While there’s no single,
surefire way of calming a crying infant, there are countless methods
that parents have tried, many with success.
These include:
Keep Moving
Rock your baby back and forth or take a walk or a ride in the
car. Rhythmic motion can be relaxing for you and your baby.
Try Swaddling
After being in close quarters for nine months, baby still likes
to feel snug and secure, so try swaddling her snugly.
Shush Baby to Sleep
By making a continuous “shushing” sound, you are imitating
the sounds of the womb which baby finds comforting. You just may
be able to “shush” her to sleep
Provide Distractions
A continuous noise or vibration, such as a humming vacuum or hair
dryer, may distract and soothe your baby.
Place Your Baby in a Carrier
Infants like to be close to their parent’s body. Carriers
allow parents freedom of movement without making them feel like
they are neglecting a distressed child.
Give Your Baby a Massage
Stroke your baby’s back or chest lightly to soothe and comfort.
Try a Pacifier
Babies have strong sucking needs unrelated to their need for food;
some simply find it comforting to have something in their mouth,
whether it be a finger, a pacifier, or their own thumb.
Sing a Song
The sound of your voice as you glide around the room to a familiar
tune can be very calming.
Try a Mirror
Unbreakable reflective surfaces, such as those that appear on
many baby toys, often capture and hold a fussy infant’s
attention.
Give Your Baby a Warm Bath
A warm bath can soothe and relax your baby just before bed.
Give Your Baby a Few Minutes Alone
Once you’ve fed, burped, and changed your baby, it’s
okay to put her in her crib for a few minutes. Reassure her, then
leave the room again for a few minutes longer before returning.
Eventually, she will learn how to calm herself to sleep.
