TIPS TO CALM A fussy baby

Tears from your baby will tug at your heartstrings, yet you can find ways to calm that darling child.

When you hear your newborn’s first cry, you are elated that his or her lungs are strong, and a healthy, loud noise emitting from that tiny body fills you with joy. As days and nights pass, that cry may not be so joyous for you as you are sleep deprived, sore from nursing or exhausted from fixing bottles, and worn out from changing diapers.

Babies can cry as much as two to three hours or more in a 24-hour period, and living with the wailing is not easy. It can make even the strongest parent feel helpless and out of control. As your baby gets older, you will be able to read what the cry means. There is a hungry cry, a wet diaper cry, an angry cry and an “I’m crying because I want to be held” cry.

There are some strategies you can try to bring peace to you and your household. Try the shoosh bounce. Rock your little one in a carrier or sling while repeatedly shooshing in her ear. Walk around the house, the block, the driveway, anywhere, while shooshing. Studies suggest that a calming response is triggered in an infant’s brain when being carried or rocked, causing the baby’s heart rate to slow and the muscles to relax. That shooshing sound creates a repetitive distraction for him to focus on instead of crying.

Never forget the power of music! Whatever style you like, your little one will hear. And your baby will be mesmerized by your singing because your voice is familiar and the rhythm is calming.

Another tip is to record your child’s crying on your phone, then play it and let him listen. He will be fascinated by the sound of a crying baby. Babies can get “stuck” crying, and hearing their own voice may jolt them back. Simply introducing something new can break the cycle of crying.

Sometimes when a baby gets overstimulated, the trick is to put her in a completely dark room. Pull down blackout shades and put her in a swing. Swinging gives her the sensation of rocking in your arms, and she will be out like a light in a few minutes. After all, newborns are used to the quiet, dark space in the womb. Recreate this feeling and, voila, you may have a content infant.

Try some white noise, such as a fan or vacuum cleaner, or download an app. The theory is that these sounds imitate what your infant heard in the womb as Mommy’s blood passed through the placenta. Just keep the volume low.

Your baby can sense your stress. Try changing the scenery and hand him off to your husband or to Grandma. Or change the scenery. Going from the nursery to the patio or kitchen can sometimes be enough to snap that crying session and give both of you a change of mood. Any change is worth a try. I often changed the rooms around to surprise my kids. I put a plastic tablecloth on the living room floor and moved the highchair in on it. They thought it was fun to throw food on that tablecloth!

Motion can work miracles. When my son would cry, I would bounce him on my arm, his face in my hand and his body poised on my arm. Up and down, up and down. He loved it. It helped with his gassy tummy, and he loved the movement. And never underestimate the power of taking a car ride. The motion and view out the car window may calm the fussy child and allow you to take a breath. You also can try setting the baby carrier on the dryer while it’s running or on the counter as the dishwasher chugs away.

Another technique is to hold your baby facing outward from your stomach, so he can suck his hands. This mimics a baby’s position in the womb. Keep moving, swaying back and forth, and go from room to room. Looking in a mirror on your journey through the house is a fun way to entertain your baby, too.

Remember to work out your own stress. Plan a workout session when Daddy gets home or find some alone time. You’ll have more stamina to manage the crying calmly. Get out of the house! Go for walks, which is always calming. The fresh air will do you both good.

If your baby cries around the same time each day, have something to look forward to while you take care of her. Stream your favorite show or podcast while trying to calm your child during that fussy time. You might even look for a new favorite comedian. Laughter is helpful for anyone who is reeling from uncomfortable emotions. It gets you out of your head and away from feelings that make you depressed or anxious.

Bedtime crying can be the most trying time for parents. Know that sitting outside the doorway as she cries will end. Go in every few minutes to reassure, and that bit of time will end. A spinning mobile above the crib may help distract.

When you know your child is full, dry and warm, yet is still crying, remember he is a little person finding his way in the world. A tight hug and humming sound can do wonders. Breathe together, and the crying will end—eventually!

Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Sources: Parents.com, HealthyChildren.org.