The new addition to our family is fast approaching, and I'm starting to realize that I've completely forgotten what it's like to have a newborn. What I should really say is that I've completely forgotten all of the sleepless nights, bodily fluids and that time between 6 and 9 we called "the witching hour." This selective amnesia is something that has to be hard-wired into all of us, because really, why would somone who's been through it once want to go through it all over again? (And I'm not even mentioning the trauma of the actual childbirth, the memory of which keeps me eternally grateful that I'm a man.)
A friend of mine who's a brand new dad was telling me how the other day he took his inconsolable daughter from her beleaguered mother and tried to calm her down. Nothing was working, but instead of passing her back he decided to tough it out, and just to take the edge off he put in some ear plugs. Eventually she calmed down, and he avoided tinnitus.
I'm sure he's not the only dad who's done this, but he's the first one whom I've ever talked to. And I have to say I was pretty impressed with the simple practicality of the solution. So maybe as I'm getting ready this summer for our new bundle of joy, I'll splurge and get some with a cord.
Oh god yes, I would not have made it through the first 4 months of my kids life with out ample supply of earplugs. the screaming was so loud for hours at a time that I started having trouble hearing for a while...earplugs were a life saver. the cord ones would have been nice but might get grabed
Posted by: Brad Clark | May 05, 2006 at 07:49 PM
I used ear protectors, the kind you use while mowing or using a leaf blower. Get a pair at any hardware store.
They're a nicer option if you'll be sharing with your spouse, and a bit faster and easier to put on.
Posted by: AJ | May 06, 2006 at 02:19 PM
Dude, ear plugs are the only way to make it through those inconsolable crying fits. I highly recommend you buy more than a few pair!
Posted by: tod | May 07, 2006 at 05:03 PM
I used shooter's ear "muffs". The headphone type silencers worn while shooting firearms. Worked great. Even better, I turned the vacuum cleaner on and let it run. The crying stopped instantly, and my baby daughter fell asleep in moments. Dave
Posted by: Dave Meyers | May 09, 2006 at 05:54 PM
Our daughter always calms down when we stand in the bathroom and turn on the shower or faucet. I actually learned it from a nanny I interviewed when I asked her how she calms a crying baby.
It works like a charm every time. Even if we do find ourselves standing and bouncing in the bathroom for hours on end.
Posted by: One of the many moms | May 24, 2006 at 07:21 AM