Regardless of whether labor is long or short, whether it is hard or easy whether a baby is born vaginally or by cesarean, most parents recall the first hours and days after birth as crystal-clear images surrounded by haze. It is in this haze that you first take in your baby and make a giant leap from pregnancy to parenting. Your awareness of your baby's dependency and your desire to be a good parent will together be a great source of energy and a great source of stress. Both are part of being a parent. Becoming a good parent means much more than knowing a lot about babies.

Why do babies cry?

Babies may cry for the following reasons

• Crying as a means of communication • Crying from hunger • Crying because of fatigue • Crying because of indigestion • Crying because she/he needs to be burped • Crying for apparently no reason at all

How to Cop with baby cry

There are several methods to cop with baby cry :

1.  Show that you care • Provide physical contact • Respond promptly

2.  Feed and burp the baby • Is she/he hungry or allergic to certain foods • Burp the baby

3.  Comfort the baby • Help them comfort themselves • Rhythmic rocking, cuddling and swaddling

4.  Babies need a change • Give the baby a fresh face • Provide some entertainment • Give the baby some fresh air

5.  Do not give too much of change • Be consistent in your care • Limit the baby’s excitement