Try these 10 tips the next time you can’t sooth your crying child

12 Apr 2017

The good news is, for the most part, if baby is not hungry, sick or uncomfortable 
they might simply want to be close to you. The Cuddlers team have gathered 15 of the best tips and tricks out there to help parents comfort their new bundles of joy.

First off, the best advice we can give you is to stay calm, and if you don’t feel calm, fake it! Infants can sense your emotion and will react accordingly. If you are stressed and emotional, your crying child will pick up on this.

It is also important to give every attempt at comforting your child time before changing tactic. For instance, don’t change position too soon if it doesn’t seem to be helping; ; wait a few minutes –consistency and persistence can sometimes be enough to calm your child.

Here are 10 comfort strategies that Cuddlers recommends to help sooth your child:

 

  1. Carry your baby on your shoulder with their head against your cheek. Being on your shoulder can help soothe a baby’s back and stomach
  2. Looking at something new with your child, such as trees swaying in the wind or a musical mobile, can provide a much needed distraction for your crying child. This distraction can sometimes result in an end to the tears
  3. Babies are used to snug spaces (think about how little space there was in your womb towards the end). A pram or cot may feel too big and scary for your infant. Tuck in the blankets to reduce space and your baby will find it easier to settle
  4. Swaddle your baby in a blanket, making sure it is not too tight or warm. Your small baby will take comfort in the feeling of being  wrapped up and snug
  5. For some babies, the bath time ritual is fun and relaxing way to unwind before bedtime. Sticking to this ritual will give your child a sense of consistency and comfort
  6. Put baby in a front pack or sling, high enough to kiss his or her forehead. Your child will be able to feel your warmth, smell you and hear your heartbeat. The rocking motion when you move around will add to your child’s comfort,
  7. Talk, sing or hum – it doesn’t matter what. The sound of your voice will help sooth your child and remind him or her that you are nearby
  8. Keep light and sound levels low around your baby. Some children are very sensitive and can be easily become overtired or over-stimulated. Dimming the lights and minimising sound will help relax them   
  9. It is no secret that most babies love being held by their parents. When your child cries, something as simple as holding them can sometimes be enough to sooth them
  10. Start singing, change position, or maybe tickle that little belly – distraction and surprise can stem those tears