Calm a Fussy Baby

A crying baby can be distressing to parents and caregivers; they may feel just as distressed as the crying baby. But don’t lose hope; there are many different ways to help a baby calm down. And it might just help to remember some of the following information.

A well-fed baby is a happy baby. Make sure your baby’s basic need for food is met, whether it’s breast milk or formula. Once you tune into your baby’s eating habits, you’ll get to know how often they need feeding. Remember that it’s different for all babies, so don’t feel like there’s necessarily something wrong or that you’re a failure as a parent, if your infant wants feeding more or less than what a book may say.

A pacifier can soothe your baby. Some babies learn to self soothe early on in their lives, but if you find your baby is fussy and cries a lot, consider introducing a pacifier to them. They come in all shapes and sizes, so if they reject the first one, try another brand.

Water can be calming and healing to a baby. While bathing your baby may be less convenient than a quick fix like a pacifier, for example, bathing your baby is a wonderful way to connect with your infant. If it calms you down too, then you’ll both benefit from this simple solution.

Rocking back and forth can give comfort to an unhappy baby. For this reason, it is a favorite of many mothers and fathers. The key is to find out what works for your baby. Your baby might like a slow gentle rocking motion, or perhaps your baby prefers an infant swing rather than the rocking chair. Experiment with different methods to find the best fit for your baby’s needs.

Sound can be soothing to your baby. Babies are surrounded by the sound of blood flowing as they grow in the womb, but once they are born that constant noise is taken away from them. To replicate this sound, try making a “shush” noise near their ear, as suggested by Dr. Harvey Karp. He says, “the best way to imitate these magic sounds is white noise.”

Trying to soothe a fussy baby needn’t be stressful and disheartening. As the caregiver, remember to take a deep breath and calmly consider some basic comforting techniques.

Of course, if your gut tells you something more serious is going on, contact your pediatrician! —RG