- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- moms today articles
- moms today q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Bouncing and Swaying Baby
Why Do Babies Love Rhythmic Movement?
By Shannon McKelden
Another thing to remember is that your mood affects your baby's mood. "To give calm, you must first possess it," Baker says. "It is hard not to feel stressed when a baby is crying." This is a challenge Baker deals with often in her work with the Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network, which provides support and insight for caregivers who are dealing with colicky or fussy babies. "The best gift you can offer a baby is to keep your cool when she or he might resist soothing," she says.
This doesn't always come naturally. Baker advises against speeding up movements when a baby is crying frantically, though that seems more natural to caregivers. Changing Baby rapidly from one position to another to try and make the crying stop is also not helpful. "Take a breath," Baker says. "Slow down. Talk in a quiet, rhythmic voice. Try to let your calm settle the baby rather than letting the baby's distress unsettle you."
Another thing to remember is that fast, jerky movements can be over-stimulating, having the exact opposite effect of the calm you are trying to achieve.
Baker believes that rocking, bouncing and jiggling really involve a lot more than just movement. "They also provide the closeness, touch, smell and soothing sounds of the caregiver that help an infant to soothe and settle," she says. "There are many ways to soothe a crying infant. As you and your baby get to know one another, you will find your own dance."
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
