Decoding Baby Mysteries:

Signs, Remedies & Your Instincts Taking Over  

Babies don’t come with an instruction manual—though every new parent wishes they did, When they cry, squirm, or fuss, it feels like a guessing game with no obvious answer key, But here’s the secret: your instincts will kick in.  

The more you observe, the more you’ll start recognizing patterns, tiny cues, and behaviors that tell you exactly what your baby needs. This guide will help you navigate the early months with confidence, humor, and practical wisdom.

Signs It’s Time to Change Your Baby’s Formula

Not every formula is the right fit—sometimes, babies struggle with digestion, and their little bodies give clear signals it’s time to switch things up. 

✅ Frequent spit-up or vomiting beyond typical reflux.  

✅ Excess gas or bloating, leading to fussiness after feeding.  

✅ Sudden eczema or rash, which may signal a sensitivity.  

💡 What to Try: If symptoms persist, talk to your pediatrician about gentler or allergy-friendly formulas that might work better.  

Surviving Colic: The Crying Phase No One Warns You About 

Colic can feel like an endurance test, with hours of unexplained crying despite every effort to soothe. If your baby shows signs of colic, brace yourself for a wild ride:  

✅ Crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week.  

✅ Arching the back, stiffening limbs, and refusing comfort.  

✅ Peak fussiness in the late afternoon or evening. with no clear reason.  

💡 What Helps: Try swaddling, white noise, tummy massages, and frequent burping. Sometimes, holding your baby in a colic-friendly position (like upright against your chest) can bring relief.  

Diaper Rash: How to Treat and Prevent It

Diaper rash is inevitable, but  (no pun intended) you don’t have to struggle with managing it. Here’s how to keep irritation at bay:  

✅ Frequent diaper changes to keep skin dry.  

✅ Barrier creams with zinc oxide for maximum protection.  

✅ Warm baths with baking soda to calm redness.  

✅ Oatmeal Soaks: No need to DIY—just grab Aveeno Oatmeal Bath for a quick, mess-free solution.  

💡 Avoid baby wipes with alcohol, and if rashes keep returning, consider switching to cloth diapers.  

Teething Clues: What Your Baby’s Subtle Behaviors Mean

Before their first tiny tooth appears, babies start showing clear signs that teething is underway:  

✅ Tugging on their ears or rubbing cheeks.  

✅ Smacking hands against their face or nose.  

✅ Runny nose and a mild temperature (~100.6°F).  

💡 What Works: Try chilled teething toys, frozen washcloths, or gentle gum massage to ease discomfort. If your baby’s temperature climbs above 100.6°F, don’t panic—it’s likely just a mild virus or infection, easily treated with rest and fluids.  

Baby Sleep: Myths, Tricks & The Truth

There’s no one-size-fits-all sleep approach, but there are a few parenting tricks that can make bedtime smoother.  

✅ Side, Back, or Stomach?** Babies should **sleep on their backs** to lower the risk of SIDS, but side-sleeping can be a great transition after they doze off.  

✅ Noise is Okay! A completely silent environment creates a bad habit—instead, let your baby get used to normal household sounds while sleeping. Womb sounds, heartbeat noises, or gentle white noise help comfort babies without needing total silence.

💡 And the biggest myth? That you shouldn’t hold your baby to sleep.

Shut up, seriously. Holding your baby to sleep is bonding—it’s how they learn security, trust, and routine. I sang nursery rhymes (soft, repetitive tones) until my babies started nodding off. Then I’d place them on their side, put on the Mommy Mommybear womb sounds, and pat their little diaper butts until they were fully asleep.  

✅ The key to sleeping through the night is a routine:

🔹 Feed.  

🔹 Play.  

🔹 Bath (Johnson & Johnson’s Lavender Soap for extra relaxation).  

🔹 Read a short book.  

🔹 Snuggle.  

🔹 Singing & soothing.  

🔹 Bed.  

💡 This consistent bedtime routine helped my kids sleep through the night, and it made nighttime a peaceful ritual instead of a nightly battle.  

The Power of Maternal Instincts

Motherhood isn’t just about following parenting books—it’s about learning your baby’s unique cues and trusting your gut.  

Even when babies cry with no clear reason, parents start picking up on the little things—a certain cry for hunger, a fussy whimper for sleep, or an ear tug that means teething.  

Instead of overthinking, lean into your intuition—because chances are, you already know what to do.  

Conclusion

Parenting is equal parts patience and detective work, but you’re more prepared than you realize. Babies may not come with instructions, but they do leave clues, and every parent learns to decode them in their own way. So take a breath, trust yourself, and know that you're doing an incredible job.  

Enjoy a cup, 🫖

~Honey 

Disclaimer
The parenting advice shared on Tea With Honey comes from over 40 years of firsthand experience. However, I am not a licensed medical professional. For health-related concerns, including serious medical symptoms, always consult a qualified doctor or pediatrician.