How to Calm a Crying Baby
There's nothing more heart-wrenching—and, let's face it, sometimes nerve-wracking—than a wailing infant. Here are a few ways to soothe your sweet little crybaby.
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You Will Need
- A crying baby
- As much patience as you can muster
- A bottle for the baby (optional) (optional)
- A pacifier (optional) (optional)
- Music or noise that's soothing to your baby, like humming (optional) (optional)
- An exercise ball (optional) (optional)
- A warm bath (optional) (optional)
- And a baby toy (optional) (optional)
Steps
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No matter how frustrated you get, NEVER, EVER shake a crying baby--just a few seconds of jostling can cause serious brain damage. If you can't take anymore, put baby down in a safe place, leave the room, and let her scream while you calm yourself down.
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Step 1
Try to find reason
Check all the obvious reasons the baby might be crying. In babies under 3 months old, crying is almost always a sign of physical need--she may be hungry or gassy or wet or hot or just plain uncomfortable. So offer a breast or bottle, burp her, check her diaper, make sure her clothes aren't pinching, and so on.
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Step 2
Offer pacifier or thumb
Offer the baby a pacifier, help her find her thumb, or slip your own clean pinkie into her mouth, nail side down.
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Step 3
Make soothing noises
Make some soothing noises. Sing, hum, or gently shush her. Some babies may also be calmed by the sound of a running faucet, a radio set on static, a recording of nature sounds or white noise--even the steady hum of the vacuum cleaner.
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Step 4
Try movement
Try movement. Take her outside for a walk or a car ride, gently dance with her in your arms or a sling, rock her side-to-side, or just walk around the room.
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If you just can't make another lap around the room, try sitting on an exercise ball and gently bouncing while holding your baby.
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Step 5
Try massage or bath
Try massaging her or putting her in a warm, soothing bath.
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For babies who become invigorated by a massage or bath, it's best not to use these methods to try to soothe them while crying.
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Step 6
Change scenery
Change the scenery. Give her something new to look at, by turning on the ceiling fan or showing her a toy. And remember to stay calm and patient--after all, she can't cry forever.
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The average newborn cries 2 hours per day--an infant who cries inconsolably at least 3 hours a day for at least 3 days a week probably has colic and will outgrow it by 3 months.
