Mom Advice Central- Babies and Stress

Stress In Babies

We all know adults encounter stress, but did you know playing and growing actually can
stress your baby out also? You can actually help your baby relax as he encounters the
stresses of the world by giving him some quiet time.
You can begin by finding a quiet place in your home. Play some quiet music or hum to your
baby using syllables. Feel free to also give your baby a massage at the same time.
Whatever you do, play quietly. Watch the ceiling fan or just help your baby gaze out a
window. It is alright for your baby to babble and make noise during your quiet time. If he
gets fussy, try to find another way to share quiet time, such as rocking or walking around the
room.
My son and I share quiet time several times a day. I usually will lay him down before I
change him into a new outfit and massage his feet and back. Then I will put his clothes on
and we will just sit on the floor in his room. He likes to look at the things on his wall. His
room is decorated in John Lennon and he loves to look at all the animals.
Everyone has a different approach to quiet time. Babies need it just like adults. Think about
how stressed out we can be. Our world is a never ending challenge for a baby with so much
to see and learn. Sometimes as a result our babies can become restless and frustrated.
Next time your baby seems cranky, try giving him some of this quiet time to ease some of
this stress.