Babies cry because that's the only way they have to communicate with us. They have different cries to express different "problems" and as new mothers we might not understand them all at once. It takes time, but soon you'll know if your baby is crying because he is wet, hungry, afraid or sick. Hearing a baby cry can be nerve wracking, especially if you can't soothe him and make him stop. It really messes up with your nervous system. Don't despair because help is on its way!
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We are going to show you how to soothe a crying baby. Learn to spot the clues so you know what to do to make him calm down. Things like a warm bath or the sound of running water will calm a baby, but sometimes days don't go that smoothly. Watch the slideshow!
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Let him see your face
Your baby’s favorite thing in the world is your face and that might be all he needs to feel safe. If your baby is crying don’t put him on your shoulder, lay him on your arms and let his eyes focus on yours. Remember that he has very few things to comfort himself and you are his favorite.
Change the formula
If your baby cries uncontrollably after you fed him, he might be allergic to the formula. If this is the case other soothing methods won't help. Tell your pediatrician so he can change the formula to a soy based one. You’ll know if your baby is allergic because he screams when he cries.
Bright colors
Your baby’s vision is not too developed. He can only see bright primary colors. Yellow is a perfect soothing color for a restless baby who needs a little stimulation. Keep a yellow, orange or red toy, blanket or mobile on his crib so he can get distracted.
Turn down the volume!
Everything was very quiet inside the womb. Sounds were distant and faint and your voice was the sound he heard the most. Keep things quiet around your newborn because his inner ear is not fully developed and he hears everything louder and in stereo. Loud sounds might scare him and make him nervous!
Bare skin only!
The best way to soothe a restless baby is with a touch. Lay him on your bare skin and let him feel the familiar warmth and heat he felt while he was in the womb. You’ll see how quickly he calms down and if you rub his back gently, he will fall sleep.
Familiar scent
The most familiar scent for your baby is yours. Sometimes he only needs to smell you to know that you are there and feel calm. Don’t change perfumes or try new creams or soaps, he might feel confused. If you leave him with a sitter, place a blanket with your scent in his crib so he can feel comforted.
Similar diet
Just because your newborn is out in the world, it doesn't mean that you are off the hook with your pregnancy diet. If you are breastfeeding, you should keep the same diet to avoid upsetting your baby's stomach. If your baby is irritable right after feeding him is because you ate something that he didn't like. Try to eat similar foods to prevent crying!
Hug him
The baby was in a protected environment for at least 36 weeks and suddenly he is out getting lots of attention. He might be suffering from an acute case of sensory overload and he needs to know he is safe. You know your home is the best place for him, but he doesn’t know that. Stop everything you are doing and hold him. He needs to know you are there.
