Welcome, weary parents, to a world where inconsolable cries can make you feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster. If you're reading this blog, chances are you have felt this way and are looking for some ways to soothe your fussy baby.
Babies (just like adults) are unique individuals with their own preferences and quirks, so there's no one-size-fits-all solution. However, armed with multiple options you are almost guaranteed to find the perfect technique or combination of techniques that will ease your baby's discomfort and bring your stress level down. It's natural to feel overwhelmed sometimes but I'm confident we have some strategies to soothe that fussy baby of yours!
1. Swaddle your baby
This always worked great with my children. Wrapping your baby snugly in a blanket can provide a secure and comforting feeling similar to when they were in the womb.
2. Use white noise
Background noise can help drown out other sounds and create a soothing environment for your baby. You can use a white noise machine, fan, staticky radio, vacuum cleaner, or any other number of sounds.
3. Administer a gentle massage
Massaging your baby using slow and gentle touch can help relax their muscles, release any tension they are feeling, and help bring about calmness.
4. Get moving
Taking your baby on a car ride or a walk in the stroller is a great way to distract and calm your baby. The motion and change of scenery are often a great way to change your baby's mood.
5. Rocking your baby
When my babies were little we would spend a lot of time in the rocking chair together. The gentle and rhythmic movements are calming for both parent and child. While a rocking chair is a great option, you can also use a baby swing or sway back and forth while holding your baby close.
6. Close contact
Babies (and parents) find comfort in being close to each other. Holding your baby, especially skin-to-skin, provides security, comfort, and warmth.
7. Music
Classical music on the radio, singing a lullaby, or humming to your baby is a great way to soothe your baby. The great thing about this is baby doesn't care if you don't have a great singing voice!
8. Feed them
Your baby may just be hungry so offering a bottle or breastfeeding them can provide comfort as well as nourishment.
9. Provide a pacifier
For those families that use a pacifier, this can be very useful in calming a baby since it satisfies their natural sucking reflex. Your baby may find this to be comforting as well.
10. Give a warm bath
Few activities can be as soothing as a warm bath- especially for babies. A bath can help slow the heart rate, calm your baby and help relax them. Perhaps it reminds them of being in the womb?
Every baby is different, even within the same family so what works for one of your children may not work for the other. It may take some trial and error to find the magic way to sooth your fussy baby but you'll no doubt figure it out together what method works best for your little one.
