Soothing Your Baby

Some babies cry more than others, but all babies cry sometimes. And nothing is more frustrating for a parent than persistent, inconsolable crying. Check first to see if the baby needs a clean diaper, or feeding, or burping, or a nap. Then try one or more of the tricks below. Not every idea works on every baby, so keep trying new ones until you find out the best way to soothe your baby.

Move
Go for a walk. * Rock in a rocking chair. * Go for a car ride. * Place baby tummy-down on an exercise ball and gently roll back and forth. * Sit baby in a swing or bouncy chair. * Dance. * Place baby in a car seat on a running dryer (always hold on to baby and car seat).

Touch
Take a warm bath with baby. * Strip baby down to diaper and hold him against your skin. * Nurse. * Massage baby. * Place baby in a sling. * Cuddle. * Swaddle baby in a fairly tight blanket, which may remind her of the womb.

Make noise
Sing. * Run the vacuum. * Record baby crying and play it back for her. * Coo. * Run water. * Play a CD of a heartbeat or waterfall. * Shush. * Place baby next to a running dishwasher.

Look
Let baby watch a slowly circling ceiling fan. * Place baby in front of the mirror. * Turn on the television. * Place baby in front of a window where she can watch the world outside, or in front of a fire (at a safe distance).

If you suspect it might be gas: Burp baby. * Place baby tummy-down across your lap. * Move baby’s knees toward her chest and back down, in a bicycle kick.* Ask your doctor about gas drops. * If you’re nursing, try eliminating beans, potatoes, broccoli and other gas-inducing foods.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. If baby’s crying becomes intolerable, it’s OK to set him in his crib and take a time-out. A cup of tea or a phone call to a friend will probably help, and don’t hesitate to ask someone to come watch the baby for a while. Lastly, remember this won’t last forever; crying usually decreases noticeably by four to six months.