A fussy baby is an uncomfortable baby. Crying is your baby’s way of getting your attention and alerting you to his needs. Babies cry for a variety of reasons, including hunger, pain and overstimulation. Techniques to soothe your baby depend on the reason for his discomfort. Once you figure out why he's crying, you can use soothing techniques to calm him.
Step 1
Cuddle your baby. Cuddling soothes a crying baby, especially when he is able to hear your heartbeat and voice, as well as see your face, according to Alberta Health Services in Canada.
Step 2
Feed your baby. Recognizing when your baby's hungry can help with the soothing process, according to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children in Orem, Utah. If your baby is putting his hands in his mouth, turning his head toward your hand when you touch his face or smacking his lips, a warm bottle of formula or breast milk will probably soothe him.
Step 3
Soothe your gassy baby by putting him on his back and gently rotating his legs as if he is riding a bicycle. This motion will help soothe and relax his gassy belly. The informational website Help Guide says that babies who have problems with gas, also known as colic, usually cry uncontrollably for more than three hours a day, at least three times a week.
Step 4
Rub your baby’s gums to soothe him if he is teething. According to the parenting website Baby Center, rubbing your fingers over his gums can help. A cold washcloth or rubber teething ring can also soothe sore gums.
Step 5
Move your baby to a quiet place he shows signs of overstimulation. Dr. Kyle Pruett, a Newton, Mass., child psychiatrist, says that aside from crying, an overstimulated baby will arch his back and close his eyes instead of making eye contact. Retreating to a quiet area will help soothe your baby and calm his crying.
Tips and Warnings
- Switch to a sling, when your arms feel weak and tired while holding your baby. The sling will support your baby and keep him close to your body.
- Do not ignore your baby’s crying. Always check on a crying baby to rule out signs of danger. The website Kids Health says that persistent crying, fussiness and excess gas can be a sign of a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. Therefore, it is a good idea to consult your pediatrician.
Things You'll Need
- Cold cloth or teething ring
- Formula or breast milk
- Sling
- Simethicone drops
