Ten Ways to Calm a Crying Baby

Few things go through the heart of parents like their baby’s cry. We’re wired to respond to our baby’s cry, and a breastfeeding mom has a physical connection with her baby that means her body, not just her feelings, respond to her baby’s cry. So what do you do? How can you make the crying stop? Here are some suggestions that may help – ten ways to calm a crying baby.

1. Understand Crying

Okay, so this may not be direct action taken to stop the crying; but it’s important to understand a bit about why babies cry. Knowing their crying has a reason that isn’t just torturing or manipulating you can go a long way toward helping you respond to cries in a prompt, loving manner.

Babies cry to communicate. Their crying is not “bad behavior.” They can’t speak, so the only way they can tell anyone anything is by making noise and with body language. Crying usually indicates a need of some sort, including emotional needs.

2. Swaddle Your Baby

Wrap your baby closely in blankets (as long as it is not too hot) and lay him on his side. The snug wrapping and side position are reminiscent of being in the womb, say experts. It gives babies a sense of security.

3. Feed Your Baby

Hunger is one of the primary reasons for crying. Think about the last time your baby ate or filled her diaper, and you may find that it’s time for more food.

4. Discomfort

Your baby may be too cold, too hot, or just plain uncomfortable. If he looks flushed and hot, try removing some of his clothing to cool him off. If he is squirming and arching away from something, look and see what is causing the discomfort and remove it (or move your baby).

5. Soothe Baby to Sleep

Some babies get very upset when they are tired. If it’s near nap time or if it’s evening (or if your baby didn’t sleep well the night before), she may need a nap.

6. Calmer Surroundings

Your baby may be overstimulated by noise and/or people. Try moving him to a quieter area.

7. Music

Playing music may soothe your crying baby, especially if the room is otherwise pretty quiet. Singing to your baby may help stop crying, too.

8. Shushing

Some experts recommend “shushing,” making a “sh” sound into your baby’s ear. This is basically white noise, and like the swaddling, it helps recreate the womb environment (it’s said the womb is pretty noisy due to blood circulation).

9. Check the Diaper

Your baby may be one of those who gets upset at having a dirty diaper. Check her diaper if she’s crying and see if she needs a change, or if the diaper is uncomfortable.

10. Tummy Gas

Some say that babies don’t cry because of gas, but a baby who needs to be burped probably will cry! Make sure your baby is burped if he is crying, especially shortly after a feeding.