Health Topics

High pitched cry

Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep

Tremors /jittering/shaking of arms, legs, face

Fussy – hard to calm

Yawning

Sneezing/stuffy nose

Hard time sucking during feeding times

Tense arms, legs and body

Poor weight gain

Vomiting/diarrhea

Fast breathing

Skin rashes – more so in the diaper area and face

Frantic sucking – fists, fingers, thumbs

Warm to touch/sweating

Signs of NAS

Calming Suggestions

Prolonged or high pitched cry

• Hold baby close to your body, skin to skin or lightly wrapped in a blanket.  Be careful to not fall asleep while holding your baby.
• You might also try gentle rocking, talking, singing, and humming.
• Keep lights turned down and the room quiet.

Trouble falling asleep

• Turn down the lights, keep the room quiet or pat baby gently.
• Hold baby skin to skin. Be careful to not fall asleep.
• Soft gentle rocking may help. 
• Think about checking for a clean diaper. Use diaper creams for rashes as needed.  
• If hungry, offer breastfeeding of bottle.  This probably is not the best time to get your baby on a schedule.

Excessive sucking of fists

• Feed your baby until he or she is full and calm.  
• Consider a pacifier.  But if your baby does not want the pacifier, do not force sucking.
• Think about using mittens if skin is damaged. 
• Keep skin clean and avoid lotions on hands and arms since the baby may suck them.  

Difficult or poor feeding

• Feed your baby small amounts often. You can work on a schedule once the baby is better.
• Feed your baby in a quiet room with low noises, lights and activities.
•  Allow time for rest in between sucking.  
• Limit family and friends so baby does not get handled too much.

Fever / sweating

• Keep clothing light, such as a t shirt. 
• Avoid heavy clothes. You will want to be able dress your baby and change diapers easily.
• Think about using light swaddling and blankets.

Sneezing / stuffy nose or breathing troubles

• Keep your baby’s nose and mouth clean by using bulb suction. You may use saline drops if needed.  
• Make sure blanket swaddling is not tight, since this might make it hard for your baby to breathe easily. 

Spitting up

• Make sure to burp your baby each time he or she stops sucking as well as at the end of feeding.  
• Keep your baby clean and the bedding free of vomit. 
• Talk to your doctor if your baby has vomited medications.

Trembling / jittering

• Keep your baby in a warm quiet room. 
• Avoid a lot of handling.  When you do handle your baby, try to avoid any extra movements.
• Hold your baby to make him or her feel safe and loved.