Soothing your crying baby
There are lots of ways to help a
crying newborn – try…
- Rocking her back and forwards
in your arms, on a rocking chair or in her stroller.
- Sing soothing songs to her –
she loves to hear your voice. Play nursery rhymes, classical music or your
favorite radio station to calm her (and you) down.
- Carry her in her baby sling.
She’ll feel warm and secure while she’s close to you, and you can be hands-free
for a while.
- Feed your baby.
- Give her a comforter, such as
a pacifier, or an old T-shirt that has your scent in the fabric.
- Give your baby a warm bath –
this can also help colicky babies relax and feel sleepy before bedtime.
- Stroke your baby
rhythmically. Try massaging her with baby oil before bed, or stroking her
temples very gently.
If it all gets too much, put
your baby down somewhere safe (her crib, stroller or bouncer chair) and leave
the room for a few minutes to calm down. Try not to be angry with your baby for
crying – she’s communicating in the only way she knows how.
It’s worth it because…
No matter how much your baby
cries, she still only has eyes for you. It’s amazing how quickly she stops
crying when comforted by mom and even the smell of you when you enter the room
can settle her. Research shows that even a four-day-old baby will stare at her
mom’s face longer than anyone else’s. It won’t be long before you see her first
, and those days and nights of pacing up and down with a crying baby will be a
distant memory.
The information in this feature is intended for
educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the
health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a
doctor or other healthcare professional.