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| |    Colic: If Nothing Works by Dr. Benjamin Spock reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P. If nothing seems to calm your baby, and she is hungry, wet, or sick, then what? I think it's perfectly acceptable to put the baby down in her crib, let her cry for a while, and see if she can calm herself. It's hard to listen to a crying infant without trying to do something, but realistically what else is there for you to do, except maybe acquire hearing loss from her crying right into your ear? Some even believe it is helpful to allow the baby to try to calm herself during these times so she acquires a knack for it. Some parents can go out of the room and let the baby cry. Others can't bear to leave the room. Do whatever feels right for you -- there is simply no right or wrong way to handle this situation. After a period of time, pick your baby up again if she is still crying and try everything all over again. See: Colic: Things to Try Take care of yourself There are many things you can try for your baby. You should also ask what you can do for yourself. You may be the kind of parent who isn't bothered too much after you have found out that there is nothing seriously wrong with her and you have done all that you can to make her happy. That's fine, if you are made that way. But many parents get worn out and frantic listening to a baby cry, especially when it's the first baby. It is particularly difficult for the mother if she is with the baby constantly. She should make a great effort to get away from home and the baby for a few hours at least twice a week, or even more often if it can be arranged. It's best if the parents can go out together. Hire a sitter or ask a friend or neighbor to come in and relieve the mother. If you're like many other parents, you may hesitate to do this. "Why should we inflict the baby on somebody else? Besides, we'd be nervous being away for so long." But you shouldn't think of time off like this as just a treat for you. It's very important for you, for the baby, and for your spouse that you not get exhausted and depressed. If you can't get anyone to come in, the parents can take turns one or two evenings a week to go out to visit friends or see a movie. Your baby doesn't need two worried parents at a time to listen to her. Try also to get friends to come in and visit you. Remember that everything that helps you keep a sense of balance, everything that keeps you from getting too preoccupied with the baby, also helps the baby and the rest of the family in the long run.
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