If you’re a parent, you know how difficult it can be to calm down a fussy baby. From the moment you see their little face scrunch up and those tears well, you know life is about to get tougher.
An upset child can throw any day into chaos, and it can make you feel like you’re doing something wrong. Don’t worry, this is normal!
Calming your baby down can be a chore and a half, and you’re likely looking for the best ways to do so. In fact, calming down a child can be the toughest part of raising an infant. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back!
Take a breather, you deserve it. Don’t worry moms and dads, with a bit of patience, this too will pass.
Sometimes you can’t take your baby outside if they’re being fussy, so you have to find ways to calm them down. Read on for some quick and easy ways to calm down your fussy baby.
Swaddle Your Fussy Baby
You likely remember this from a parenting class you may have taken before your baby was born. It’s one of the most basic yet effective techniques for taking care of a fussy baby.
Wrap your baby up tightly in a blanket and hold them close. Give it a few minutes, but your child is likely to calm down.
It’s suggested that close physical contact calms babies because of certain chemical reactions. Who knew there was so much science involved with calming a baby down?
You’ve likely heard about oxytocin before. It’s a chemical associated with bonding, happiness, and general feelings of love. And there are tons of benefits to swaddling aside from calming your fussy baby down.
It’s not only a great way to bond with your child. Oxytocin is a critical part of forming that important bond between parent and child. If you’re not familiar with Oxytocin already, get ready, because you’re going to hear about it a lot.
And believe it or not, this isn’t limited to babies. While you may not wrap yourself in a blanket, odds are when you’re upset, you look for physical comfort as well.
Use Ambient Sound
The use of quiet, natural noises is a great way to calm any fussy baby down.
You’ve invested in the crib, the stroller, the breast pumps or formula, and tons of other devices for your baby. But have you considered purchasing a white noise machine?
If you’ve discovered that your baby calms down when he or she hears a noise, it may pay for itself in the long run.
Ambient noises often remind infants of the safety and security of the womb. So go ahead and let that air conditioner or refrigerator run! Open a window and listen to the beautiful sounds of birds chirping.
Be sure to use this tip when it comes time for bed, as well. It’s suggested that you use white noise to help your little one settle down for a restful night of sleep. You may remember this from one of our previous blog posts!
You’ll be glad you did, and it’s likely that the noise will calm your baby down. What parent couldn’t use a few extra precious moments of sleep?
Time To Move
Every parent knows how important movement is to calm a baby down. Whether your baby can’t get to sleep or is acting extra fussy, moving in slow, repetitive motions can help.
There’s a reason why rocking chairs are sold in almost every baby store around the world. The constant motion of the back and forth rocking calms your infant and reminds them of being in the womb.
And rocking is great for mommy, too. Believe it or not, rocking can actually help the spread of those nasty varicose veins! The simple back and forth motions increase blood flow in the legs.
If you don’t have a rocking chair on hand, not to worry! You can just as easily pick up your baby and walk around a room with him or her on your shoulder. The movement makes you baby feel safe and secure in your arms. They’ll be asleep in no time!
Sing Me To Sleep
If the tears won’t stop flowing and your baby won’t settle, you’ve still got plenty of options. Even if the white noise machine doesn’t work, you’ve got a great tool ready to go — your voice!
One of our most natural instincts as parents is to calm our child with our voice. Think about it, how many times have you instinctively shushed your baby to calm them down? Singing is another great way to calm a fussy baby.
The science behind singing is quite fascinating. According to Psychology Today, babies begin processing sounds quite early on in utero.
At around 25 weeks, they’ll begin to understand and hear noises — mainly, their mother’s voice. Sorry dads, this is part of the reason why mom will always be the favorite from birth.
Plus, your baby will make for a great audience. Who cares if you can’t sing? All that your baby cares about is comfort and security, and singing is a quick and free way to provide it.
Buckle Up: It’s Time For A Ride
Taking your baby for a quick trip around the block isn’t just a clever technique in commercials. It can help you get some much-needed peace and quiet and calm your fussy baby down. So crank up that engine!
Like walking with mom or a few moments in the rocking chair, car rides have an almost magical power over babies.
This is because car rides actually combine two of our previous tips: movement and sound. It’s the best of both worlds!
No need to turn on the radio or provide any extra stimulation. The hum of the car will be all the noise your child needs, and the gentle stops and starts of the car serve the same function as moving.
So next time your little one refuses to calm down, don’t get upset, get out!
Speak In A Low, Soft Voice
If it isn’t clear by now, audio is a huge component of an infant’s life. If you’re not up for singing the ABCs for the 12th time, then just talk it out. Speak softly and watch the hypnotic effect of your voice take hold.
You can read the newspaper or even a grocery list for what it’s worth. It doesn’t really matter what you talk about, just make sure you’re speaking softly.
Remember, babies love noise — but it’s important that the noise isn’t too much for their tiny ears. So make sure to keep your voice low. And the more even-keeled your voice is, the better.
Plus, by talking with your fussy baby, you’re actually helping their brain grow! It’s believed that talking to your child helps them grasp language earlier in life.
It’s also suggested that you speak in brief, repetitive sentences. So just like movement, repetition and consistency are key.
Consider Your Surroundings
Fussy baby or not, their environment matters, and more than you think.
Too much stimulation can be bad for a fussy baby. After all, they have no real understanding of the world. Therefore, it’s likely that your baby will be ultra sensitive to their surroundings.
You know how short a baby’s attention span is, to begin with. Being in a room with a fussy baby when there’s too much going on can be a disaster. They won’t know what to look at or focus on, so they’re more likely to get overwhelmed.
And as a parent, you know that overwhelmed can rapidly turn into fussy.
Here are some quick and easy things you can do to make sure the environment is perfect for your baby.
Turn off the TV, lower the lights, or just use natural lighting. While it seems too simple to be true, this is often overlooked by parents. Pay attention to your surroundings, because your baby certainly is.
Just Be
Okay, we know what you’re thinking. We just spent tons of time telling you why you should get up and move with your fussy baby.
And there is merit in it. In fact, most of the time it works.
However, as a parent, you know there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Maybe your baby is particularly fussy.
If that’s the case, find a comfortable place to sit down, and just be still for a few moments.
Place the baby near your heart so they can hear the soothing beat of your heartbeat, and watch as their mood transforms. Being a parent is tough, there’s no way around it. Sometimes the best way to calm a fussy child is just by waiting it out with them.
Try and calm down.
This is a great time to practice meditation, as counterproductive as it may seem. Your heartbeat and breath will calm your child down in no time. You’ll be helping yourself, and your fussy baby!
So there you have it, some of the most efficient ways to calm down a fussy baby in a matter of minutes.
What do you think?
Is there something we’re missing? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
And while you’re here, be sure to check out all of our fantastic baby products. From tips and tricks to formula, we’ve got everything you need!
