It’s a tummy soother. Breast milk is not only easier going down, it’s easier staying down … and easier going out. Breastfed babies are less likely to… - Heidi Murkoff

Crying it out. Also known as Ferberizing (named for Dr. Richard Ferber), the method works like this: At bedtime, while your child is sleepy but still awake, put him in the crib, give a gentle pat, a soft “I love you,” and then leave the room. Cue the crying (you knew it was coming). And here’s where the going gets tough: Let your tot cry for a full five minutes (it’ll seem much longer). Then go back in and repeat the original routine — a quick pat, a gentle “good night,” and go. Repeat this process for as long as your little guy cries, extending the time you leave him alone by about five minutes each time until he falls asleep. Stretch the times your child spends on his own by a few more minutes the second night, and again on the third. You can expect the crying jags to diminish steadily over three nights, and — drumroll, please — virtually disappear somewhere between the fourth and seventh night, replaced perhaps by a bit of fussing or a short burst of tears. The next sound you’re likely to hear? Nothing . . . except maybe a tiny snore.

Some lactation specialists suggest aiming your nipple toward your baby’s nose and then directing it down to the lower part of your baby’s upper lip to get him or her to open the mouth very wide. This prevents the lower lip from getting tucked in during nursing.

Taking the time to watch, listen to, and discern your baby’s nonverbal cues won’t only make your job of providing care easier, but it’ll make your baby’s job of taking on the world easier. Knowing that what he or she has to say matters will boost not only your baby’s language development, but also his or her confidence, sense of security, and emotional maturity, not only now, but in the lifetime that lies ahead.