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For cryin’ out loud! How new dads can soothe a crying infant

© Dale Kiefer

Surprise your wife and amaze your friends by taking charge when your baby cries. Outside of colic, soothing a crying infant is a no-brainer. Babies can't talk, so they cry to communicate. It's nothing personal; it's just your little one's way of saying one of about five different things (in the majority of cases).

Five cries and their solutions:

· I'm hungry.

The solution to this one is obvious. If your wife is breastfeeding, volunteer to take some of the wee hours feedings. Feed re-warmed expressed breast milk from a bottle. The surprise bonus: You get to spend some exceptionally special time alone with your infant. You will bond faster and form a deeper attachment, and you'll probably thoroughly enjoy this intimate time spent satisfying your infant's most basic need. This can also be done with formula feeding.

· I'm wet (or poopy).

Again, the solution to this cry is simple: Change your baby's diaper. Dive in and change the first diaper in the hospital. The staff there will assist you if you need help getting started. Make use of their expertise while it's available to you. Amaze your spouse and in-laws with your diaper-changing prowess. Here's a hint: Point a boy's penis down as you remove the diaper unless you want a face full of urine. Another hint: baby stool doesn't smell unpleasant at all (at least until baby starts eating solid foods), and this remains true for as long as he's breast feeding. So don't be shy.

· I'm cold.

Wrap her in warmer clothes (onesies with snaps are convenient and comfy). Put a blanket on her. But remember that doctors warn against using any more bedding than is absolutely necessary, in order to ward off SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

· I'm hot.

The obvious corollary to 'I'm Cold', this one is another no-brainer. Remove excess clothing or bedding. If baby has a fever above 100.4 degrees F., consider calling your pediatrician. If he's more than 2 months old, wait until his fever spikes 102 degrees. Never, ever give aspirin to an infant. Your doctor may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Fever is the body's natural defense against infection. Most (but certainly not all) infant fevers are a healthy response to viral challenges and will resolve on their own.

· I'm tired.

Rock baby to sleep. Often when they are exceptionally tired, infants have trouble falling to sleep. Try a swing, a rocker, a ride in a stroller or baby sling, or a ride in the car. (Be certain your car seat is rear facing and carefully installed in the rear of a car.) The time-tested favorite; pacing the floor with junior on your shoulder, gently patting his back or bottom. Babies love gentle motion and reassuring rhythm.