When baby just can’t be soothed there are a few tricks to try. Here’s what we found effective:

• swaddling
• football hold (2 thumbs up!)
• walk in a sling or baby carrier or holding baby close
• tummy or back rubs
• take a shower together, warm water may be comforting
• pacifier – sucking is calming to a baby
• white noise – babies like lulling sounds created by vacuums, clothes dryers, TVs or driving in a car
• colic drops or gripe water – perhaps there is a burp that needs to come out!
• Infacol is available to relieve trapped wind

Sleep issues are one of the perennial hot topics at Mom Group. Getting enough sleep with a newborn (or two!) in the house is one of the hardest things you will face during the first year. In theory babies who weigh over 11lbs are heavy enough and getting enough nutrients throughout the day to allow them to sleep through the night. Some practitioners state that parents should let their child ‘cry it out’ after six months of age; or at least explore changing baby’s expectation that you will rush in a pick them up at the slightest whimper.

It’s hard, particularly with multiples, to have time to bond with each baby. Try not to forget how special this time is for you and your family, and try to make some quiet time to treasure your new addition(s). Getting enough sleep is key in this regard.