During the many changes a baby constantly goes through, most times they are quite predictable in what may be upsetting them or causing them any kind of discomfort.
The reasons usually range from:
-having a wet or dirty diaper
-being tired or over-tired
-being hungry
-being bored
-feeling a lack of attention
However, if after going through this list none of these seem to be the cause of the problem and weeping woes at hand, the next possible cause could be that your little one is going through personal or environmental change(s).
Babies thrive off of familiarity, so when change comes via growth spurts, moving, or traveling, they look to you, their entrusted, all-knowing parent, to give them guidance and reassurance through uncharted waters in their world.
Below are a few ways to help ease your baby through the challenges that come with growth spurts and emotional breakdowns.
Spend Quality Time
Babies thrive off of their bond with you and need your undivided love & attention to help them grow physically and mentally in a positive manner.
The more attention you give and the more present you are with them, the more this will calm them in knowing that no matter what may change, that you are their constant they can rely upon.
And just like anyone else, babies know when you are truly present and when you aren’t truly in the moment with them.
When your baby is around or awake, take time away from your phone or other technology and focus on what, or in this case who is more important: your little one.
Have a Comfort Stuffed Animal or Toy in Hand
Even if you aren’t with them every second of the day, having a stuffed animal or toy that your little one forms a special bond with can help comfort your little one as well.
Having that special pal will not only give them the comfort they need but also will help with boosting their social skills and easing their mind when it comes to separation anxiety.
Baby Advil for Pain or Discomfort
In the midst of change, often pain of some kind is accompanied with it, whether that be in the form of muscle growth or teething.
The best way to bring aid with this is having baby Advil on hand to give your little one when they start showing signs of pain and discomfort, whether by grabbing their mouth, getting easily fussy or upset, getting a fever, getting a runny nose and drooly, or having a hard time sleeping.
Be sure to read instructions listed on the bottle on the proper amount to give to your little one based on their age and/or weight. It’s always best, however, to ask your baby’s pediatrician on what amount is best for your baby at each stage and phase.
Switch Around Nap/Sleep Schedule
Even once we feel that we have the swing of things and a set routine, as your baby grows you have to be willing to also adjust to their body’s needs.
There are plenty of resources online that can advise the best amount of time your baby should be sleeping. Such resources also help with listing specific hours your baby should be napping during the day, which will help in how many naps they should be having, as well as hours at night, which will come in handy with setting the best time to set for your baby’s bedtime.
For instance, from being a newborn to 12 months your baby should be sleeping 14-16 hours of sleep, between napping during the day and sleeping at night.
Now as much as you may set certain times, adjust to when you notice your little one getting tired, and be sure they have plenty of time to play, explore, and spend sincere, quality time with you and on their own.
Even though nap and sleep schedules may change, one thing that should always be consistent is the routine that comes before going to sleep.
Having a set routine clearly tells your baby it’s time to wind down and rest, even if at times they need to be reminded of this. Whether it’s by taking a relaxing, warm bath, listening to calming music, reading a few stories, make the environment low-key, and calming to set the right tone and clear message that it’s time to rest.
But it is always best to be advised by your baby’s pediatrician on any sleep concerns or questions you may specifically have for your little one.
Soothe Baby by Giving Massages
Your touch and being close to you can give an added, needed calm that’ll soothe your baby’s internal woes to be reminded that no matter what may be going on outside of their understanding or control, you are there to comfort their heart and ease their overwhelm.
Another way your touch can come into play to help your baby through is by giving them a massage.
As much as you benefit from having tensions lessen, feeling realigned, and soothed from a much-needed massage, think of how your little one could benefit.
Whether as a newborn baby who has undergone being cramped in pretty closed quarters for nine months, to a baby undergoing the stresses of teething, massages can aid with digestion, improve circulation, ease teething pain, and even help you and your partner bond with your baby.
There are also plenty of resources to help know not just how but specifically where to massage your baby to give them the best massage experience for their needs.
Soothe through Music
Music is a language that can comfort and speak to all of us, no matter our age even.
Having music being a part of your baby’s regular life is important for strengthening memory skills, learning the sounds and meaning of words, have positive effects on their mood and brain development, and overall is a great additional aid to your baby in not only teaching but calming them.
Music is a great technique for calming babies, whether you are singing a lullaby or beloved tune, playing something in the background to listen to, rocking your baby, or swaying to the rhythm while holding your baby close, all can slow things down and bring them great relief.
Stretching Exercises
Just like with giving massages, stretching can be a great way to relieve built-up tension and stress in your little one’s body amidst the many changes taking place in their lives.
Stretching has endless benefits from maintaining flexibility, added agility, increased blood flow to muscles, making you feel good, reducing muscle tension, is great for stress relief, can calm your mind, and the list goes on.
There is nothing to lose from giving your baby a good, gentle stretch, not to mention encouraging it by taking part with them and making it a family activity.
It’ll not only give some much-needed help but will also be a great way to spend time together and have fun.
Validate Child’s feelings, Don’t Disregard Them
How often do we say to our little one’s: “you’re ok” or “you’re just fine”?
Now, most times this may be true, but they wouldn’t be crying, upset, and throwing a fit if everything was roses and sunshine, aka ‘just fine’.
It’s easy for us being the adults and seeing that most happenings are fixable and overcome-able, but we need to understand that most times for our little ones it’s a lot harder to have that kind of perspective given that they don’t have as much experience and hindsight as we have under our belt.
Plus, when you’re in the heat of hardship, it can also be even more difficult to see through it well right off the bat.
You want your little ones to know that you see them, that their feelings matter, that you hear them and that you will do your best to soothe and problem-solve with them.
The earlier that you validate, reassure, teach, and guide your child through hard situations, overwhelming emotions, and feelings, and being overcome by change and everything feeling outside of their control, the more viable your little one will be to develop positive, constructive problem-solving skills, come to understand, face, and see through their emotions in a healthy manner, and therefore, they’ll become more confidant in themselves and compassionate towards others.
Not to mention they’ll feel an added measure of respect, safety, and love from and towards you, their parent.
Give Praise and Reassurance
Often our little ones can sometimes feel that they can’t do anything right, that the word no is being thrown at them left, right, and center, and that the world is so big, loud, and out of reach, that we can sometimes forget to give them the praise and reassurance they need and deserve.
Yeah, life is hard and has its challenges, but how much harder is it if you don’t feel you are able or strong enough to get through it or that you’re all on your own.
Giving your little one praise that they are doing well and that they can do something is a great way to increase self-confidence and build determination to try, try, try again, that even when things are hard, to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Giving your little one reassurance is a reminder for them that they are not alone, that you are on their side, and that if it becomes too much, that you are there to sit, hold, listen to, and love them through thick and thin.
Seek Additional Help and Advice from Pediatrician
There will be times during your baby’s growth spurts and changes that you find yourself at the end of the day totally overwhelmed and at a loss yourself.
You’ve spent quality time and have been on the ground playing, you’re little one is surrounded by beloved toys and stuffed friends, they’ve been given some medicine to help with any pain or discomfort, and you’ve set and reset your baby’s sleep schedule for what feels like an eternity, but it still doesn’t seem to be enough to support and comfort your little one.
Now you may have noticed in a few of the suggestions above that referring to your baby’s pediatrician was mentioned quite a few times. That’s because they are your lifeline, your reassurance, and your best advisor to help you and your little one.
Your pediatrician, like you, has your baby’s best interests at heart and from their training, education, and coming to know your baby, will know how to best advise, guide, and even reassure you that you are doing great.
Be sure to write down questions prior to your baby’s appointments and if you’ve done all you can, have your pediatrician’s office number on hand. Even if they are not in or on-call, their nurses and in house doctors are also great resources to help answer your questions and give the best instruction.
Dear Parent, Be Patient with Yourself
When all is said and done, dear parents it can be hard to watch your little one have such a hard time and even suffer through changes, growth, and everything that comes with it.
But no matter the lack of confidence you have in your abilities, or the doubt and overwhelm that may fill your mind and heart, dear parent, be patient with yourself. You are enough and everything will work out fine.
Your love, help, and concern for your little one will not be in vain and will pay off in not only giving aid and comfort to your babe but also increasing your bond with them.
Through the heartache and headache that comes with growth spurts and emotional breakdowns of your little one, breathe, try and personalize each tip as you feel will benefit your little one, breathe again, and do your best.
Now over to you, what has been a tip or product that has given your baby comfort through their growth spurts or emotional breakdowns?
Please comment below and share this post if it has been of value to you or could be of value to someone else.
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About the Author
Hi there! I’m Stephanie Tracy, a freelance writer, and blogger for hire. I specialize in physical and mental health, parenting, and self-development. I create engaging, inspiring, and useful content to help businesses progress in making their viewers into customers. When I’m not writing, you can find me on the floor happily playing with my baby boy, walking in the park with my family, or indulging in a movie marathon with my husband.