Raising a Happy and Contented Baby

Every mother wants her baby to be as happy and satisfied as possible. If it's not for the sake of being a good parent, it's at least for your peace of mind. A happy baby will not cry, make a fuss, keep you up all night or throw tantrums.

The problem is, keeping a baby happy just doesn't seem to be as easy as most parents think. Your best efforts may be rudely shoved into your face with an accompanying bout of tears, and you'll just want to pack up and leave the planet but well, isn't motherhood about patience? Here are a few tips that will help you go about it without losing your cool for your peace, the baby's and basically everyone else sharing the house with you:

DON’T IGNORE YOUR BABY’S CRIES

This may seem obvious at the moment, but you'll think otherwise when your little bundle of tears has been going at it for almost an hour, and there's nothing you can do to calm them down. In all earnest, no one tests your patience more than your baby. It is good, though, that they are adorable enough to make up for it when they aren't crying.

Always respond quickly whenever you hear your baby cry. For whatever reason, never ignore them. It's easy to think that it will go away eventually, but the baby will just feel neglected and frustrated. Please pick them up and solve whatever problem is troubling them. Change the diapers, feed them, reduce the blankets, play with them or even take them to the doctor. Let them know that you are there to comfort them and take away those inconveniences.

DON’T LEAVE THEM

Clingy as it may sound, you'll just have to bear with it. If you have been around you baby long enough for them to register you as their primary caregiver, don't leave them abruptly. If you can help it, bring your baby with you. You can wear them to the grocery or just tuck them in nicely in the car seat if you need to drive. If you really need to leave them behind, find a way of destructing them so that they forget that you are gone. If you walk straight out of the room, you'll likely leave behind a crying baby and come back to more tears.

GO EASY WITH THE INTRODUCTIONS

This is very essential, especially after the fourth to sixth months. Most babies go through stranger anxiety which basically makes them cringe in fear when an unfamiliar face walks into the room. They have become very familiar with their surroundings and have started registering faces so they can tell who is a stranger. If they find themselves in unfamiliar arms, you are guaranteed a dramatic outburst that may not end until the said stranger walks out of the room.

If you are going to get a nanny or a caregiver who will take care of the baby in your absence, you should do so early enough. While you are at it, take it slow and give the baby time to register them. Let them spend time together in your presence and bond at their own pace. When the baby is ready, try leaving them alone and watch their reaction.

If you suddenly bring in a stranger into the picture, the baby will fear them and cry every time they come near. That’s how you’ll end up hiring and firing nannies on a weekly (or daily) basis because your baby seems to have ‘rejected’ them.

AVOID NEGATIVE ENERGY

It is your role as the parent to guide your child and bring them up, knowing what is wrong and what is right. Unfortunately, however, many parents take the role of a moral guide a bit too aggressively and end up scaring and frustrating their children.

If you find your baby holding or eating something they shouldn’t be, don’t quickly run up and snatch it away. Try asking them nicely to leave it and gently persuade them to. Avoid too many don’t’s and try going with the dos. 

If your baby starts associating you with harsh language, correction and body language, they will start fearing you. Try to correct them in the gentlest way possible.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

A happy mom means a happy baby. Take time to take care of yourself. Get some fresh air, let your partner or family member help you take care of the baby, do some yoga in the morning and basically just treat your body to a relaxing baby-free session. Make sure that you eat well and hydrate, especially if you are breastfeeding.

Many mothers pour all their attention into their baby and family and forget that even they deserve to be taken care of too. You can quickly get exhausted, mentally and physically, and soon enough, the temper and lack of patience will have you booking at the spa.

SWADDLE THEM

Swaddling is becoming very popular among mothers, mostly for how quickly it calms the baby and puts them to sleep.

Swaddling puts the baby in a position similar to that of the womb. This not only dramatically boosts their comfort but also helps to make them feel more protected and safe. It is a precious chance to bond with your baby and let them internalize essential aspects such as your heartbeat, smell, voice and movement. When done regularly and comfortably, swaddling will help the baby relax and peacefully fall asleep.

Conclusively, life as a mother can be tough, especially when raising a newborn. Patience runs out quickly, and sometimes you don't even know how you hold it all together. This article has outlined six reasons, and while some may not look that significant, they may make a world of difference on your baby's attitude. They revolve around looking out for not just their physical but also mental health, while also taking care of your own.