If you are a parent you have or will experience it a fussy baby. There are different reasons why babies can be fussy. Gas, hunger, tiredness, wanting to be held, needing movement, and the often-overlooked response of stress and other energy in its environment.
One of the most common reasons why a baby is fussy is because it has gas. Gas can have myriad sources. Much of gas is just a part of the normal digestive process, but often it is intolerance to food that causes the gas creating the fussiness. Milk, wheat, eggs, corn, and peanuts are common culprits to extra gas in breast-fed babies. In formula-fed babies, milk and soy are often the cause.
Removing these things from the mother and/or babys diet may alleviate fussiness right away. Sometimes babies fuss because they are hungry. Even if a baby just ate, sometimes it is still hungry. Babies can fuss because they are tired. Very often they just want to be held.
It is common to not know which of the possible reasons for fussiness is at the root of the discomfort but here are some things you can try. By seeing what works you gain more clarity as to what the cause was.
If a baby is in a crib and he fusses, upon being picked up he stops, then you know that he just wanted to be held.
If upon picking him up, he is still uncomfortable, try motion. Walking, a stroller ride, a ride in the car, can all be a great help for a fussy baby. If that works, then you know they just needed some movement. There are a lot of movements that occur in the belly and coming out to a motionless experience can be a difficult transition.
When motion doesn't help, or before you try motion, you can rub the baby's belly in a clockwise motion to help dispel gas from her system. You can also use a carrier oil like sweet almond or olive oil to rub on the belly and add essential oils like lavender, peppermint, fennel to further assist. Familiarize yourself with these essential oils and their precautions.
Gripe water, which is given by mouth through a dropper, can also significantly prevent gas and reduce it once it is formed. Rescue remedy, which can be given by mouth, and rubbed on hands, feet, and belly to soothe a fussy baby for any reason.
A very prevalent and mostly overlooked reason for a fussy baby is its natural stress reaction through fussing of the energy in its environment, especially how its mother is feeling. Arguing in the household, stress in the house can all contribute to a fussy baby. Really looking at what is going on emotionally for the primary caretaker, or caretaker at the time the baby is fussy, can help alleviate the stress to the baby that is causing her to fuss. Also, be aware of other things going on in the house such as television, music, moving, construction, etc. that could be causing a stress response to a baby. Babys are very sensitive and receptive and responsive to their environments.
Whatever the reason for fussing, trying these things can help pinpoint what your baby is trying to tell you and build an easier and rewarding foundation of communication between you and your little one.
Annie Botticelli
AnnieHelpsYou.com
