Crying Kryptonite

Two to three hours of crying a day in the first three months is considered normal. If it’s stressing you out, blame one of your superpowers. Researchers used MRI imaging to show that a crying baby triggers a neural chain reaction in a mom’s brain, heightening reaction. But even the most in- tune Supermom can find calming a crying baby difficult. I suggest these comforting tactics.

Use a swing. The movement mimics the motion babies experience in the womb, and thus has a tendency to calm them down.

Carry your baby in a sling. You’ll be hands- free and can even tackle household chores (or your Facebook status update) while your baby is comforted by warmth and closeness.

Warm baths can be soothing for some little ones. Most babies can take a bath once the umbilical cord has fallen off and healed. Use hypoallergenic, scent- free soap.

Yes! A Supermom has the power to morph into her baby’s very own human pacifier. It’s called breastfeeding, but a simple pacifier can work too.

Shush softly in his ear, run a vacuum cleaner or play a white noise CD. It stimulates the constant sounds heard in the womb. It also helps some babies tune out other sounds that subtly stimulate.

Try swaddling him. The warm, secure feeling is soothing to most newborns.