Is my baby’s behaviour normal?
The arrival of a baby is an event that turns the life of every parent upside down. This incredible experience both thrills you and fills you with doubts and very legitimate questions.
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Sleeping problems, feeding problems, crying or even tantrums – certain of your baby’s reactions can worry you. Be assured, a lot of this is just a question of a few weeks or months, the time it takes for your infant to find his bearings.
So in the meantime, let’s take stock of some of these baby behaviours, which are for the most part normal…
Baby is crying a lot…
It’s often in the first months that baby cries the most. These cries can express hunger or discomfort, but it is not always possible to explain them. This crying often worries young parents who feel powerless when confronted with the seemingly never-ending cries of newborns. But there’s no need to panic if baby cries a lot, once you feel sure that he is not in any pain or in a wet nappy. Try to reassure him by taking him in your arms and don’t systematically associate these cries with pain – keep in mind that crying is the only means your baby has of communicating.
Baby has problems sleeping…
“So, is he sleeping through the night,” a question often asked by those around you, and which can often make you bristle! Sleeping problems are the main reason young mums consult the paediatrician. If your baby has problems sleeping, don’t worry. Baby’s arrival requires certain adaptations and it is absolutely normal that he doesn’t sleep through the night, especially during the first months. And of course, while he is feeding every 3-4 hours, you can't expect him to sleep through, and sadly neither will you!
Baby’s minor feeding problems…
You shouldn’t confuse regurgitation with vomiting. The former is characterised by small quantities of milk that are brought up, just after the bottle or breast-feeding. Be assured, these small regurgitations are quite normal and without pain for your baby. Similarly, in the first months, digestion may occasionally cause abdominal pain. But if your baby continues to grow, drink and sleep normally, there’s no need to worry. However, if your baby’s pain is accompanied by diarrhoea, vomiting or high temperature, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.
Baby’s tantrums…
Baby sometimes expresses his annoyance or his tiredness by tantrums – even at a rather early age! This irritability can also be the sign of a physical ailment that you need to try to understand. Later, at about two years old, your child will often say “no” and the tantrums could become more frequent. If your toddler calms down easily and the tantrums are only transitory, there’s no need to worry.
Regardless of all that has been said above, if any of these behaviours becomes long lasting or you notice a sudden change in several aspects of your child’s behaviour, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor. If in doubt, you can start by giving your doctor a call to see whether your worries warrant an appointment or not.
Sources: Interviews with child psychiatrists, Dr Paola Velasquez and Dr Laurence Robel, Paris (AP-HP)
Copyright © 2011 Doctissimo
Posted 11.10.2011
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