How to Soothe a Crying Baby
There comes a time in a baby’s life when all they do is cry and cry some more. As a mom, this can be very frustrating and overwhelming. There are many reasons that can cause a baby to cry non-stop but fortunately, you can comfort your baby without knowing the cause of distress.
Can I let my baby cry for 10 minutes?
If your baby cries for you, experts suggest that you let him cry for a short interval of between two minutes and 10 minutes, before going to comfort him. Try to differentiate if it is a whimpering or a loud crying/shrieking. You can gently pat and reassure him while he’s still in his cot or pick him up and put him down again. If nothing is helping and your baby still crying, try some of the next true methods of comforting your baby.
- Giving them something to suck on like a pacifier
Sucking on something helps to steady a baby’s heart rate. In addition, it helps to relax his or her stomach and calm flailing limbs. When your baby won’t stop crying, you can offer them a pacifier. Pacifiers are recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics because they have other benefits besides calming your baby. The most significant benefit is that pacifiers reduce the risk of your baby developing SIDS.
- Swaddle your baby
Babies like to feel warm and secure. They want to enjoy the same experiences as they had while in the womb. To mimic this environment, try swaddling your baby in a blanket, wearing your baby or holding him or her against your shoulder. In case your baby finds swaddling as restrictive, try other comforting ways that they would be more responsive to.
Related: How to swaddle your baby?
- Music and rhythm
It is said that music is medicine for the soul. Well, this is very true for babies. Music is effective in calming a baby. You can either play music, sing a lullaby or dance around the room. Try different kinds of music to understand which genre your baby responds to. Sometimes, putting some music will not just cause your baby to stop crying but will also lull them to sleep.
- White noise
While you might not think that the growling of vacuum cleaner is soothing, your baby may have a different opinion. Babies find a steady flow of white noise as calming because it blocks out other noises. To them, the noise feels like the constant whoosh of bodily sounds they heard in the womb. It could be the sound of a vacuum cleaner or of water.
- Fresh air
Something as simple as opening the front or back door and stepping outside with your baby can instantly stop the crying. In case it works, take time to savor the view. Talk to your baby about the sky and the surrounding.
- Warm water
Warm water is good for soothing your baby. You don’t necessarily have to give your baby a bath. You can hold them in your arms under a gently running shower. Your baby may even like the noise of the splashing water.
- Motions
Carrying your baby in your arms or in a carrier may just be enough. You can create motion by:
- A rocking chair
- Swinging
- Massage
Babies love to be touched. Gentle and slow movements can help bring comfort. If the reason for the incessant crying is colic, then you can hold them in the “colic carry” position to massage the tummy.
Don’t allow yourself to get carried away or overwhelmed by your baby’s crying. One or a combination of these methods is bound to work.
Related:
HOW DO YOU GET A NEWBORN ON A SCHEDULE?
BABY DEVELOPMENT: FIRST 6 MONTHS MILESTONES
HOW SOON CAN YOU TAKE A NEWBORN OUT IN PUBLIC?
WHEN DO BABIES START SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT
