Why Is My Baby Crying?: The Parent's Survival Guide for Coping with Crying Problems and Colic

by Barry M. Lester, Catherine O'Neill Grace

We want babies to cry. Crying means a baby is robust, is intact, has energy, and can communicate. Parents must try to understand this language of newborns to figure out why their baby is crying and what they can do to help. But one in five babies suffers from colic -- excessive crying that can cause extreme physical and emotional distress and is the first crisis in a parent's relationship with a child. Barry M. Lester, Ph.D., the foremost colic researcher in the country, explains in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand that the ways that parents handle this crisis will set the stage for the relationship they have with their child for the rest of their lives. Barry Lester speaks directly and compassionately to parents who are struggling to bond with and comfort their crying babies. The founder of the Colic Clinic in Providence, Rhode Island, he draws on his experiences with the babies and families he has worked with over the years to give concerned parents hope, comfort, and support. He understands how difficult colic can be for dads as well as moms. In this book, he describes the science of colic, explains the nuances of different kinds of excessive crying, and tells parents what they need to do to take care of themselves and each other during this difficult stage. Healthy parenting cannot begin until parents understand the science and psychology of crying and its impact on the emotional life of their baby. This book answers the question that is taking over so many parents' Why is my baby crying?

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2005

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book talks about how colic means there is something wrong with your child and that the high-pitched colic scream isn't normal, regardless of what your child's pediatrician tells you. Lots of good advice is given, particularly in helping parents cope and bond with each other so they are better equipped to care for the screaming infant. I wish I would have read this 3 and a half years ago.

[Tabi A · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good information. Would definitely read again if was in the situation with a colicky baby. Especially liked the chapter on the husband-wife-baby triad and how to keep that relationship strong when an infant's crying is a disruption to normal family processes.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

My baby doesn't even have colic, but it's interesting to read about understanding crying and how to soothe baby.

[Ellaina Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book. If you are looking for a book that specifically tells you how to "cure" colic this isn't it but it does give you some great tips on how to get through this rough time.