How to Stop a Crying Baby

A baby’s cry is really a form of communication. It’s your child’s only way to tell you what he needs, from being uncomfortable to being hungry. The only way to understand and determine what the cry is about is to respond. Responding helps him feel secure and puts you that much closer to solving the baby-crying mystery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Run through a crying checklist. Is she hungry? Is she having a bowel movement? Is she uncomfortable? Is she unwell? Is she overtired? Does she need a cuddle or is she colicky?
2. When a baby cries, he tends to arch his head and stiffen his legs, so sometimes just changing positions helps. Holding him curved into a C or flexed position can help calm him down.
3. Wrap her up and hold her close. You can swaddle your baby in a blanket or a baby sling using either a front carrier or a backpack. This way, she is held nice and close while your hands are free to do whatever you want. The idea is to help the newborn feel warm and secure as she did in the womb.
4. Give him something to suck on. Sucking has many benefits, which includes steadying his heart rate, relaxing his stomach and calming his flailing limbs.
5. Play soft music or some other sort of rhythmic sound. White noise such as the sound of a vacuum cleaner or a washer and dryer work well with babies. It is a consistent sound that just keeps repeating itself and kids love it.
6. Take him outside. Put him in a stroller and take him for a walk. The exercise has the added benefit of making you feel better also. You can also put him in a car seat and take him for a drive.
7. Give her a massage. Most babies love to be touched, so a massage is just what the doctor ordered. Rub her tummy and her back. Your movements don’t really matter, just as long as you are gentle and slow. The good thing about a massage is that it also helps ease gas pains.