10 ways to calm a fussy baby

Crying is your baby’s first means of communication. By crying, your baby is communicating with you, a need that should be met.

The best way to respond to a crying baby, is by attention. The more attention a baby gets, the more secure he will be and the more he will trust you to tend to his needs.

Babies cry because

Babies cry for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons are;

• Hunger
• Discomfort (such as gas or cramps)
• Tiredness
• Boredom
• Loneliness
• A dirty nappy
• Illness

Calming a fussy baby

Most times, if you work through the list above, you will be able to calm your baby. But, if you have tried feeding your baby, changing his nappy, cuddling him and entertaining him and he will still not settle, then try one (or all, depending on how desperate your are) of these calming methods…

1. Change your baby’s scenery. Go for a walk, even if it’s just in the garden for a few minutes.
2. Offer your baby a dummy or pacifier. Babies are born with an inherent need to suck and do so as a self soothing mechanism.
3. Hit the re-set button. Strip your baby down to his nappy and climb into a warm bath with him.
4. Place him on his tummy and gently massage his back.
5. Play soothing sounds such as lullabies or womb sounds.
6. Swaddle him and cuddle him tightly so that he feels a sense of security.
7. Place your baby on his back and move his legs in a bicycle motion which might help him to pass any trapped wind.
8. Motion is your best friend. Take your baby for a drive until he falls asleep – guaranteed it won’t be a long drive.
9. Put your baby in a sling or carrier. Sometimes feeling your heartbeat will be enough to calm him.
10. Divert his attention. Showing him something new might encourage him to forget what was bothering him in the first place

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Lara Bestbier

Writer. Creative. Word-nerd. Aspiring photographer. Old wife. Brand new member of the elite society called mommy-hood. Mom to the only drama queen more demanding than me. “Life’s too short to keep a straight face”.

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