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SALT LAKE CITY -- Experts say the death of a baby in Ogden is a tragedy because it was preventable. They are trying to help parents know that crying is normal and it can be frustrating -- but it will end.
Jewell Hendricks, 25, told investigators she was frustrated Sunday because she couldn't get her son, Robert, to stop crying.
"I was very saddened to learn about another lost child," said Julie Price with the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome.
Price says research shows babies can cry up to five hours a day, for three months -- and it's a normal part of behavioral development.
"All babies go through this normal phase. Some babies cry a lot, and some babies just cry a little," said Price.
Price says understanding that your baby is normal will hopefully help with some of the frustration. She says there are many different soothing tips, but the same one may not work every time.
"Not all crying is consolable. If you understand that, you'll see you are not a bad mom or bad dad and realize that this crying will come to an end."
Price says sometimes you have to put the crying baby in a safe place and walk away until you are ready to try again.
The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome has more tips in its campaign called The Period of Purple Crying. The latest research and support tips are at their website at www.purplecrying.info. You can also go to www.dontshake.org.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
