How to Soothe a Crying Newborn
Since newborns are incapable of speech, the only form of conveying their unhappiness is through crying. As soon as parents hear a newborn's cry, they instinctively want to soothe and comfort. This is often much harder than it seems to achieve. However, babies cry in order to receive basic needs that a parent can provide. Make sure your baby does not want any basic needs before attempting to further soothe a baby.
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Instructions
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Check to see if your newborn is hungry. A hungry newborns might smack his lips, put a hand near his mouth or turn towards to your hand if you stroke his cheeks. Make sure to also burp your baby after feeding, as gassy babies tend to cry.
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Change your newborn's diaper as soon as necessary. A dirty diaper can be uncomfortable, causing the baby to cry. If your baby constantly pulls at his diapers or picks at the waistband, try another brand of diaper or see if his skin is irritated underneath.
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Check your newborn's skin to see if they are cold or sweaty. Newborns cry if they are too hot or too cold. Add or remove clothing depending on your baby's body temperature.
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Wrap a blanket around your baby to swaddle him. The blanket should be snug around his body.
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Place your baby's ear close to your mouth and make a loud shushing noise. You can also turn on a fan or create white noise in order to calm your baby down.
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Hold and turn your baby on their side or stomach. This simple change of position can sometimes calm your baby.
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Hold your baby. Some babies simply want to be held. A sling may help easy tired arms if your baby likes to constantly be held.
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Rock your baby if they need motion to help soothe them. A glider or rocking chair can help ease your baby into sleeping.
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Tips & Warnings
Take your baby's temperature to rule out a fever.
Check your baby's arms, legs, fingers and toes to check for any discomfort.
References
Resources
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