How to Sooth Your Baby When He or She is Crying

A baby’s only means of expressing discomfort or discontent is by crying. Some are incessant ‘criers’ from day one. Most newborns can be soothed with ease but others demand vigorous methods. If the reason for crying is not hunger, fatigue or colic (a common baby antagonist), there are a few ways to calm him promptly. It helps to know why the baby is red eyed but this is not always possible, thanks to the communication gap.

Babies are known to stop crying as soon as they are held, especially by the mum. You have to hold the baby close so that he acutely feels your presence. A baby carrier or sling may not be as effective. When in the baby, the baby was comforted by the warmth it afforded and by the steady heartbeat of the mother. You can mimic this feeling by holding the baby firmly, right next to your breast.

Gentle rocking can work wonders on some babies. The rhythmic motion lulls the little one to sleep. The ideal speed for rocking is about one rock per second but each baby’s need is different. A rocking chair will make you comfortable as you rock. Even a slow walk with the baby cradled in your arms can help, especially if you can do it outside, when there is a pleasant breeze. There is no tried and tested technique for rocking-you can bend your knees to bounce the baby in your arms or do a few twists and turns. A car ride can also soothe the newborn.  

Sometimes, you can distract the baby with soothing music. Research has shown that far from being helpless and passive, babies have a good sense of hearing and sight and they react to stimulation. The trick is consistency. A steady hum or constant purr works best. If there is a sudden loud noise, he is going to react negatively in the only way it knows how. So, if you want the baby to stop crying, avoid jarring noises and keep his face turned away from bright light.

Talk, talk, and talk to your baby. He has no idea what you are saying of course, but just hearing you voice will put him at ease. We now know that a baby can identify the mother’s voice a few months after birth. This means that it will respond to the mother’s voice more than any other’s. Crooning is an age old method of soothing a baby. You can even make your own music- put on a sing-song voice and see the results. Your baby will not mind if you sing out of tune as long as you sing.

After being in the womb, which is warmer than the outside, a baby is sensitive to cold. What is hot to us may actually be chilly to the child. Always keep him covered-bundled up if necessary. Don’t keep it directly in line with the blow of the air conditioner. It will have a dehydrating effect.