One of the things that babies are guaranteed to do is cry. Some babies cry more than others, and it can be difficult for parents to figure out why they’re crying, and how to comfort them. It can become frustrating when you feel like you can’t figure out why your little one is crying. Here’s a brief guide on how to soothe and comfort your baby whilst balancing your own frustrations.
Soothing Your Little One
Every baby will have their own preferences when it comes to what soothes them. This means that you may need to try a few things before you figure out what works.
- Swaddling – some babies feel comforted, sleepy and secure when they’re swaddled in a thin and breathable blanket. It’s important to do this safely and only wrap their body, not their neck or head to reduce the chances of suffocation.
- Being held – babies often enjoy being close to you, you can move gently, sway, dance, sing or talk to them to help calm them
- Suckling – if you’re a mother who is breastfeeding it can help to let your baby suckle at your breast as they enjoy the familiar sensation
- Rocking motions – walking around with your baby in a carrier or rocking them can be very soothing, as well as going for a drive. It is important to limit their sleep in a car seat to up to 30 minutes for newborns and 2 hours for babies
- Warm bath – some babies find the warmth of a bath calming, but it may cause other babies to cry more
- Distraction – having something for your little one to look at or listen to, such as music, a rattle or a mobile above the cot can help soothe them
If you’re still struggling to soothe your baby, it can be useful to ask your midwife, health advisor or GP for advice.
Balancing Your Frustrations
It can be frustrating and emotional if you’re trying to soothe your little one, but nothing seems to be working. There are some things you can do to give yourself a break and look after your own emotions.
- It’s okay to take a deep breath and count to ten.
- You can leave your little one somewhere safe and leave the room. Give yourself a few minutes, take deep breaths and go back to your little one when you feel calmer.
- Think about what helps you to calm your emotions. For some it’s a few moments of mindful mediation, but for others, it could be something different.
- Try listening to some calming music. You might want to try this alone, or it may help soothe your little one as well.
- Do something else. Doing something else like the dishes, doing a load of laundry, or hoovering can give your mind a break.
- Call a friend or family member for some emotional support.
- Be patient with yourself. When your little one is crying, it’s perfectly normal for you to feel emotional, frustrated, or upset. What’s important is that you take steps to calm yourself, and that when you go back to your baby, you’re in a better frame of mind to try different soothing methods again.
- If your baby continues crying, or is crying excessively, you may want to make an appointment with your doctor, as there may be a medical reason behind the crying.
- You can also contact the Cry-sis helpline for free on 0800 448 0737 as it is open from 9am-10pm, 7 days a week
