Management of a fussy infant

(i) Under feeding or overfeeding should be discontinued. Air swallowing may be prevented by altering the feeding and burping techniques. If the infant is formula fed, enlarging the nipple holes may help improve flow of the formula.

(ii) Listening and lending support are the corner stones of management. The baby who is fussy and crying provokes anxiety and tension, and the parents need an outlet for their own concerns and feeling, often of inadequate parenting.

(iii) Holding the fussy infant, gently rocking and using soothing words may help. Some time an automobile ride works wonders.

(iv) Parents need reassurance that allowing the child to cry is an acceptable option if soothing techniques fail. This "giving of permission" may lessen parental anxiety and tension resulting in a calmer infant

(v) Sedatives and Anticholinergics (dicyclo-mine) are contraindicated, as there is a potential danger of overdosage and toxicity.

There is no role for Pacifiers
Semithicone drops as anti flatulent has not been proved effective, but are safe and acceptable on trial basis.