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Submitted by: Baby Help Line

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Hi, You don't say how old your grand-daughter is so it is a bit hard to give a specific answer. Ideas for different ages: Babies: A baby under 3 months may have colic. Colic is more than just a bit of wind or a tired or hungry baby cry. There is a lot of debate about colic, but it is generally thought that colic usually isn't wind. It may be more related to hormone levels, particularly in infants whose digestion is still very immature. If your grand-daughter is breast fed, see if Mom is eating anything different. Fruit that has come into season may be affecting baby. With tiny babies it is a good idea to check it out with a Health Nurse or Paediatrician. They will check for things like an ear infection, or gastro-oesophageal reflux. It is terribly hard as a parent or grand-parent to know what to do. The most important thing is to be calm and soothing and gently cuddle and rock the baby. Body contact is really important for a tiny baby; it may be that your grand-daughter is waking feeling abandoned. Older Babies: As babies get older they do grow out of colic! However an older baby becomes more aware of separation from Mom and may well be waking frightened. Babies also dream and if something has happened during the day that was scary or confusing, she may well be processing that in her sleep. Again, soothing, rocking and talking gently to her helps. Has anything changed in the home routine, has Mom started back at work? Is Mom stressed or finding it hard to cope? Babies are extremely sensitive. I've coached many parents, and baby is often the barometer for what is happening at home. If Mom is unhappy or stressed then the odds are, baby is too. Teething or ear infections are another reason a baby will wake crying, so again check that out with your health professional. Toddlers: Most Toddlers have nightmares at some stage. Toddlers can be overwhelmed or over stimulated and most children cope better with routines and quiet time before bed. They often haven't had enough quiet time to reflect and integrate everything they are absorbing during the day. The other thing I would ask, how much Television is your grand-daughter watching? Parents are often unaware of the effect of a nightly diet of news items about wars and crimes. Our news is seldom uplifting so imagine going off to sleep having just seen that! The younger the child the less they can understand or make sense of it all. A good trick I taught my own children when they were old enough (I think around two): I got an old remote control and we talked about dreams being like the TV. They have the power to switch channels or turn it off. They would tuck it under the pillow to use in the night if they woke frightened. However, again, nothing beats a cuddle from Mom or Dad! She is a lucky girl to have a loving grandmother who is so concerned! Good luck! <a href="http://www.easybabylife.com/annie-desantis.html">Annie Desantis</a>

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