Caring for a crying infant can be challenging for new parents. When your little baby is fussy and crying, it can stir up a mix of emotions – from stress to fatigue, and even guilt. But remember, feeling this way is completely normal.
Well, here is the great news! Your newborn crying is completely normal. If your baby cries frequently in the early months, don’t worry – it’s okay, especially if your doctor has given them a clean bill of health. Remember, a crying baby doesn’t reflect on your parenting skills. All babies cry; it’s just a part of the journey. While it may not be enjoyable, like many challenges in parenting, you can overcome this. And remember, you are not the only one who has felt this way – most parents have been there too.
Understanding that crying is a vital means of communication for a newborn is key. So, how do you soothe a crying baby?
Let’s explore some effective methods to calm your little bundle of joy.
The Reason Your Infant Is Crying
Before knowing the ways to calm a crying baby, it’s important to determine the why behind the cry. Start by exploring common reasons for infant tears. It could be because your baby is:
- Hungry?
- Tired?
- Overstimulated?
- Needing a clean diaper?
- Uncomfortable?
- Too hot or too cold?
- Gassy or needs to be burped more often?
Sometimes, even after you’ve tried everything, your baby may still cry. It’s tough, but it’s important to stay calm. Never shake your baby as it can lead to serious brain damage. Also, do not let frustration take over.
Techniques to Soothe And Calm Your Crying Baby
The next time your baby cries, try these effective tips to calm them:
1. Hold your baby close
Touching and bonding with your infant conveys love, warmth, and care, promoting a sense of safety. Holding your baby close evokes a calming effect. You can also use a carrier or sling for prolonged closeness. Swaddling adds to their sense of security.
2. Use music or white noise
Create ambient white noise with a nearby vacuum cleaner or fan. You can also use white noise apps on your phone or invest in a white noise machine. These machines aid in achieving deeper REM sleep. It is recommended to choose machines without bright lights to avoid distractions while your baby sleeps. Additionally, playing soft music or singing a gentle song can also help soothe your baby.
3. Walk and pat
Cradle your baby in your arms, taking gentle steps as you walk. Give soft pats on their bottom or back, maintaining a steady rhythm. Imagine your hand as a soothing heartbeat or hum a tune to sync with your movements. If you feel overwhelmed, switch to a different soothing technique. Remember, gentle patting is key; avoid being too forceful.
4. Hum or “Sush” calmly
Gently shush into your baby’s ear or softly hum a tune. Hold your baby close against your chest so they can feel the soothing vibrations. This mimics the familiar sounds of the womb, providing comfort to your little one.
5. Swing, rock, or bounce gently
Rock your baby gently in a cozy rocking chair. Avoid using blankets or pillows around your baby to prevent the risk of SIDS or suffocation. If a rocking chair isn’t available, sway gently from side to side while holding your little one.
6. Give your baby a warm bath or massage
Does your little one love splashing around in water? A warm bath could be the secret to soothing a cranky baby before bedtime. Follow it up with a gentle massage in a dimly lit room. Every baby has their preference, so try different techniques to see what works best. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for advice on how to massage your body effectively. Plus, a gentle massage can even aid in relieving gas discomfort for your little bundle of joy.
7. Walk outside
Sometimes, a new environment can work wonders for soothing your baby. Take a stroll outdoors, where they can take in fresh sights and sounds, like the chirping of birds.
8. Take a ride
A quick trip in the car or stroller offers a gentle sway that often soothes a fussy, crying baby.
9. Paci please!
If your little one is over a month old and feeds well, introducing a pacifier might work wonders. The sucking action can be soothing, especially during crying spells. It’s amazing how something as basic as a pacifier can calm and relax your baby. However, if your breastfeeding, ensure it’s well-established before offering a pacifier to prevent nipple confusion and missing hunger signals.
10. Try the reverse football hold
Try the reverse football hold to soothe your crying baby. Perfect for easing gas pains, it applies gentle pressure to the tummy. Here’s how:
- Lay your baby on your forearm, head towards your elbow.
- Apply gentle pressure to the tummy with your palm.
- Hold onto your baby for stability.
- Use your free hand to pat and rub the back.
- Sway softly for a calming rhythm.
Crying It Out
Sometimes, despite trying all the tricks, your baby might keep crying. Don’t worry if your baby isn’t sick. Safely lay them in a crib to soothe themselves and give yourself a break. Go for a walk, take a breather, or reach out to a friend or support. Feeling overwhelmed is normal, and taking a moment for yourself is perfectly fine.
Be patient
Each baby has unique needs and they won’t feel comfortable with all the tricks you try. To calm your baby effectively, you might need to combine various methods, like a stroller ride with a pacifier. Consistency is key; stick with one calming action for several minutes before trying something else.
Rapidly switching techniques can hinder your baby’s ability to settle down. If one method doesn’t work, try another from the suggestions above. Remember soothing your newborn requires patience and persistence. What works one day might not work the next.
Never hit a baby
When your baby won’t stop crying and you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to take a break. Place your baby in the crib on their back and step away. Remember, your baby isn’t trying to upset you.
Also, never resort to hitting or shaking your baby. This can lead to serious internal or brain injuries, or worse, death. It’s tough, but try to stay calm when your baby is crying incessantly.
As your baby grows, this challenging phase will eventually pass. Take deep breaths and know that you’re doing your best.
What to do if crying goes for hours?
Babies can cry for extended periods without a clear cause. This often happens in cycles. After exhausting all usual methods, ensure your baby isn’t unwell or hurt. Keep in mind, incessant crying is temporary. With time, babies become more adept in communicating their needs.
