6 Ways to Calm a Crying Baby

How to Calm a Crying Infant

 

 

A baby’s cry is so hard to hear. When you can’t seem to get your little one to calm down, try these easy these tips for your infant!

Tip #1-Swaddle

Many parents think that a swaddle is only to be used overnight. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A swaddle provides a baby with a sense of security and warmth, which creates a calming effect. If you notice your baby is prone to lots of crying spells throughout their day, keep them swaddled. There are several ways to wrap a swaddle (learn which your baby prefers), and some swaddles come in a sack-style, so they are easy to place and transport your baby in

Tip #2-Hold Them on Their Belly

This sounds strange, but many babies tend to calm down when they are held in a different way. Hold out one of your forearms (palm facing up), and place your baby across it while holding on firmly to it with your other hand. Slowly float them through the air, move side to side, or simply stand still so they can enjoy their new perspective of the world (or work out that batch of gas if that’s what’s making them upset).

Tip #3-Turn to the Pacifier

If your child isn’t hungry when crying, they may need to satisfy their sucking sensation. That’s where a pacifier comes in. After all, it’s called a pacifier for a reason. There is nothing wrong with promoting a calming agent like this. Some parents feel their child ends up relying on it too much, while others swear by it. Using one is totally your preference, but it does have an immediate calming effect, especially before nap or being put down for the night.

Tip #4-Add Background Noise

If you run a sound machine, your baby may become distracted and pleased with calming, repetitive sounds. This not only takes your baby’s mind off their discontent, but provides them with a welcome dose of noise, since they were used to being in your noisy, muffled womb!

Tip #5-Try Gripe Water

Gripe water is natural and is a favorite remedy of new moms. The ingredients soothe a gassy stomach and provide a calming effect. This is helpful if your baby is gulping down way too much air as they cry, if they suffer from acid reflux, or if they get hit with lots of gas spells, which is very painful.

Tip #6-Put Them on the Floor

It’s frustrating when your baby cries because you have no idea what’s upsetting them and what they need sometimes. It could be something as simple as not wanting to be held. So, try putting them down on their stomach to enjoy tummy time. You could prop their head and body up with a blanket, or just let them enjoy being on the soft blanket, gazing around at their surroundings.

When feedings and diaper changes fail, try some of the tricks to help soothe your little one and create a world of peace, safety, and serenity!