Soothing Your Crying Baby

Crying is about your baby letting you know that they have a need and are asking for help. Babies have no ability to manipulate whatsoever, therefore rest-assured they are crying for a reason. Extensive research shows that the more babies are responded to in their early weeks and months of life, the more independent, socially-abled and settled little people they become. You can never spoil a baby.

Once you have ruled out any illness, changed your baby’s nappy and offered a breastfeed, often if a baby is still crying it’s because they are tired. Babies have a very short awake time and if you miss their tired signs and they become over-tired, you could consider some of the following suggestions to help soothe your baby.

  • Breastfeeding is not just about food – it is also about comfort, cuddles and security – offer your baby a breastfeed – you might like to do this in a quiet environment, away from radio, TV, visitors and distractions.
  • Keep a food diary – some foods that you are eating may be affecting baby’s digestion system.
  • Ssshing – this can be very soothing and reminiscent of the sounds your baby heard in your womb
  • White noise – as above, very similar to the sounds your baby heard while you were pregnant – vacuum cleaner, radio slightly off station, download a white noise app on your smartphone.
  • Walk, dance, sing and rock baby in your arms.
  • Go for a walk with baby in the pram or a drive in the car with your baby in its car seat.
  • Babies enjoy looking at simple black and white pictures.
  • Give your baby a deep relaxing bath – or have a shower or bath with your baby.
  • Massage your baby – although they tend not to enjoy this if crying is established.
  • Use a front pack or sling – ensure you are aware of safety issues.
  • If your baby enjoys being wrapped, wrap your baby in breathable material such as muslin. Ensure that you consider safety issues, such as the wrap secured so it doesn’t end up over baby’s face and that wrapping is kept loose around the hip area to allow freedom of movement for the legs.
  • A pacifier such as a dummy may soothe your baby – these are not recommended for babies under 6-8 weeks as it can interfere with the establishment of breastfeeding.
  • Check your baby’s temperature – between the shoulder blades will give you an indication if baby is too hot or too cold.
  • Pass the baby to someone else – babies will pick up on your stress if the crying is upsetting you.
  • If you’re on your own and feeling distressed, place baby safely in its cot and take a minute to walk to the other end of the house and back or maybe call a friend for support. Return to baby feeling a little more relaxed.
  • Contactyour local Well Child provider or call Plunket Line 0800 933 922 for information and support. Or Health-line 0800 611 116
  • Talk to other parents. It often helps to know it is normal for all babies to have unsettled times.

Consult a registered natural health practitioner or medical practitioner of your choosing, if you think your baby is crying more than normal.