5 Simple soothing techniques for fussy babies

Apr 15, 2011 5:01 PM by Sarah W. Caron

Posted in Parenting / Parenting Tips & Advice / Mom & Dad

Calming Baby Fast

Have you ever experienced a fussy baby? It's really tough, especially if your efforts to curb the fuss aren't working. Frankly, whether Baby is crying or whining, fussiness can be heart wrenching and mind numbing all at once. You want your child to be OK, but it can also tear at your psyche a little. Don't worry. Fussy babies will be OK, and so will you -- especially if you employ one of these five fabulous soothing techniques for fusspoints.

Swaddled baby girl

First things first: Get yourself together. "Before trying any of these tips, the mom or dad must be in a calm frame of mind. If you are not, take some moments to get yourself there: Deep breaths, a little meditation, some self-talk, a hot cup of tea, etc," she says.

"If you are stressed or your thoughts are elsewhere, you will have trouble soothing your fussy baby. It is important to be in the moment and to relax with your child," says author Sharon Gilchrest ONeill, EdS, LMFT.

Now that you're calm and collected, try the following:

Swaddling

There is a reason that swaddling blankets are so popular and hospital nurses love doing it with a standard receiving blanket: Swaddling works. It makes a baby feel safe, warm and loved. And that can totally counteract a moment of fussiness.

Not sure how to swaddle on your own? Pick up a swaddling blanket at a baby store; it totally demystifies it.

Swaying

The song Rockabye Baby has stood the test of time. Here's why: Gentle motions such as swaying can be the perfect antidote when your baby whines or cries. Just walk around or stay in one place, gently rocking from side to side while cradling baby. It works. The simple and easy motion is perfect for lulling baby to sleep, too. Heck, experts say that any kind of swaying works. "All kinds of rocking [work]: Swing, rocking chair, cradle, etc," says ONeill.

Soft music

Put away the death metal and dance music. It might be fun when your baby is up and at 'em, but when you are trying to put him to sleep, it's just all wrong. Instead, choose something that's light, soft, soothing... and yes, it will be music to a fussy baby's ears.

A bouncy walk

This one is tried and true in my own family. The bouncy walk is a method of carrying a baby that puts her in a melodic rhythm that makes her want to close her eyes.

Simply hold the baby close and walk with a bounce in your step (up on your toes works best!) until the baby calms down, or better yet, falls completely asleep.

Don't want to walk? One mom, who doesn't wish to be named, says there are other ways to do it, too. "A slow bend in the knees worked well until it my knees couldn't take it anymore, so I had an exercise ball that I sat on and bounced up and down. It was the perfect solution," she says.

A darkened room

Dim the lights when your baby gets fussy. It's a little cliche, but it really does work. Bright lights are stimulating, so to help your baby go to sleep, darken the room so there is less to distract him from calming and sleeping.