How To Bring Up A Happy Baby

When you first become a parent, it is difficult to read your baby’s feelings. When they are newborns, their cry is the only way to show emotion. And their cry seems to sound the same for everything, but don’t worry all new parents are the same. Sometimes it is difficult to know how to bring up a happy baby. But as they get older, they find it easier to start showing emotion. My granddaughter is 18 months old and when she doesn’t get her own way, she will throw herself on the floor. That is normal behaviour too and its so hard not to laugh at her.

When babies are little there are so many things that you can do to help your baby feel happy and secure. Here are just a few ideas and tips to help you bring up a happy baby.

Teething

Although teething can be distressing to see because your baby is crying in pain. But as soon as the tooth comes through, they forget the pain. Teething babies over 6 months can suck on a piece of frozen apple. It is healthy and it is going to soothe their gums. You can give them a tiny bit of child paracetamol if it is too bad and use some teething powders or gels.

Swaddling

Crying babies like dark rooms with no noise. Just cuddle them and make them feel secure in a place there is nothing to stimulate them. Swaddle them to make them feel secure and calm to help them sleep. Swaddling isn’t a new practice, it has been done across the world for centuries.

Anxious Babies

The world outside the womb is a scary place to be. Babies do get anxious – fact. But you can help them to calm down and feel more secure by sticking to a routine, especially at night. The more of a routine, the happier your baby will be and they can sleep better. Meaning you get a better night sleep too.

• Give them a bath in some soothing bubbles then cuddle them as you dry them.
• Babies can only see in black and white when they are firstborn. Buy them a black and white book and place it in the cot for them to see, even just a picture works.
• Some babies like music. Maybe something they hear in the womb or classical music soothes them but some babies settle better with white noise as it is similar to noise from when they were in the womb. Others like the hairdryer or the vacuum cleaner.
• You don’t need to play with your baby every waking moment. You will overstimulate them and they will expect attention all the time. Overstimulated babies find it harder to settle down at night. They have taken in so much through the day, that their brain is in overload.

Let Your Baby Do Things Themselves

Babies like a challenge and challenging themselves to do things is something that makes them laugh and smile. Even if your baby is struggling to reach a toy or copy something you do, wait for them to do it. I know it is easy to do it for them, but they will be so happy that they achieved it themselves. It also helps them to be independent from the first moment.

Let Them Be Angry Or Mad

There are going to be times that your baby is going to be mad. They are going to through themselves on the floor and scream and kick. Although we all want a happy baby, they also need to experience other emotions too. Babies can get mad because they are overstimulated or because they are tired. It is okay, they are learning to control their emotions. After all, we cannot be happy all of the time, so neither can they.

Happy Parents Happy Baby

Your baby will copy what you do, so if you are always angry and argumentative they will copy you. Happy parents and home situations will make for a happy baby. If you do find yourself upset and struggling after the birth a baby, please speak to your midwife or doctor. In order to bring up a happy baby, you need to be happy yourself.