Help, my baby keeps crying!
It could all be so wonderful: The baby has finally arrived, everyone is happy and well. Actually. Because the little one cries and screams all the time and hardly sleeps. So the parents don't sleep either, are completely exhausted and at the end of their tether. The problem: so-called regulation difficulties.
First of all, this is a highly complex topic that can only be touched on here. Please contact us or your paediatric practice if you have any questions.
Children in the first few months, in the first six months, are quiet in very different ways. Some cry more, others less. Some sleep better, others wake up constantly. In the past, the whole thing was blamed on the stomach and said that it was stomach ache or three-month colic.
Today this is outdated. The cause lies in regulatory difficulties or disorders. One baby is able to calm down quite well, regulate itself and fall asleep. The other baby does not have this ability.
Depending on how pronounced these difficulties are, this can be really stressful for the environment. And if a child who is already unable to regulate themselves well also causes those around them to "lose their nerve", or is so sleepy and stressed that they themselves become increasingly restless, then a vicious circle quickly develops that can be very, very stressful for families.
It is therefore very important: If you have the feeling that your child is crying too much or sleeping too poorly, first consult your paediatrician to make sure that everything is physically okay.
Then you may need coaching on how best to deal with a child who is prone to strong inner restlessness and has weak regulations. The most important thing for these children is that the environment is as relaxed and chilled out as possible and constantly reflects to the baby: "Everything is fine. We've got it under control. You can calm down."
That's easy to say, of course, but not so easy to do. Especially if you have several children, are up all night, are stressed at work or have other worries. Then it's easy to lose your composure.
It can therefore be helpful to seek psychotherapeutic support at an early stage. There are many psychotherapists with a consultation hour for parents of babies with poor regulation.
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