The Beginning
Bringing a baby home is a beautiful and life-changing event. One problem that a lot of new parents have, though, is that their newborns cry when put down. There are other parents like you whose babies cry as soon as they are put in a crib or cot. This behavior can be annoying, tiring, and hard to understand.
This blog post will talk about why newborns cry when put down, what that means for their growth, and most importantly, how you can make your baby feel safer while also getting some much-needed rest.
What’s Inside the Book
Is it normal for babies to cry when they are put down?
It is, in fact, perfectly normal. One of the most common things newborns do in their first few weeks or even months is cry when they are put down. In fact, this behavior comes from your baby’s natural need to feel safe and connected. Don’t forget that your baby was warm and safe for nine months in your belly. It can be scary to be put in a crib by yourself in a strange world.
Top Reasons Why Babies Cry When They Are Put Down
Let’s look at the reasons why this behavior might be happening:
1. Anxiety about being apart
Babies can tell when they are no longer being held even when they are very young. They need to be close to their caretaker to feel safe, warm, and secure. This is built into their genes.
2. The Startle Reflex or Moro Reflex
A natural reaction in newborns makes them feel like they’re falling. This is called the Moro reflex. They cry when this happens to them when they’re lying down on a flat surface.
Having gas or pain
For babies who have just eaten, putting them down might make them unhappy because of gas or reflux. Since holding them up helps their stomachs, lying down too soon could be upsetting.
4. Being Hungry
Babies need to eat a lot because their bellies are still small. They may still be a little hungry or want to suck for warmth even if they just ate.
5. Too much excitement or too much tiredness
Newborns can get too tired when there is too much noise, light, or movement. In a strange way, babies who are too tired often have more trouble falling asleep when they are laid down.
6. The need to be warm and comfortable
Cribs and bassinets can be cold and make you feel alone. Your arms are comfortable, warm, and regular, so it makes sense that you like them.
What Research Says About Touch and Comfort
The Idea of the Fourth Trimester
The three months after birth are often called the “fourth trimester” by experts. This is when babies are getting used to life outside the womb. During this time, they want to be close all the time.
Skin-to-Skin Contact Is Good for You
Not only is skin-to-skin touch relaxing, but science has also shown that it:
- Keep the baby’s body temperature in check.
- Keep your breathing and heart rate steady.
- Stop crying.
- Bonding chemicals like oxytocin should be raised.
Sleep and Wearing Babies
By wearing your baby in a sling or carrier during the day, you can make them feel safe even when they’re not in your arms.
How to Help Your Child Sleep Alone in Real Life
Here are some real-life tips that will help your baby get used to being put down:
1. Know How to Swaddle
Swaddling makes the baby feel like they are back in the womb and lowers their startle response. When you wrap, make sure the fabric is not too tight and the baby’s hips are not squished.
2. Get the crib warm first
Before you lay your baby down, put a warm (not hot) water bottle on the mattress. This keeps you from being shocked by cold sheets. Take the bottle away every time you put the baby down.
3. Use smooth changes.
Instead of going from standing up to sitting down all at once, lower your baby’s feet first and then their body while placing one hand on their chest for a short time.
4. Noise
A white noise machine or app can be very relaxing because it makes sounds like the womb.
5. Sit with a pacifier
This can help your baby calm down when you put them down if they like to suck for safety.
6. Set up a regular routine for going to bed
Simple things like a warm bath, soft songs, or turning down the lights can help kids learn that it’s time for bed, even when they are very young.
7. Learn to be independent little by little
Lay them down for short amounts of time at first, when they’re tired but not yet asleep. They will learn to fall asleep on their own over time.
When to Worry About
Sometimes babies cry when they are put down, but watch out for these signs:
- crying that won’t stop even when you try to comfort them
- Pain or sickness signs (fever, vomiting, or poop that doesn’t look right)
- Lack of weight gain or problems with feeding
If something seems wrong, you should always see a doctor. Believe in your gut.
Help for parents and mental health
Taking care of a baby who cries all the time when you put them down can be hard on your mental health. It’s okay to feel too much. This can help:
- Ask your partner, family, or friends for help.
- Take a break whenever you need to. Put your child in a safe place, like the crib, and leave for a while.
- If you’re constantly sad, nervous, or angry after giving birth, you might want to talk to a postpartum therapist.
Do not forget that you are trying your best and that this time will end soon.
In conclusion
When your baby cries every time you put them down, it can be very tiring, but this is because they naturally need to feel safe, connected, and comforted. You can make this change easier for both of you if you know what your baby is going through and are gentle with them.
The key is to be patient, consistent, and understanding. As each baby is different, you should try different things to find what works best for your child. Oh, and don’t forget to take care of yourself too.
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FAQs
1. How do I stop my baby from crying when I put him down?
You can ease the baby by swaddling, playing white noise, warming the crib up ahead of time, or giving the baby a pacifier. This will also help your baby get used to sleeping alone. Lay your baby down gently when they are tired but not asleep.
2. Why does putting my baby down make her cry every time?
Newborn babies want to be close and feel safe. Being put down can make them feel alone and uncomfortable, especially in the first few weeks when they are still getting used to life outside the womb.
3. How do I get my baby used to being laid down?
Start by putting your baby down for short periods of time when they are happy and calm. Use things that help them calm down, like wrapping and white noise, and slowly lengthen the time as they get used to it.
4. Does it make sense for a baby to not want to be put down?
It’s perfectly normal. Most babies like being held because it makes them feel safe and warm, like being in the womb. As your baby grows, this time should get better.
5. Why won’t my two-week-old baby let me lay her down?
Babies are still getting used to the outside world when they are 2 weeks old. For warmth, safety, and reassurance, they often need to be held all the time. This is a normal and short-term phase.
6. Should I pick up my crying baby every time she does?
Yes, especially when they are very young. Babies use crying to tell us what they need. Responding to their cries builds trust and helps them grow emotionally. But you can’t spoil a baby by calming them.
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