Welcoming a newborn is undoubtedly one of the most exhilarating experiences in life, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges.
Among these, soothing a crying baby can be one of the most daunting tasks for new parents.
Every baby is unique, and while there is no magic solution that works for all, several tried-and-tested tips can guide parents in calming their little ones.
Here’s a look at some effective strategies that may help soothe your fussy baby.
Skin-to-skin contact
Holding your baby close against your skin is not only comforting but also helps regulate their body temperature and heart rate.
For breastfeeding moms, this contact encourages bonding and can stimulate milk production.
Swaddling
This age-old technique involves wrapping your baby snugly in a soft blanket.
It mimics the comforting feeling of being in the womb, providing a sense of security and calm.
Gentle rocking
Babies often find rhythmic motion soothing.
Holding your baby securely and gently rocking them back and forth or side to side can mimic the gentle movements they felt while in the womb.
Warm bath
As adults, we love a warm bath so why not treat your baby to one?
This calming experience can help relax your baby’s muscles and provide a sense of comfort.
Always make sure that the temperature of the water is safe before placing your baby in the bath.
Feeding
Sometimes, when your baby is fussy it can simply be because they are hungry.
New parents need to stick to a feeding schedule as newborns require regular nourishment to maintain their comfort.
Burping
Discomfort caused by gas can lead to fussiness.
To alleviate this, you should always burp your baby after feeding and try repositioning to help release any trapped air.
White noise
The sounds a baby hears in the womb resemble white noise, which can be comforting.
Parents can create this atmosphere with a white noise machine or recorded sounds, such as ocean waves or falling rain.
However, you need to make sure that the volume is safe for your little one’s sensitive ears.
Change the environment
Sometimes your baby can be fussy because they are overstimulated by loud noises or bright lights.
Moving to a quieter room, dimming the lights, or taking a calming stroll outside can significantly help soothe your baby.
Use gentle touch
A little touch goes a long way. Soft stroking or gentle massaging can help calm your baby.
Try a gentle tummy massage as well, as it can assist with digestion.
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