According to Dr. William Sears, babies fuss because they need something. Parenting a fussy or high-need baby can be both physically and emotionally draining, especially when a child remains unsatisfied despite your best efforts to comfort or console him. Although it is not easy to comfort a fussy baby, there are some techniques you can use to try to calm your baby. Physical nearness, soothing sounds, visual distractions and rhythmic motions can help quiet a fussy baby.
Step 1
Carry your baby in a sling at least three or four hours a day. Sears cites research showing that babies who are carried more cry less often. This is especially comforting to a high-need baby, because your walking motion mimics the familiar rhythm of being in the womb. A baby sling surrounds your baby with something familiar, even when she is not at home.
Step 2
Take your baby for a walk when he fusses. He might find the motion calming, whether you put him in a sling or a stroller. Also, just like adults, babies sometimes need a change of scenery.
Step 3
Soothe your baby with sounds. Babies usually find rhythmic, humming, low-pitched noises calming. Common sounds around the house such as the noise from a fan, ticking clock and vacuum cleaner, or the vibrating sound of a washing machine or water dripping from a faucet might help your baby to fall asleep. You also can buy a machine that makes white noise, such as the sound of waves or wind.
Step 4
Relax your high-need baby with a massage. Even babies who seem to be overstimulated by touch often find the gentle touches of massage soothing as it loosens tense muscles.
Step 5
Nurse your high-need baby while reclining in a warm bath. Fill the tub half full. Leave the tub drain part way open and the faucet running. The drip from the faucet provides a soothing sound and keeps the bath water warm. Place your baby's tummy against your chest and tummy while she nurses. Your baby might find the slight floating sensation soothing.
Step 6
Stimulate your baby visually. There are lots of things around your home that can distract a fussy baby. Images on the television, other children and pets playing, fish in an aquarium, tree leaves rustling in a breeze, shadows on a wall, clock pendulums swinging, and ceiling lights are just some of the diversions that can catch your baby's attention and calm him, at least temporarily.
Things You'll Need
- Baby sling
