiona Lohrenz very capable of writing articles on all aspects of childcare. She also pours this knowledge into her child care website and has made a ‘How to Start a Day Care Business’ DVD guide: Start A Daycare Business DVD She can be reached at her website: ChildCareOnly.com

- Fiona Lohrenz