Baby Cry No More

• Comfort methods include rocking, bathing and machine noises.

• Pro-active measures include spraying a familiar perfume on baby's sheets.

• Remember to always check for abrasions, cuts and other sources of discomfort when baby is crying.

OK, now the baby's fed, dry and healthy, yet he's screaming his little lungs out. What's a parent to do?

• Place the baby in an infant seat on top of the washing machine, hold seat in place and set the machine on spin cycle (figure A). Note: Do NOT let go of the seat for even one second.

• Babies are sometimes comforted by the steady sound of a machine. Break out the vacuum cleaner and hold the infant while vacuuming (figure B). This is an example of efficient multitasking--the baby is soothed and the house is cleaned at the same time.

• A steady, rhythmic sound is also music to baby ears. Put an old-fashioned windup alarm clock in the baby's room and the gentle tick-tock of the clock may soothe baby's frazzled nerves (figure C).

• Put the baby in a front pack while dusting or running errands.

• Swish baby around in a warm bath and sing to him or her.

• Babies love riding in a car. Take baby for a nice, soothing ride in the country.