Crying in newborns is almost every family problem. Because almost every baby is like that. Babies cry to express their needs: Baby is hungry, baby is cold or baby is too hot…
Sometimes it’s hard to figure out what needs your baby wants you to take care of. But as he gets older, he’ll learn different ways of communicating with you. For example, she will make better eye contact, make noises, and smile.
In the previous article we covered the causes of baby crying, and in this article we will find out what you should try to soothe your baby!
As you gradually get to know your baby’s personality, you’ll learn which techniques work best for her. If a cuddle or a feed doesn’t do the trick, these suggestions may help:
Play a constant sound
In your womb, your baby could hear the beat of your heart. She probably enjoys being held close to you now because your heartbeat is so familiar.
Other noises mimic the sounds she’ll have heard in your womb. The repetitive noise of a vacuum cleaner, washing machine or hairdryer may help to lull your baby to sleep.
White noise can also help to soothe your baby. It’s sound from ocean waves, raindrops..
Try a massage or a tummy rub
Using unscented massage oils or cream specially formulated for babies, gently rub your baby’s back or tummy in a clockwise direction.
Massaging your baby’s tummy can help with her digestion, and your touch will help to soothe and comfort her. Regular massage may help your baby to cry and fuss less. The best time for massage is when your baby is settled and alert. If she cries during the massage, she’s telling you she’s had enough, so stop and give her a cuddle.
Rock and sway your baby
Most babies love to be gently rocked. You could rock her:
- In a baby string
- In your arms while you walk around
- In a rocking chair
You could also try taking her for a ride in your car or for a walk in her pushchair.
Try a different feeding position
Some babies cry during or after feeds. If you’re breastfeeding, you may find that changing the way your baby latches on helps her to feed calmly, without crying or fussing. Ask your health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor to check your positioning.
If your breastfed or bottle-fed baby seems to have painful wind during feeds, she may prefer to feed in a more upright position.
Burp your baby after a feed
Burp your baby after a feed so baby is bloated after eating.
By holding her against your shoulder and gently patting or rubbing her back. If your baby cries straight after a feed though, she may still be hungry, so offer her your other breast or more formula milk.
What should I do if nothing seems to help ?
It’s normal for babies to cry, so try not to blame yourself if your baby simply won’t be soothed.
– Put your baby in her cot and let her cry for a few minutes out of your range of hearing.
– Take deep breaths and let yourself relax for a moment or two.
– If you and your baby are both upset and you’ve tried everything, call a friend or relative for support.
– Find a parent-and-baby group. That way you can meet other new parents in the same situation and offer each other moral support.
– Talk to your health visitor or GP about coping strategies before everything gets too much. Don’t let things build up, as it could make things harder for you and your baby.
Your baby may just naturally cry a lot in the early weeks. Crying tends to peak at around two months, and usually starts to ease off after that. But in the meantime, it’s likely to make you and your partner feel stressed and unhappy at times. If you’ve met your baby’s immediate needs and tried everything you can to calm her, it’s time to take care of yourself.
As your baby grows, she’ll learn new ways of communicating her needs to you. And when this happens, the excessive crying will soon stop.