Soothing a Crying Baby

Swaddling keeps your little bundle feeling cozy, secure, and, well, bundled. Experts think swaddling soothes babies because it creates a womb-like feeling. Whatever the reason, many parents find swaddling helps their babies settle down faster and sleep longer.

Some babies will be happier with their arms left out of the swaddle, either because they self-soothe by sucking their fingers or because they just like their freedom. You can easily leave their arms out of the swaddle by placing them with the blanket's top edge at armpit level (instead of chin-level).

Babies often soothe themselves with nonnutritive sucking — that is, the kind that doesn't fill their tummies but does calm their nerves. If your baby is crying, help her find her thumb, fist, or finger ("Wow, it's right here!"), or simply offer your own pinkie for a stint, and she might reward you by not only quieting down but nodding off for a nap. Binkies or pacifiers (aptly named because they really do pacify) can also do the trick, though you might want to consider waiting until breastfeeding is well established before introducing one.

Wearing your baby and walking around is a great way to soothe him. Your baby will enjoy the feeling of closeness and the rhythm of your steps. And as an extra bonus, your hands remain free for multitasking (laundry or dinner prep anyone?). Have your baby face your body in a front-pack carrier for the first three months when he needs the extra head support. Or use a sling — which is great for on-the-go nursing and can convert to a side or back hold when your baby gets older. If your baby balks at being in a sling or front carrier at first, don't give up on it entirely. Some babies who don't like to be facing backward come to love it when it's time to face forward and see the world.

Rocking a baby in a rocking chair or glider is probably one of life's most cherished and time-honored rituals (don't miss it!) — not to mention a deeply calming experience for both of you. Modern parenting offers some hands-free rocking options too: When your baby is fussing, consider putting her in a motorized baby swing, vibrating bouncy seat, or automatic cradle. Be sure to follow manufacturer's safety directions for the age and weight restrictions for these devices. And try not to let your baby get in the habit of nodding off in them because she might become dependent on the motion to fall asleep over time. Instead, let her get to the brink of sleep, and then transfer her to her crib.

What's that noise all about? It might be your baby's internal dinner bell ringing (okay, screeching!) — again. If you suspect that your little fusspot is hungry, offer him your breast or a bottle and try not to get too hung up on eating schedules. Remember that your baby will experience major growth spurts, typically at three, six, and 12 weeks (give or take — remember, your baby has his own agenda), which will increase his hunger. When you're nursing, the extra demand is what will spur your milk supply to keep up with your baby's growing appetite. So, if the question is, "Can he really be hungry, again?" the answer is often a resounding YES!

Some babies calm down to rhythmic whooshing sounds, so experiment with white noise if your child is fussy. Turning on a vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, or fan may work to block out other more random noises that can startle a baby who is trying to settle down. Or invest in a special white-noise machine or mobile. No gadgets handy? Try shushing, literally: "Shhhhhh…shhhh…"

Your baby has no idea whether you sing off-key or in perfect pitch. What she does know is that Mom or Dad is present and accounted for whenever she's being crooned to. So the next time she's cranky, sing her a tried-and-true lullaby, or a cheesy Eighties power ballad, or whatever tune comes to mind. She'll be comforted just by the sound of your voice, the first one she's ever known.

If your baby usually responds to baths by chilling out, fill up that tub with warm water, and make it a regular part of his get-calm routine. Add a few drops of a lavender- or chamomile-infused soap to the water, and the bath may go a long way toward soothing not only your baby but you as well. (Note: Some babies become stimulated by all that splish-splashing. If this describes your little one to a tee, schedule your baby's bath time before playtime instead.)

Massaging your baby can be a wonderfully relaxing ritual for both of you and a great way to calm your little one's cries. You can experiment with lotion or special baby massage oils, though neither is necessary. Use a gentle touch, but firm enough not to be ticklish. Stroke her chest from the center outward and make small circles on her stomach, around her belly button. Gently roll her arms and legs between your hands, taking turns with each limb, or try alternating your hands in a "milking" motion as you stroke each limb from her core to her extremity. Then unfurl her little fists and rub her palms and fingers. Massage the soles of her feet and uncurl her toes too. Turn her on her tummy (if she doesn't balk in that position) and stroke her back from side to side, then up and down. Ah…

Sometimes when your baby is crying inconsolably what he needs is more pressure. No, really. Pressure on baby's tummy can relieve gas, and gas is thought to be one of the major causes of ordinary crankiness and even colic. Try the "colic carry": Lay your baby on his tummy on your forearm, cradling his head in your hand. Use your other hand to stabilize him and rub his back. You can also try laying him across your lap, with one knee in his tummy and the other supporting his head. Or hold him upright, with his abdomen on your shoulder, while you rub and pat his little back. Another gas reliever: Lay him on his back and push his knees up to his tummy for ten seconds. Release and repeat. Burp!

Fresh air can work wonders for a cranky baby (and her bedraggled mom). And while it may feel beyond your powers to get ready for a walk while your child is fussing (Where's the stroller? Where's the diaper bag? How do I get her into her coat?), you won't be sorry if you persevere. The change in light, air, temperature, sights, sounds, and smells all are likely to improve your baby's (and your) disposition. And the motion may be all she needs to calm right down.

Even young babies can get bored (it's true!). And boredom can be the source of their fussiness. To keep your little one entertained, try narrating your actions, replete with silly noises and over-the-top expressions (think Jim Carrey). Or sit on the floor with him and show him how his toys rattle and spin. Some babies love to look at and listen to you read a simple rhyming board book, while others get the giggles if you turn on some tunes and dance with them.

If overstimulation is what's making your baby fussy, take everything down a few notches. Dim the lights, turn off the music, put your phone on vibrate, and show Aunt Linda to the door. Remember just how utterly new and potentially overwhelming everything is to your baby, and know that there will be other days for flashy toys and noisy well-wishers. If your baby is colicky, it is especially important to keep things calm and quiet in the late afternoon and evening, when colic is often at its peak.

What do you do to calm your fussy baby? Share your tips!