How to Help A Sad Baby

There is nothing more upsetting for a new parent than a sad baby. You naturally want your baby to be happy all the time, but this is impossible. Babies cry to communicate a wide variety of feelings to you. Read on to learn specific ways to help your fussy baby.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience, not only with your sad baby, but also with yourself. Go easy on you.
• A rocking chair

1. Take your sad baby in your arms and hold her and stroke her hair and coo softly to her. Many times, a baby that is fussing or crying simply wants to be held by you more than anything else in the world.

2. Check your baby’s diaper. Some babies despise sitting in a wet or soiled diaper even for a few moments. They find the sensation to be extremely irritating to their sensitive skin. Changing your baby (calmly but quickly) into a clean, fresh diaper can be very soothing for a little one who desperately hates being in dirty diapers even briefly.

3. If your baby sucks his thumb or a pacifier in order to soothe himself, gently bring his thumb (or pacifier) to his lips to calm him (and just to remind him that this is something that typically works well for him as a self soothing method).

4. Rock your sad baby in a rocking chair. Many babies find this gentle, repetitive motion extremely soothing. They also enjoy the feeling of being held by you while rocking as it makes them feel secure and well loved. Also, if your baby is tired, this can help her drift off to sleep.

5. Maybe your baby is hungry. Offer to nurse your baby (if you are breastfeeding) or offer a bottle, and then cradle your baby gently and talk softly to her throughout the entire feeding. This will often do the trick.

6. Make sure your baby is warm enough. (Some babies like to be swaddled or zipped into a "baby sack.") Many parents dress their babies in layers to keep them warm. Socks are helpful, as are hats, since a lot of body heat escapes through the head and feet. A warm baby is often a happy baby.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes it can be very challenging to comfort a fussy or sad baby. All babies have their moments when they are seemingly inconsolable. If you ever need a little break, be sure to ask your spouse for some assistance. (And remember, every new parent needs breaks from time to time in order to "keep their cool" and preserve their sanity.)

[anixon84]

on 1/16/2009 I love the baby sacks, lol! Great article!

[veryirie]

on 1/15/2009 This article made me really miss the days years ago when my kids were babies. You have excellent tips to help a baby that is crying. Good job!

[sunshine11219]

on 1/14/2009 great baby tips

[Allyn]

on 1/14/2009 Thanks.

[MommyTeach]

on 1/14/2009 My first baby cried a lot because of colic- which I didn't know about. My second cried because she is hungry or tired or because she bumped herself. Great tips 5*