How to soothe a crying baby? In this article, we provide advice on how to calm a baby down.
Expert Insights from Dr Danuta Chrzanowska-Liszewska, Specialist in Paediatrics and Neonatology
#Offer a Soother
#Change a Diaper
Your little one is crying because that's how they c#Change a Diaperommunicate their needs. Understanding an infant isn't always easy, especially as there could be multiple reasons for their crying. Stay calm and try to address their needs. Once you identify these needs, you'll be able to soothe your baby more quickly.
A newborn thrives on closeness and a feeling of security. Whether your baby is crying due to feeling cold, being wet, or requiring a diaper or clothing change, you can provide comfort by gently cradling them in your arms. Embrace your little one, sing and talk soothingly to them. Your voice will have a calming effect. Softly stroke your baby's skin, take a leisurely walk around the room together, and maintain close physical contact, as this can greatly alleviate stress in infants. Another approach is to lie down with your baby on the bed, gently stroking their back or tummy. As they begin to settle, take a moment to explore the potential reasons for their crying.
Hunger is the most common cause of crying in newborns. After birth, a baby's stomach is incredibly small, which is why they often express their need to be fed. If your baby is whimpering, turning their head, sucking on their fingers, and displaying signs of searching for the breast, it's a clear indication that they're seeking a meal. Bring them to your breast and nurse them. If they become calmer, it suggests that they were indeed hungry or thirsty.
Is your little one showing interest in the breast, yet not actively feeding? Do they nod off with the nipple in their mouth and fuss when you attempt to remove it? Some babies have a strong sucking need, leading them to desire continuous oral stimulation.
When you take the breast away from your baby's mouth, they might start looking for an alternative. Nonetheless, using a thumb isn't the best choice. It's firm, can impact the alignment of teeth and palate, and lacks proper hygiene. Unlike a thumb, a soother can be controlled and gradually reduced if the baby becomes dependent on it due to their intense sucking urge.
A quality soother provides suitable stimulation, helps regulate emotions, and restores a feeling of security. If your little one has a strong sucking urge and, like most infants, displays a need for non-nutritive sucking, consider offering them a soother. When selecting a soother, opt for one that doesn’t impede the sucking reflex and ensures safety for their developing bite.
For a newborn, the ideal soother material is durable silicone. Silicone is tasteless, odourless, retains its original shape and colour, is hypoallergenic, and provides the appropriate level of firmness. A trustworthy soother should not disrupt the natural sucking reflex; it should stretch and contract as needed. Ideally, its design should resemble that of a nipple. The soother's shield should be well-contoured, allowing the baby to breathe comfortably while sucking. Additionally, the shield should feature holes to prevent irritation. Before purchasing a soother, ensure that your chosen option is constructed from BPA-free materials.
Practically all children find it enjoyable. Rocking provides a calming and soothing effect – it's an instinctive comfort for a baby. A newborn accustomed to motion might feel uneasy when placed in a stationary crib. While in the womb, each of your movements naturally created a gentle sway for them.
Carrying and rocking your baby in a bouncer, stroller, or cradle stimulates their brain's vestibular system. Children who receive the right amount of this stimulation tend to be calmer, develop more rapidly, and display enhanced focus. When your little one cries, consider soothing them by rocking them gently to sleep. This method is not only effective but also contributes positively to their overall development.
A wet diaper often triggers crying. A baby's skin is incredibly sensitive and susceptible to developing rashes. Irritated skin can cause discomfort and pain. Whenever your little one cries, take a moment to ensure their diaper isn't wet. It's recommended to change the diaper every 3-4 hours, regardless of how absorbent it is. As your baby matures, you can gradually decrease the frequency of diaper changes.
Your little one's crying could be a reaction to feeling either excessively cold or warm. To assess if they might be too hot, check their neck for signs of sweat and warmth. Conversely, cold skin may indicate they're feeling chilly. Keep in mind that babies’ hands and feet often feel cold due to their developing circulatory system, which isn't typically a cause for worry.
During the initial month of life, a baby's capability to regulate temperature gradually develops. An overheated baby might encounter difficulties in cooling down naturally. Contrary to common belief, it's better for them to experience a slightly cooler environment rather than risk overheating. While maintaining a warmer setting is essential immediately after birth, once you're at home, refrain from excessive heating and overloading with layers of clothing. The recommended temperature range is 20-22ºC (68-72ºF), while during sleep, 18-19ºC (64-66ºF) is optimal.
Given that newborns spend the majority of their time lying down, it's important for their clothing to provide comfort. If your baby is crying, consider changing their position – you can try placing them on their tummy or resting them on your chest. This intimate closeness will offer them a sense of warmth and the soothing rhythm of your breath. Make sure that the new onesies don't have uncomfortable seams on the back or irritating tags that could disrupt their rest.
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