Ways to Soothe A Crying Baby
The reasons why babies cry are understandable – hungry, wet, tired, afraid – but knowing how to soothe a crying baby may not be an easy task for every parent to handle. Babies are small helpless people in a world that can be overwhelming and sometimes scary to a little person.
A crying baby depending on its frequency and strength can be one of the most stressful parts of taking care of a newborn. During the first three months of a newborns life, it is almost the only form of communication that you will have with your child — many parents finding themselves with a colicky wonder if they will come out of this period still sane.
Related: COMMON REASONS BABIES CRY ALL THE TIME
Crying is just one way the baby can communicate how he/she feels. Perhaps it’s time for a change or feeding, or maybe the baby wants your attention. Knowing a few simple ways to soothe a crying baby will make mom and dad feel more comfortable and less stressed about their baby’s cry.
How do you soothe a crying baby?
1. Swaddle your Baby
Many babies feel comforted when they are wrapped up snug & tight in a blanket. Babies have been used to little room in the mothers’ womb. Being out in the open world can be a little frightening at times. There is a particular way to swaddle your baby, so they feel as snug as a bug in a rug! Click here to read more about how to swaddle a newborn baby.
Related: IS SWADDLING A NEWBORN BABY SAFE?
2. Wrap him in a carrier
Carrying your baby and walking around is a great way to calm him down. Babies appreciate the feeling of proximity and the pace of your steps. The baby carrier is also useful because your hands remain free for multitasking. In the first three months, let your baby lie with your baby in a sling or sling if he needs an extra headrest.
Being wrapped in a baby carrier can also create heat; heat often helps to reduce discomfort and helps you sleep. However, it is essential that babies do not overheat. The combination of body heat and layers of clothing and clothing of the parent / guardian can be too much, especially if the parent is hot and disturbed, or if the baby takes a brisk walk (causing the core temperature to rise).
Related: 3 HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BABY CARRIERS FOR NEWBORNS
3. Offer him a Pacifier
Babies have a strong desire to suck, which is a soothing mechanism. Some babies prefer to suck their thumb, some will prefer a pacifier (my younger son), and then there will be babies who prefer neither. Let them choose-they seem to have an instinct on which one to use.
Moreover, you should know that using a pacifier during naps or nighttime can lower the risk or even prevent sudden infant death syndrome.
If you are looking for a good recommendation for a baby pacifier, which is also good for breastfed babies, I truly recommend on this MAM pacifier, which is my son’s favorite!
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4. Rock in a Chair or Glider
Every time your baby rocks, you bring him the soothing feeling of comfort he needs, while making a deep connection between you as possible. Rock is an activity that you can practice from the birth of your child and during his preschool years. It offers the opportunity to connect and meet the physical needs of your baby while giving you a well-deserved opportunity to relax and unwind.
Now every mother is familiar with this method. If you go anywhere where there are mothers and newborns (not just newborns), you will see a mother rocking her crying baby. This is something that every mother wants for her child; to be o.k. And to not to have to worry about anything because mommy and daddy will take care of it.
Related: TOP BABY SWINGS FOR KEEPING YOUR BABY CALM
5. Soothe with White Noise
White noises come from vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, or washing machines which can mimic the sounds from the womb and can be calming for your newborn baby. A good friend of mine which is also a new mom, told me that she is calming her young daughter with the sound of a hair dryer, it might sound funny to you, but it is working!
6. Wrap your baby
This is called “wearing your baby.” Babies love to be held and to be close to their parents. This helps you bond with your baby. When they are nestled up near you in a sling, they will be comforted by your heartbeat. Dads: you can wear a Baby Sling also! This isn’t just for Moms!
7. Wash his face
If your baby tends to soften while bathing, fill the bath with lukewarm water and be part of your relaxation routine. You can even try a little aromatherapy. As a bonus, adding a few drops of a lavender or chamomile soap to water can also calm him down.
8. Put in “Colic Carry” position
Lay your baby with the front down on your arm, cheek towards your elbow, or place him with his spine against you and press his knees against his stomach. If the baby is restless, do not hold him in the cradle (feeding) position. Instead, try to hold him against your shoulder and walk or wave gently back and forth.
9. Go to a walk outside
Changing a baby’s’ environment may help a fussy baby go back to sleep. They could be bored also and want a change of scenery.
A change of scenery is usually distracting enough to calm a baby down. When nothing seems to be working, go outside! That was what I did when my son was bawling his head off. It was not only good for him, but for me too.
10. Blow on his face
It’s the Diving Reflex. It works when you blow their faces for different reasons:
They breathe through the nose. Blowing air on the baby’s face (the nose) changes the air pressure around the nose. This change in atmospheric pressure triggers the same reaction as the pressure change due to immersion. Therefore, it will make the baby stop crying, at least more a few minutes. Blowing in the mouth, or the eyes or forehead is not only stupid but ineffective.
11. Entertain him
Babies also cry when they get bored. You can amuse them by telling stories or making noise with animated expressions. You can play with the baby’s toys and show him how to shake and rotate different types of toys.
12. Make Some Noise, sing a song or put some music
Start with hearing. Ask yourself these questions: What noises are in the background? Are there loud voices, television, appliances, or music? Are outside noises affecting your immediate environment? Possibly construction work or kids is playing outside? If you have outside noise, try closing the windows in the house. If it is summer, you may need to put on the air conditioner. Ask people in the immediate area to either leave or keep their voices down for the time being. Turn off the television or radio. You should now have reduced the noise in your child’s immediate area to a more therapeutic level.
Conclusion
We have all been there and can honestly tell you that there is no one-size-fits-all method for soothing a crying baby. However, with a little patience (and given enough time), you will soon develop your repertoire of soothing ways that are just the right “size” for your child.