HOW TO CALM A CRYING BABY - TIPS AND TRICKS TO CALM CRYING BABY

 

Soothing your fussy infant can seem like it takes up the majority of your day (and most of the night!) after feeding and diapering duties. Of course, crying and babies go together because kicking up a fuss is your newborn's only means of communication. However, a baby's cries can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you don't know why she's upset in the first place.

 

While crying is normal for newborns, as a first-time mom or dad, figuring out what “normal” means can be difficult. The first step in learning how to calm a crying baby is to approach the situation as calmly as possible, as getting worked up only adds to your and the baby's stress.

 

Here's a look at some of the most common reasons babies cry, as well as how to soothe your baby so you can both relax.

 

What is the cause of my baby's crying?

When your child refuses to stop crying, it's difficult. You may be concerned that something is wrong with your child, that you will lose your cool, that your parenting skills are insufficient, or that you will never connect with your child. You, on the other hand, are capable of dealing with the situation.

Babies cry for a variety of reasons, and crying is the primary means of communication for them. It's the way they grab your attention and communicate their needs. It may be difficult at first to interpret your baby's various cries, but as you spend more time listening, you will improve your ability to understand and meet your child's specific needs.

 

Why the tears?

 It's an age-old question that parents have been asking since the dawn of time. Check out what could be causing your baby's crying to help you figure out what's going on:

 

Hunger

Newborns Every few hours, or eight to twelve times in 24 hours, nurse or take a bottle. If your baby is crying, it's a good sign that she's hungry again. Before tears start, look for signs of hunger such as lip-smacking, bringing hands to her mouth, and rooting to feed the baby.

 

Gas

Drinking a lot of liquid can cause air to get trapped in your baby's stomach, making her uncomfortable and fussy. Burp your baby with gentle pats on the back after each feeding to relieve gas.

 

Diaper, wet or dirty

Nobody wants to sit in wet pants! Because babies can have up to six or more wet diapers per day, keep an eye on her tiny bum.

 

Fatigue

Newborns sleep 14 to 17 hours per day in spurts of two to four hours from day one to month three. If you think your sweetie is overdue for a nap, put her down.

 

Colic

Excessive crying could be a sign of colic; consult your child's pediatrician if you suspect she is crying too much.

 

Boredom

Yes, babies grow tired of staring at the same scene over and over again. Put her in a front carrier, sway in a glider or rocking chair, stand by the window, go for a walk, or simply stroll from room to room to relieve boredom.

 

Overwhelmed

Get away from the crowds and noise with your baby to cuddle quietly. Sucking on a pacifier or swaddling her in a light blanket can also help her feel safe and secure.

 

Whether hot or cold

When it comes to dressing your baby, layers are helpful, but too few or too many can make her uncomfortable and cause tears. Examine her ensemble to see if you should add or remove a layer.

 

Sick

Eventually, crying can be an indication that your baby isn't feeling well, so make an appointment with her pediatrician. Check her rectal temperature if you suspect she has a fever.

 

How to Calm a Crying baby?

Once you've ruled out the obvious causes of your baby's crying (empty stomach, wet diaper, too much nap), and your pediatrician says she's not sick, try these tried-and-true methods to help clear the tears and make you both feel better.

 

Swaddle the baby

This snug receiving blanket wrap keeps your little bundle warm and safe. Swaddling soothes babies, according to experts, because it creates a cozy, womb-like feeling. Swaddling babies helps them settle down faster and sleep longer, according to many parents.

 

Sucking should be encouraged

Non - nutritive sucking, which does not fill their bellies but does calm their nerves, is a common way for babies to relax. Help your baby find her thumb, fist, or finger if she is crying, or simply offer one of your fingers. A pacifier can also help, but it's best to wait until breastfeeding is well established before using one.

 

Consider using a front carrier or sling

Walking around with your baby in your arms is a great way to calm her down. Your baby will enjoy the feeling of being close to you and the rhythm of your footsteps. A carrier is also useful because it allows you to multitask while keeping your hands free.

For the first three months, keep your baby facing you in a front-pack carrier or a sling. She'll need the extra head support. You can also use a sling, which is great for on-the-go nursing and can be converted to a side or back hold as your baby grows.

 

Glide, sway, or rock

Place baby in a motorized baby swing or vibrating bouncy seat while you sit in a rocking chair or glider. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions for these devices, especially the age and weight restrictions.

 

Activate the white noise generator

Some babies relax when they hear rhythmic whooshing sounds that remind them of their mother's womb. Vacuum cleaners, hairdryers, and fans are all good options. You can also try shushing your baby with "Shhhhhh...shhhhhh" sounds or invest in a white-noise machine.

 

Sing a song

Your baby doesn't care if you sing off-key or in tune. What she does know is that you're singing to her and showering her with love. Sing a classic lullaby, a cheesy '80s power ballad, or whatever tune you want the next time she's cranky.

 

Get a little wet

Fill the tub with warm water and make bath time a regular part of your baby's calming routine.

 

Give a massage

Massage can be a relaxing ritual for both of you, as well as a great way to soothe your baby's cries. Using lotion or special baby massage oils is an option, but neither is required. Use a gentle, firm, but not ticklish touch. (Just pay attention to your baby's cues, as some babies find massage to be overwhelming.)

 

The "colic carry" is a good option

When your baby is crying uncontrolled way, she may require pressure on her tummy, also known as the "colic carry," to help relieve gas and colic: Lay your baby on her stomach on your forearm, cradling her head in one hand while trying to stabilize her and massaging her back with the other. Alternatively, lie her down on her back and “bicycle pump” her knees up to her tummy for 10 seconds, then release and repeat.

 

Take a walk outside

The movement may be all she needs to relax, and a change of scenery can help both cranky babies and their frazzled parents. Everyone's mood will be lifted by the light, air, and temperature, as well as new sights, sounds, and smells.

 

Make an effort to amuse

Even small babies can become bored, and if they do, they may become fussy. Try narrating your actions, complete with silly noises and animated expressions, to keep your child entertained. You can also show her how her toys rattle and spin by playing on the floor with her, reading a rhyming board book, or dancing to music.

 

A call to your baby's pediatrician is perfectly fine if you've tried every trick in the book and still can't figure out what's causing all the tears. It can be comforting to hear from a pro that you're doing everything right and just need to hang in there a little longer.