• Babies cry for many reasons and some cry more than others
• Usually crying peaks around 3-12 weeks of age; and lessens by 3-4 months

Remember to:

• Stay calm
• Call someone to help if you need a
  break
• Never shake, smother or hit baby

Why is it important?

• It is how babies communicate their needs

Common reasons babies cry and how to help:

• Hunger —feed often
• Upset— hold, rock, bounce baby, do skin to skin, go for a walk
• Uncomfortable —burp, change position, change diaper
• Too hot/cold — babies should be dressed as warmly as you are, plus one more layer
• Tired or overstimulated — rock baby in a quiet dark room, do skin to skin, wrap or safely swaddle
• Sick —monitor for fever or signs of illness and seek medical attention if necessary

• Placing naked baby (with or without
• diaper) on your bare chest; and may also cover with blanket to keep warm
• Can be done with any caregiver, at any time

Why is it important?

• Helps regulate baby’s temperature, breathing and heart rate
• Calms and relaxes mother and baby
• Promotes early attachment
• Stimulates the release of hormones to support breastfeeding

• Placing baby on their stomach while they are awake; and someone is watching them
• Place baby on a clean blanket on a clear area of the floor, then lay beside baby and use toys to encourage interacting with their surroundings
• Can be done by laying baby on your chest (facing one another)

Why is it important?

• Babies benefit from having regular tummy time; start with a few minutes several times a day and gradually increase as baby gets older
• Helps to strengthen neck, shoulder and arm muscles
• Improves baby’s motor skills
• Helps prevent flat spots on their head

• Vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight, certain foods (like cow’s milk) and vitamin supplements – BUT baby’s are protected from the sun and don’t yet eat vitamin rich foods so they may need a supplement
• Vitamin D deficiency puts babies at risk of rickets (a disease affecting bone growth)

Who is at risk?

• Breastfed babies
• Those living in northern communities
• Having darker skin
• Mothers with vitamin D deficiency

Why is it important?

• Helps in the absorption of calcium; to promote healthy bones and teeth
• Health Canada recommends a daily Vitamin D supplement of 400 IU for exclusively and partially breastfed infants from birth to one year
• Can be purchased at any pharmacy without a prescription