It is normal for babies to cry, as that is how they communicate their needs to us. But is it normal for a baby to cry uncontrollably for hours on end without reason? Is something wrong with a baby that refuses to be comforted and screams almost into fits? According to the Encyclopedia of Children’s Health, 20-25% of babies meet the definition of colic, which is a healthy baby with no underlying medical condition crying longer than 3 hours a day and more than 3 times a week. A colicky baby is a parent’s dreaded nightmare. Undeniably, the baby is not the only one in pain as parents suffer from increased blood pressure and highly-strung nerves. Some may even come close to a mental breakdown and have evil thoughts against the baby.

The only thing that races through the mind of the parents is “how do I stop the crying?” The desperate search for a cure all only results in disappointment; as medically, there isn’t one definitive reason for colic. There are plenty of theories and a plethora of advice. Sadly, there is no “this-is-it” kind of solution. Therefore, to find the way to make your baby stop crying, you will have to go through the various methods and hopefully, find one that works. Here is a list of remedies many parents have tried that may work for you too:

1. Swaddling
Tightly wrapping the baby with a blanket is often soothing as it gives the baby a sense of warmth and security. Do not think that baby will be uncomfortable with this restriction. Swaddling brings back the snug, comfortable feeling of being in the mother’s womb.

2. Baby wearing
Many mothers worry that carrying baby often is going to spoil the baby. However, walking around with baby in your arms or in a sling can reduce crying spells. Baby is comforted by your closeness and also the motions of being in a sling.

3. Rhythmic rocking
I think this only comes naturally to all parents. Put a baby in their arms and they automatically start rocking. If your arms get tired, consider a baby swing. You can also put baby face down on your lap and gently sway your knees. This may help baby get rid of wind or gas in the tummy.

4. Stay in motion
Besides using a sling and rhythmically rocking your baby, you can take baby for a walk in a stroller or out for a drive. Sitting in a rocking chair while holding baby upright is also worth a try.

5. Baby massage
Most parents believe colic is due to gas trapped in baby’s tummy causing it to cramp. Baby massage can help the release of gas and trigger bowel movement. Some baby massage techniques are:
- putting your two hands on the tummy, one at 10 o’clock and the other at 4 o’clock, massage in a clockwise direction. Push down firmly, but gently.
- holding the baby’s knees, fold it up to the stomach and hold for 15-30 seconds.
- holding the baby’s feet, move the legs in a bicycle motion.
- bending baby’s legs at the knees, cross it and then rock from side to side.

6. Gripe water
Some grandmothers swear by gripe water. It contains herbs such as fennel, ginger or chamomile that help calm the stomach and relieves gas. However, beware that there are some gripe water that include artificial ingredients, preservatives and alcohol. So, do inspect the ingredients when you buy gripe water.

7. Diet check
If you are breastfeeding, check to see if the food you consume such as onions, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spicy food, dairy, chocolate, caffeine, and citrus fruits is the one causing baby to react negatively. One at a time, eliminate one type of food for a week and monitor baby for signs of improvement. If baby is bottle fed, try formula milk that is easier to digest. Goats’ milk formula is said to have proteins closest to human breast milk.

8. Cranial osteopathy
Some mothers have found success with this treatment. The idea behind this is that the trauma of birth creates a neck restriction in baby. This affects other areas of the body. One of the results is abdominal pain. Cranial osteopathy aims at releasing the neck to relieve colic. Based on a recently published research, colic babies that underwent cranial osteopathy therapy cried 40% less than those that did not.

Colic can drive a parent crazy. After trying all the methods and failing to find a remedy, do not succumb to feelings of a useless parent. Sometimes, the only thing you can do is wait for it to end. This usually takes place when baby is about three months old. To keep your sanity, don’t hesitate in using earplugs. It will help keep you calm amidst the wailing. Also, don’t feel guilty in taking a break from baby. It’s okay to let someone else take over while you rejuvenate. If you get thoughts of harming your baby, walk away. Let baby cry a little while you regain your composure.

First time moms normally find breast feeding is not easy. There’s a level of skill required for successful feeding and a correct technique to use. Incorrect positioning
is one of the biggest reasons for unsuccessful feeding and it can even injure the nipple or breast quite easily. Below is guidance for first time moms who are getting started with breastfeeding.

When you hold your baby for the first time in the delivery room, you should put his lips to your breast. Although your mature milk hasn’t developed yet, your breasts are still producing a substance known as colostrum that helps to protect your baby from infections.

If your baby has trouble finding or staying on your nipple, you shouldn’t panic. Breast feeding is an art that will require a lot of patience and a lot of practice. No one expects you to be an expert when you first start, so you shouldn’t hesitate to ask for advice or have a nurse show you what you need to do.

Once you start, keep in mind that nursing shouldn’t be painful. When your baby latches on, pay attention to how your breasts feel. If the latching on
hurts, break the suction then try again.

You should nurse quite frequently, as the more you nurse the more quickly your mature milk will come in and the more milk you’ll produce. Breast feeding for 10 – 15 minutes per breast 8 – 10 times every 24 hours is an ideal target. Crying is a sign of hunger, which means you should actually feed your baby before he starts crying.

During the first few days, you may have to wake your baby to begin breast feeding, and he may end up falling asleep during feeding. To ensure that your baby is eating often enough, you should wake him up if it has been four hours since the last time he has been fed.

By stroking the baby’s cheek with the nipple, the baby will open its mouth towards the nipple, which should then be pushed in so that the baby will get a mouthful of nipple and areola. This position is known as latching on. A lot of women prefer to wear a nursing bra to allow easier access to the breast than other normal bras.

Get comfortable. The length of feeding time will vary. For some mothers, feedings can take 40 minutes or longer, therefore you’ll want a cozy spot. You don’t want to be sitting somewhere where you will be bothered, as it can make the process very hard. Regardless of the duration of feeding time, it’s important for mothers to be comfortable. The following are positions you can use:
1. Upright – The sitting position where the back is straight.
2. Mobile – Mobile is where the mother carries her baby in a sling or carrier while breast feeding. Doing this allows the mother to breast feed in the work of everyday life.
3. Lying down – This is good for night feeds or for those who have had a caesarean section.
4. On her back – The mother is sitting slightly upright, also a useful position for tandem breast feeding.
5. On her side – The mother and baby both lie on their sides.
6. Hands and knees – In this feeding position the mother is on all fours with the baby underneath her. Keep in mind, this position isn’t normally recommended.

Anytime you don’t feel comfortable with a feeding position, always stop and switch to a different position. Each position is different, while some mothers prefer one position, other’s may like a totally different position. All you need to do is experiment and see which position is best for you.

Whining is a normal habit among children. Children whine for a variety of reasons, such as to wear you down, to make you feel guilty, for reassurance and out of pure habit. Try out the seven steps below that you can take to “Stop the Whining!” and see whether they work for you.

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Is your child doing poorly in school? Try these often over looked tips to help turn your underachiever into an over achieving scholar.

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Is your child getting enough sleep? How can you tell and what can you do about it?

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) released a survey which estimated that one-third of toddlers and preschoolers and nearly one in four school aged children aren’t getting enough sleep.

The consequences for lack of sleep are hardly unknown to parents who have themselves been victims of sleepless nights during the early childhood years. But what are the specific problems that affect children who are lacking sleep?

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In today’s fast-paced stressed life, even children need to take a little time off with some form of relaxation. However, instead of raising a couch potato who listens to MP3s, plays video games, surfs the Internet or just watches TV, encouraging a child to take up a constructive alternative, such as, a hobby could open a whole new dimension to his life. Parents should support their child in discovering the rewards of having a hobby.

What is a Hobby?
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I stumbled across this funny video and can’t wait to share with you:)

Funny huh? Feel pity to the one having hiccups but his brother couldn’t make me stop laughing. I am sure you or your kids have had hiccups before..Want to know more about hiccups? Read on..
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Do you have moments when being a ‘nice’ parent just seems impossible? For example, your toddler is still running around the house, refusing to sleep and it’s already 11 pm. Or when you’re tired and they decide to reward you with more whining and a temper tantrum? And how about times when you are late and they still prefer to move at a snail’s pace?’Monster Parent’ moments are when your anger gets the better of you. You scream and yell, maybe even hit or hurl abusive words at your children. You look at your children with daggers coming out of your eyes and your idea of discipline at that moment is to inflict pain and hurt.

It is probably safe to say that having occasional ‘Monster Parent’ moments are quite common among parents. After all, we are only humans and we have good days and bad days. But beware that these occasional ‘Monster Parent’ moments do not become too frequent. Do not end up becoming an abusive parent.

So, what can you do to avoid becoming a ‘Monster Parent’?

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Which parents do not want their children to be smart? Are there ways to make your child smarter? The answer is ‘Yes!’.

Scientific research shows that intelligence is both genetic and environmental. Intelligence is also not fixed but can be increased because the brain develops new neurons and interconnections with stimulation.

A supportive environment fosters numerous aspects of intelligence. The following 10 easy ways to stimulate intelligence in children will provide an “enriched environment” for brain growth.

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Bedwetting is a common ordeal faced by parents. Parents often feel angry and frustrated about their child’s bedwetting condition. But remember, children do not wet the bed on purpose, so it is important to support your child and maintain a positive attitude.

Bedwetting can be broken into two types. Primary nocturnal incontinence is when a child has not been fully toilet trained. Secondary nocturnal incontinence is when a child has achieved full bladder control and then begins wetting the bed.

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