Need a good laugh today? (C'mon, we all do.) I couldn't help but crack a smile after hearing about a dad in Germany who called the police for help because his babies wouldn't stop crying...Yes, this really happened.
The poor dude was home alone caring for his twin 5-month-olds and a 2-year-old, and when he couldn't get his wife on the phone to help, and was unable to stop the kiddos from crying on his own -- he broke down and called the police out of pure desperation. (OMG. Are you loving this story, or what?) Wait, it gets better.
Instead of hanging up on him or getting all bent out of shape that he was wasting their time over crying babies, the police actually listened to him, and even offered some tips for how to deal with the situation. (Aww!) Um, this is seriously one of the funniest things I've ever heard! I wish I could've been a fly on the wall in that house when he made the call, because you know those babies must have been really wailing if he felt the need to get the police involved.
( culled from cafemom.com)
But just incase you get stuck with a crying toddler here are some tips.
When your baby cries, start with the basics.
A crying baby might simply need to be fed, burped or changed. Maybe it's time for a nap, a change in position or a session in the rocking chair. Or perhaps your crying baby needs a little more — or a little less — attention.
Often, babies find it hard to get to sleep, particularly if they are overtired. You will soon become aware of your baby's sleep cues. Whining and crying at the slightest thing, staring blankly into space, and going quiet and still are just three examples.If your baby has received a lot of attention and cuddles from doting visitors, she may become over-stimulated. Then, when it comes to sleeping, she'll find it hard to switch off and settle. Take your baby somewhere calm and quiet to help her to settle down.
When the tears won't stop
If your baby seems otherwise OK but the crying continues, do your best to stay calm. Getting tense or upset might only make the crying worse.
Remember, crying doesn't hurt anyone — including the baby.
- To stay in control of the situation, you might:
- Keep it quiet. Hold your baby close to you, and quietly sing or talk to your baby. Repeat a calm word or phrase, such as, "You're OK."
- Try infant massage. Gently massaging your baby might reduce crying and promote relaxation.
- Get moving. Weather-permitting, put your baby in the stroller and take a brisk walk. You might even buckle the baby into his or her car seat and take a short drive.
- Ask for help. Let your partner or another loved one take over for a while. Take advantage of baby-sitting offers from trusted friends, neighbors or other close contacts. Use the time to take a nap or simply relax.
- Take a timeout. If you're alone, put your baby in a safe place — such as the crib or bassinet. Let your baby cry while you take a few minutes to regroup in another room.
- Be realistic. Remind yourself that you're not failing your baby if you can't stop a crying spell. Sometimes babies simply need to cry it out.
Be gentle
When your crying baby can't be calmed, you might be tempted to try just about anything to get the tears to stop. It's OK to be creative — but never shake your baby. Babies have weak neck muscles and often struggle to support their heads. Shaking your baby out of sheer frustration might have devastating consequences — including blindness, brain damage or mental retardation. Severe shaking can be life-threatening or even fatal.
By Ijeoma Olujekun
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