
Proven Tips to Soothe Your Crying Baby Like A Pro
, by Artorias Tse, 10 min reading time
, by Artorias Tse, 10 min reading time
Featured image source: istockphoto.com
Parents, new or not, often feel overwhelmed, helpless, and even distressed over their crying babies. Of course, crying is the only way of communicating with your little one to understand his/her exact needs. Your baby's cries carry valuable clues, whether hunger, tiredness, or discomfort.
Deciphering or understanding a baby's cries is the prerequisite to employing soothing techniques. Parents can become more confident in calming their little ones by knowing the underlying reasons. This article guides you through common reasons with practical tips to soothe your crying baby.
Likewise, you can't achieve an effective result without knowing why the baby is crying. The only mode of communication occurs due to various reasons. The most common reasons to make a baby upset are –
Hunger – A baby usually holds a small stomach, requiring frequent breastfeeding and/or eating. Crying due to hunger often starts with fussiness and escalates upon improper, delayed, and even inadequate confrontation.
Tiredness – Overtired babies can become quite cranky and inconsolable. The tiredness may occur due to prolonged awakening, disturbance, or intervention. They may rub their eyes, yawn, or turn their heads away from stimuli.
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Overstimulation – Understandably, anything excessive can interfere with a baby's natural stimulation. Too much noise, bright lights, or activity can overwhelm a baby. And it leads to crying as a way to signal calmness.
Discomfort – A dirty diaper, tight clothing, feeling too cold, heat buildups, or an awkward sleeping position can make a baby uncomfortable. Also, teething or minor illnesses may cause moderate to severe distress.
The underlying causes discussed right above are more or less the broadly outlined reasons. Whatever the reason is, identifying the exact cause can help you address the needs and soothe more effectively.
It mimics the snug environment of the womb, helping babies feel more secure. To swaddle your baby, wrap them snugly in a lightweight blanket. Ensure the arms are tucked in while the hip has enough room to move. Swaddling is particularly effective for newborns because it prevents startling wake-up reflexes.
Swaddling can also create a routine to signal a baby's sleep time. This renders exclusive benefits for parents during the early postpartum weeks when babies are still adjusting to life outside the womb. You should experiment with different swaddling techniques to find the best possible solution for your baby.
Rhythmic motions or shifting tends to mimic the baby’s stay in the womb. And infants find those drifts quite soothing, thanks to their muscle memory. That’s why your baby is likely to find gentle rocking on adult arms and rocking or swinging on a nursery chair highly comforting.
Even walking around the house or backyard with the baby held on arms/laps/shoulders work for many parents. Therefore, you shouldn’t hesitate to try out different movements for soothing. A baby may prefer cradling whereas another one may like swaying sideways.
Even a simple, soothing, static white noise machine should do the trick. It often reminds babies of their comfortable setting that they experienced in the womb. During that times, you should also focus on calming the child with some gentle movement.
Also, you may try some of those mobile applications built specifically for such purposes. Even shushing softly into the baby’s ear may render effective result like the other. White noise seems highly beneficial to dissolve disturbance from outdoor noises.
Many experts view sucking as a natural reflex from a baby to aids them in self-soothing. Sometimes, it may happen to your baby when he/she just refuses to eat.
A suitable pacifier appropriate for their age may seem adequate more often. Keep the pacifier properly clean and at right sizes to avoid potential risks/hazards or bad parenting.
A change of scenery can help distract and calm a crying baby. Take him/her to a quieter room, step outside for fresh air, or walk around the house. The change in temperature, lighting, or surroundings may help shift their focus and soothe them.
For instance, stepping into a shaded garden or balcony can provide calming visual and auditory stimuli. Outdoor walks with the baby stroller can be especially helpful in the morning and/or evening when little ones often experience heightened fussiness.
Examine the baby for any signs of discomfort. No matter what you do, a baby won't calm down unless you resolve the discomfort. Check whether the diaper is clean and dry, the clothing isn't too tight or scratchy, and they aren't too hot or cold.
Addressing these preliminary issues often leads to common discomfort. Don't forget to attend to hidden culprits (scratchy tags on clothing or unnoticed diaper rashes). Regular checking is obligatory to prevent discomfort before it escalates to crying.
A calming massage can relax the baby through improved physical circulation. Use baby-safe oil or lotion and start gently rubbing the back, legs, arms, and feet. Always pay attention to his/her cues, as a baby seems to enjoy it.
Stop massaging and try other soothing methods when they don't like them. You can have massages in your baby's bedtime routine to promote relaxation. Studies suggest that consistent massage helps in reducing colic symptoms.
Your baby may start crying shortly after feeding, indicating the entrapment or accumulation of gas. Hold the little one upright against the shoulder and gently pat/rub the back. It should help them release most of the air bubbles.
Proper burping can prevent discomfort caused by gas buildup. Test with different burping positions to find the best one. For example, placing the baby's face across your lap and rubbing the back can also be effective.
Soft lullabies or your own singing voice can have a calming effect on a baby. A baby doesn't care about your pitch or melody. Instead, what matters is your presence's soothing sound and comfort.
Consider creating a playlist of calming tunes during all the fussy moments. Keep track of soothing music and tunes at hand. Consistency in using music can also help your baby wind down.
Holding the little one against your bare chest provides incredible comfort and a sense of bonding. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate the body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. Aside from elevated bonding, it enables the release of calming hormones.
Skin-to-skin contact isn't always limited to mothers only. Fathers and even caregivers can also provide this nurturing touch. However, the response can be different for each case. It's especially beneficial for premature babies or those experiencing high stress.
Some babies are quite fond of baths, and a warm soak can feel incredibly relaxing. The sensation of warm water and the quiet time spent together can help calm physical and emotional distress.
Make bath time a soothing ritual by keeping the water at a comfortable temperature. After the bath, wrapping your baby in a warm towel can further enhance his/her overall level of relaxation.
Your baby may cry due to gas or colic. It's time to gently move the legs in a cycling motion while lying on the back. It can help release trapped gas to provide immediate relief.
Pairing this technique with tummy time can further aid digestion and reduce discomfort. Consistent monitoring of your baby's reaction closely during these exercises is essential.
Folded arms over his/her eyes and covering the face are signs of overstimulation. You should do everything to avoid such incidents. The little one may become fussy due to overstimulation, especially over lights and touch. Maintaining a quiet surrounding can prevent stimulation of their senses.
Avoid the baby’s crying during daytime by creating an environment conducive to napping. Parents mostly depend on blackout curtains to cut off all external sources of stimulation from the room. But you don’t have to rely on curtains all the time. Just establishing a soothing environment can work fine.
Controlling the timetable of the baby’s lifestyle, whether it's nap time or feeding, can help skip crying due to hunger. Set a timeframe during breastfeeding or formula feeding periods for a start.
Responsive feeding is crucial during growth spurts when a baby needs extra nourishment. Tracking the time and amount using an app or journal can help you identify patterns and make adjustments.
Surprisingly or not, it's not uncommon for babies to pick up on their parents' stress. Hand the baby to a family member or close friend for a while. Take a moment to breathe and recharge yourself to make a significant difference.
You can find many online groups/forums to seek or provide parenting assistance. Support groups often contain valuable advice and reassurance. Knowing you're not alone in this journey can alleviate stress and build confidence.
Crying has always been a natural part of every baby's overall development and generic communication. Understanding the culprits to cause tears may take some time. And you're to keep experimenting with proven calming techniques. Only then can parents confidently soothe the baby with minimal effort.
Almost everything happens mostly through trial and error. There's no one-size-fits-all solution either. Stay patient, and don't hesitate to seek support whenever necessary. Over time, you can surely develop a stronger bond and a deeper understanding of what works best for your little one.
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