I decided to post these since it is a question I get asked quite often. Lots of new moms want to know, “How do I calm down my crying baby?” Some of these techniques may even help young girls who babysit or new grandparents who just need a refresher.If baby is crying you should first of all go through your basic checklist:
- Is baby hungry?
- Does baby need a diaper change?
- Is baby tired?
- Does baby need to burp?
Once you have determined that all of the above has been taken care of you can move on to the following things to soothe baby:
- Hold baby close and rock back and forth.
- Hum or sing to baby. Remember, when babies were in the womb they heard lots of noises. Sometimes it helps to just make some noise.
- Move baby to a new position. Keep in mind though that sleeping babies under six months should not sleep on their stomachs or side. If your baby is awake then it is safe to have tummy time (information derived from Baby Center). You can always change positions while holding baby. It often helps to hold baby close. For parents, skin to skin contact has been said to greatly calm a crying baby. I can tell you from experience that it does work.
- Take baby for a walk or go for a ride in the car. Babies tend to be calmed by the vibrating effects of these activities. Some bouncer chairs and swings also have this feature.
- Swaddle your baby. Swaddling is an age old practice meant to replicate some of the conditions of the womb. It eliminates the “startle reflex” that sends some babies into spells of crying and babies just feel safe when they are wrapped all snug. Be careful not to wrap too tightly or use fluffy blankets. The average receiving blanket works nicely. My boys call this making a baby burrito! Here is a video that shows how to swaddle baby:
What are some ways you soothe a crying baby?
When my 4th baby was born, my midwife showed me how some Russian mothers she delivered babies for swaddled their babies. It has been the best! Now I am swaddling our newest addition the same way, and it works like a charm.
@ Kristen
*Big SMILE*
We like him too. He is such a little ham! You should get you one!
@Shelly
I really like the ready made swaddles. I didn’t have them when the other boys were born so I can tell you that it is a great convenience to have them now.
Definitely get some… you get three in a pack for like $15! That is less than some receiving blankets.
You don’t understand, Amy: my baby radar just exploded. In my face. Matthias is so preciously handsome and cute and perfect, I can’t take it.
Oh golly, Matthias is too adorable Thanks for the demo; I’m going to get one of those swaddlers when we have our little Peanut.