How to Sooth a Crying Baby

You knew your baby would cry. Everyone gave you the head's up but do you still find yourself close to tears? Hang in there, the following parent-tested check list will provide you with tips for calming your baby down--fast.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Learn to Identify Signs

1. Know that it could be hunger. It it's been at least two hours since your baby's last feeding, he could be ready for another meal. He may open and close his mouth or start sucking on his hand--these are sure signs that his tummy needs filling.

2. Focus on fatigue. If you notice your child is not active, seems bored with her toys, rubs her eyes a lot, or yawns repeatedly, it may be time for a nap.

3. Prevent boredom. Has your baby been in his bouncy seat for 20 minutes while you talk on the phone? He may need some Mommy time--or something new to touch.

4. Combat loneliness. If your child falls asleep in your arms and then wakes up crying soon after you put her down, she's probably confused. Sobbing is her way of saying she misses the warmth of your embrace or wants you to pick her up.

5. Be aware of colic. If your baby cries for three hours or more every day for at least a week, she has colic. Most pediatricians believe colic is caused by reflux, gas, or other digestive problems. It usually begins when a child is three to six-weeks old and ends by the time she hits three months.

Soothing Strategies

6. Get him going. Infants like repetitive, rhythmic motion, such as rocking and swinging. Many moms instinctively begin to sway while holding a fussy baby--and for good reason--the movement feels similar to what life felt like when he was in the womb. Other ways to use motion to calm your child: put him in a baby carrier, a bouncy seat, an infant swing, a stroller, or strap him into his infant car seat and go for a drive.

7. Make some 'white' noise. Imitating the sounds your baby heard when still inside you can calm her down. Any white noise will do, such as the sound of a vacuum, a hair dryer, static from a radio, an air filter or an air conditioner.

8. Try mellow music. There's a reason why lullabies have been passed down through the ages. Sing one of the classics, or make up your own tune. If you are not musically inclined, you can also play soft, soothing CDs.

9. Wrap her up. Swaddling mimics the tight confines of the womb and calms many infants down. Make sure the blanket you use is large enough to wrap her properly and check periodically to make sure your child isn't overheated.

10. Massage. Stroke your baby's skin and try patting and rolling it lightly. Use a calming lavender-scented oil, lotion or gel.

11. Let her suck. The most natural pacifier is your breast, but when she's had enough to eat, comfort her with a Binky, a teething toy or a clean finger.

12. Find a fan. A little breeze is a great way to distract your infant. Attach a portable fan to your stroller, or pack one in your diaper bag. If you have a ceiling fan at home, you're in luck--babies are fascinated by watching the blades turn.

13. Switch holding positions. Most infants prefer to be held on their side because this is how they floated in the womb. So, sometimes it just takes a slight tweak in the way you hold your baby. Try the reverse breastfeeding hold: have your infant face outward, and support her head with your hand as her feet rest against the inside of your elbow. Bounce or rock her to enhance the calming effect. Dads often prefer the football hold, which requires a bit more arm strength but is amazingly effective at silencing a fussy baby. Rest your child with her stomach across your forearm, her arms and legs straddled limply, and her head sideways, face out, in your palm.