5 Ways to Soothe a Fussy Baby
Your baby is crying. You’ve fed them. They’ve burped. Their diaper is clean and dry. You’ve checked their clothes to make sure nothing is pinching or rubbing.
They are being a baby. And sometimes babies cry for no discernible reason. Often they are overstimulated or tired, but have wound themselves up too much to sleep.
These moments are so hard and it is difficult to problem solve when you are exhausted, frazzled, and stressed! Next time this happens, try one of these tactics!
5 ways to soothe a fussy baby:
Take a brisk walk outside. Get that baby into a baby carrier you love and take a brisk walk around your neighborhood. Breathe in the fresh air. Bonus if you can get your heart rate up a little bit (don’t overdo it!). Endorphins can help you get back into your calm, thinking brain, which will in turn help baby regulate too.
Try a baby carrier. If the weather is too cold or rainy for a walk, get your baby close to you in a carrier. The carrier will help free up your arms and help your baby feel cozy and secure. Go about your business--wash dishes, put away laundry, prep dinner, or forget about your messy house and just watch Schitt’s Creek while pacing your living room (I have 100% done this).
Have a dance party! Put on some upbeat music you love. Sing along and move your body! Babies love music and they especially love to hear you sing. Sometimes a change in activity alone will help calm your baby, and if it doesn’t, it’s almost guaranteed to help you feel a bit better!
Try bouncing on an exercise ball. Up and down movement is very soothing for babies. But I’m not talking about a gentle little bounce. Think “riding a cantering horse” levels of bouncing. You can hold your baby in your arms while you do this, or try it with your baby in a carrier. You could even swaddle your baby before doing this so they feel extra secure and maybe, just maybe, you could lay them down in their bassinet once they fall asleep?
Listen. Sometimes babies need to offload stress, and crying is the only way they can do it. Instead of trying to make them stop, listen to them like you would an upset friend. Set a timer for 2-5 minutes. Take a big deep breath and a drink of water. Sit down in a comfortable chair. Hold your baby and listen to their cries, without trying to soothe them with bouncing or a pacifier or feeding. If it helps you stay calm, you can say things like: “I hear you. It is so hard to be a baby. You are upset. I hear you. I’m right here.” I tried to do this at least once a day when my babies were newborns, and I swear it helped.
This phase can be so hard. Remember you are doing a great job and that YOU are the best parent for your baby. You can do this!
Looking for more support and tips like this? I offer virtual postpartum doula support. Contact me to learn more!
