Hungry, and Gassy, and Colicky, oh my!

Newborn babies cry for a variety of reasons: they are hungry, need to burp, have a soiled diaper, want to be bundled or need a nap. While crying can indicate that your baby wants or needs something, parents also have to recognize the difference between a fussy baby and one with colic – periods of intense, uncontrollable crying.

If an otherwise healthy baby cries more than three hours a day, three days a week, for more than three weeks and is younger than three months of age, he may have colic. Soothing a crying baby can be a heart-wrenching experience, leaving a parent feeling helpless.

“Happiest Baby on the Block” Classes at HCGH

To help new parents learn to soothe and comfort their baby, Howard County General Hospital hosts a program called “Happiest Baby on the Block.” Endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the program provides five easy-to-learn techniques taught by a certified instructor at the hospital’s Wellness Center. The four-part method – the Fourth Trimester, the Calming Reflex, The 5 S’s, and The Cuddle Cures – can help reduce persistent crying and sleeplessness, offer new mothers more breastfeeding success and help parents succeed at soothing their baby.

The programs are held on a regular basis. For dates and times, please call the Wellness Center at 410-740-7601 or search our classes and events on hcgh.org.