How fast do you move when you hear your baby cry? Most parents acquire stealth speed and can hear their little one from a mile away. No one likes to hear a baby cry. However newborns are especially good at it, it’s the only way they know to get your attention. In the first few weeks while you, as parents are trying to find our parenting groove (and you will), here is a list of many, many suggestions of things that can help you calm your baby’s cries. You will find in short order that your baby will have a few favorites that will work 98% of the time. But remember too that babies only way to relieve stress is to cry. So sometimes when nothing seems to be working and you know baby is fed, clean, healthy, and safe, give yourself permission to take a time out. Put baby safely in their bed and give yourself a few minutes to regroup and take a breath. Then you will be good to pick up this list again and try some other things that may help bring calm back in the mix. So when you know baby is fed, clean and dry, not too hot or cold and not in discomfort, then you can pull out this list and give some a try.
1. Go for a walk
2. Swaddle
3. Rock in a chair
4. Sway standing up
5. Gently bounce on the exercise ball while holding baby snuggly in your arms
6. Use the baby swing
7. White noise (shhh shhh shhh in your baby’s ear works good too)
8. Vacuum (the noise is magic)
9. Get singing (or play some music)
10. Go for a car ride
11. Dance
13. Use a sling, wrap or other carrier
14. Massage
15. Tummy hold
16. Bicycle legs (another massage technique)
17. Bath
18. Distraction
19. Eliminate any external stimulation
20. “I love you” Massage technique
21. snuggle
22. Go out in nature
23. Rock in a cradle or carseat
24. Use a steady rhythm in your movement or bouncing
25. Know your limits and lean on another family member for support
Use this list when you are in a pinch and you need a little inspiration to bring back your happy baby.
