| No mother can console her child
every time he cries, so don’t expect to be a miracle-worker and
do what others cannot. Pay close attention to your baby’s cries
and you’ll quickly be able to discern when he needs to be picked
up & consoled, taken care of, or when he is better off left
alone. Crying is a signal, not a judgment on your parenting
skills!
The PDF parenting philosophy doesn’t call for a suppression
of all crying, understanding that not all crying is unhealthy,
but the prevention of the crying can be very detrimental to both
baby and parents as the child grows. PDF babies will move from
dependence to independence because the system is built on
relational security, not proximal security. Your baby will be
secure in your relationship with him as you meet his needs,
rather than just in the fact that you’re in the same room with
him. This is the sort of security parents want to infuse in
their children to promote healthy bonding and independence as
they grow.
Abnormal cry times include the following:
- During feedings
- Immediately after feedings
- At times when the baby wakes early out of a sound nap
Crying at one of these times deserves immediate attention.
Don’t wait for the crying to subside, investigate it quickly,
looking for the root of the cause.
Normal cry times include the following:
- Just before feeding
- When baby is put down to nap
- During the late afternoon/early evening period (many
babies are fussy at this time of day)
Without understanding your baby’s cry patterns, you’ll always
be second-guessing at his need or desire. Do not ignore your
baby’s cry if you cannot pinpoint the root of it, but comfort
him. Sometimes he just wants you, and that’s okay! Part of your
job as mommy is to soothe your baby and reassure him that you
are here to meet his needs.
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