Few sounds are more distressing than the relentless screams of a baby, especially if she's your baby. Many babies cry or fuss when they're feeling unwell or tired. If your crying baby is able to calm down and sleep after some soothing and reassurance, it's probably nothing to be concerned about. However, according to the website Healthy Children, you should consult your doctor if your baby's crying continues for a continuous period of more than two hours, or if it persists off and on for more than two days.
Step 1
Soothe and reassure. When your baby screams and cries, counteract this with calming gestures. Speak in a relaxing voice as you stroke his back, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you think your baby needs to be held, hold him gently and quietly in a horizontal position, according to Healthy Children. Keep the environment relaxing, with dim lights and calm, soothing music.
Step 2
Try a pacifier rather than breastfeeding. Although breastfeeding your baby to sleep might seem to make sense, conditioning your baby to expect this could pose problems later on, according to Kids Health. Your child might come to feel dependent on breastfeeding to take naps or sleep. Instead, try using a pacifier to soothe your crying baby and help her sleep. Pacifiers also might reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, if the pacifier falls out of your baby's mouth in her sleep, she might start crying again.
Step 3
Consider discontinuing cold medicines, if you have been giving them to your baby. According to Healthy Children, certain antihistamine medications can cause irritability and screaming in some babies, and the common decongestant pseudoephedrine can cause crying and nervousness. Speak to your pediatrician before discontinuing medications your child may need.
Step 4
Be prepared to let your baby fuss. According to Kids Health, some babies cry themselves to sleep or even fuss or cry while half-asleep. Once you've created a comfortable environment for your baby to sleep, try simply letting him cry for a bit until he settles down and falls asleep. This is often difficult to do, but it helps your child learn how to soothe himself back to sleep without help.
Things You'll Need
- Pacifier
