Newborns get fussy sometimes and it’s normal for them to cry. During the first 3 months of his/her life, a baby usually cries for 2–3 hours a day for the first 6 weeks, which is more than at any other of the life time.
When your baby is crying, the first thing for you to do is to check whether your baby is hungry, tired or uncomfortable. Make sure all of the baby’s comfort needs are met. You can respond to your baby’s crying by:
Feeding your baby
Changing baby’s diaper
Taking care of babies’ needs is often enough to soothe them. But sometimes, the crying goes on longer. Here are some other tips for you to comfort your baby. Remember, you might need to try different ways at different times, and then you can find what suits you and your baby best.
Distract Your Baby
Sometimes your baby wants to suck but it’s not feeding time yet (overfeeding your baby may also make them uncomfortable), you can offer him/her the pacifier or help him/her find the finger. Many babies are calmed by sucking.
Give your baby a toy or distract him/her with a rattle.
Moving Your Baby
Sometimes, movement can help soothe the baby. Carry your baby in a baby carrier and gently rock, closeness to a parent can do some help too.
Go for a walk or take your baby for a ride in the stroller is the other way. As long as your baby is not too tired, being on the move can be calming for him/her.
Relaxing Your Baby
Baby massage might help your baby relax too. Gently rub or stroke the baby's back, chest or tummy. It can also strengthen the bond between you and your baby. If you want to know how to do infant massage, our blog post may help.
Speak softly to your baby, sing to your baby or turn on a calming sound. A white noise, the humming sound of a fan, or the recording of a heartbeat can also soothe some babies.
Stroke your baby’s head slowly from the front of the forehead to the back of the neck. Cover as much of the head with your hand as you can.
Soothing Your Baby for Sleep
Swaddle your baby in a large, soft blanket (the method is mentioned in the blog) can help your baby feel secure. But remember, not to wrap your baby if he/she shows signs of rolling onto the tummy (around 4-6 months).
Try responsive settling techniques like rocking, gently stroking your baby’s belly or patting baby in the cot. Gently turn your baby onto his/her back if your baby falls asleep.
Put your baby in a quiet room, dimming the lights at the same time may help to reduce stimulation and to sooth your baby for sleep.
Managing Your Own Feelings
If you are very frustrated with the crying and you feel angry at yourself or your baby, it is time for you to take a break and look after yourself. Remember, a calm baby can begin with calm parents.
Try putting in some imaginary earplugs. Let the sound of the crying pass through you, and remind yourself that everything is OK. Even just 5 minutes reading a book, walking around the block or doing some meditation can give you a break if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or angry.
Sometimes it might help to have another person take over for a while. If you can, ask your partner or a friend or relative to help out. Be sure that the baby stays fed and safe. Leave him/her in the crib while you step away to another room until you can calm down or help arrives.