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How to Calm a Crying Baby: Simple (and Surprising) Solutions

Baby Milestones Fisher-Price Smilestones Tips for Parents

May 18, 2023

No time to read? No problem.

If you and your baby are going through it right now, try this:

  • Take them to a dim-lit or dark room
  • Play white noise or make ‘shushing’ sounds
  • Rock, sway or a take them on a little walk wherever you are

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“Why is my baby crying, again?!” It’s a question every parent has asked themselves many times. As a child development expert, I’ve worked with so many moms and dads who have experienced the same soothing struggle that you’re going through right now. And, as a parent, I also have firsthand fussy baby experience. So, please know that what you—and your baby—are going through is totally normal. While I’m sure it’s helpful to hear you’re not alone, I know what you really need are some tips for when you are alone with your baby, at 3 a.m., during a cry-fest. And I’m happy to help.

Below you’ll find some info, techniques and tools that I’ve picked up through my work as a child development specialist and in my other full-time job as a mom. Take a look, try some things out and see what works best for you and your baby.

READ FULL ARTICLE BELOW

Why do babies cry and why is soothing so important?

For the first 12 months of life a baby has little to no language skills, so crying is their primary way of communicating. Babies cry for all sorts of reasons—hunger, gas, a dirty diaper, need for a change of scenery or some snuggles, overstimulation… the list goes on.

Soothing your baby and showing them how to self-soothe helps them slowly build the skills to regulate their emotions. Learning these behaviors sets them up to successfully cope with tired and cranky feelings in the future.

1. Rock or bounce your baby gently.

This comforts them because it reminds them of the motions experienced in their first home—a cozy, warm belly.

2. Play soft music or white noise.

Sound machine soothers help calm your newborn by blocking out other noises and reminding them of that same first home.

3. Let them chomp & chew.

It’s natural for babies to explore and self-soothe with their mouths. Look for teething toys with a variety of textures and chewable materials that stimulate the sucking reflex.

4. Center their focus with calming visuals.

Soft lights, a shiny mirror or slowly spinning animal pals on an overhead mobile will catch their eye and calm them down when overstimulated.

Surprising soothing tips

Maybe your baby isn’t responding to the typical soothing methods (that’s ok—every baby is different). I’ve learned tons of unique methods while working with families and through trial and error with my own little ones. Try these tips to help calm your baby.

1. Face your baby away from you.

You know when you’re irritable and just want to be left alone? Your baby is the same way, and your face can add to their overstimulation. Try taking them to a quiet, dim room, cradle them with their back to your belly, sway and make soft shushing sounds.

2. Give some good vibrations.

Gentle vibrations remind your baby of their time in that cozy belly. This comforts them and may even help them sleep longer! Seriously, bassinets with built-in vibes are a game changer.

3. Co-regulate, AKA share the calm.

It can be hard to stay calm, especially during late-night cry sessions, but try your best by taking deep breaths while holding your baby close to your chest. As they feel you calm down, they begin to relax too—and learn how to regulate their own little body.

4. Just sing anything.

Softly sing while rocking your little one. Don’t know the words? That’s okay, they don’t either! I love to sing “ma ma ma” or “da da da” to a familiar tune like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It keeps me from stumbling on the words and introduces my baby to the sounds they’ll use to call me “mama!”

1. Face your baby away from you.

You know when you’re irritable and just want to be left alone? Your baby is the same way, and your face can add to their overstimulation. Try taking them to a quiet, dim room, cradle them with their back to your belly, sway and make soft shushing sounds.

2. Give some good vibrations.

Gentle vibrations remind your baby of their time in that cozy belly. This comforts them and may even help them sleep longer! Seriously, bassinets with built-in vibes are a game changer.

3. Co-regulate, AKA share the calm.

It can be hard to stay calm, especially during late-night cry sessions, but try your best by taking deep breaths while holding your baby close to your chest. As they feel you calm down, they begin to relax too—and learn how to regulate their own little body.

4. Just sing anything.

Softly sing while rocking your little one. Don’t know the words? That’s okay, they don’t either! I love to sing “ma ma ma” or “da da da” to a familiar tune like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. It keeps me from stumbling on the words and introduces my baby to the sounds they’ll use to call me “mama!”

My baby still won’t calm down—why?

I get it, I’ve been there (and many nights, still am). We don’t always know why our babies cry. If your baby won’t calm down, don’t blame yourself. Self-soothing is a complicated process, and some little ones take more time to figure it out than others. If you have specific concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

Jul 17, 2024

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