How to Calm a Crying Newborn in Four Steps

One of the biggest challenges parents face can be calming and soothing a crying newborn. Undoubtedly everyone will have suggestions for how to soothe your baby. While there is no one quick answer, there are a few techniques to keep in mind that can help ease your infant. Here is what our team recommends to help you with this potentially stressful situation. It is important to keep in mind that these suggestions come after you check your baby for basic needs. Crying is also communication, so be aware the baby may be trying to communicate hunger or that they need a diaper change. 

#1 – Remove Your Newborn From a Stimulating Environment

Find a quiet and comfortable space to soothe your baby, away from loud noises or distractions. Dimming the lights and reducing stimulation can create a calming environment. Colorful lights, or musical toys in the baby’s room may need to be turned off to provide the preferred environment to calm crying. 

#2 – Swaddle or Hold Your Baby Snuggly Against Your Body

Hold your baby close to your chest or rock them gently in your arms. The rhythmic motion can be comforting. Skin-to-skin contact can be very soothing for newborns. Hold the baby against your bare chest, allowing them to feel your warmth and hear your heartbeat. Swaddle the baby snugly in a blanket to provide a sense of security and warmth.

#3 – Provide Gentle Noise

Use gentle shushing sounds to help calm your baby. Shushing is a simple yet effective technique that can help calm crying babies by providing them with a familiar, comforting sound that aids in relaxation and soothing distress. Babies may associate the sound of shushing with comfort and security, as it can remind them of the soothing sounds they heard in the womb or the sound of a caregiver’s voice.

#4 – Offer a Pacifier or Breast for Soothing

Even if the baby is not hungry the pacifier or breast offers comfort. Babies suck for nutrition and also suck because the action of sucking is comforting. This kind of sucking, also known as non-nutritive sucking, explains why a baby might suck on their mother’s breasts at the end of a feeding. That’s why babies like pacifiers. They create a sense of calm and contentment.

In Conclusion

Remember that every baby is different, and it may take some trial and error to find what works best for calming your newborn. Stay patient, provide gentle care and comfort, and seek support from a healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby’s crying or well-being.

Katie Bishop | The Early Weeks

❤️ Certified Master Pediatric Sleep Consultant ❤️ Board Certified Holistic Health Care Practitioner ❤️ Advanced Newborn Care Specialist

About The Author: Katie has over 25 year experience working with children of all ages. As a Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Newborn Care Specialist, she has professionaly supported families babies worldwide over the last 10 years. Her mission is to help the entire family unit get better sleep, utilizing a holistic approach that supports the baby or child’s natural biologic drive to sleep. She has personally served 200+ families, holds 16,000+ hours exclusively caring for infants & babies and has 60+ 5-⭐️ Google reviews.

The content contained in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace the advice of any medical professional. It is based on our opinions and experience working with newborns and their families. Other’s opinions may vary. It does not represent the views of any affiliated organizations. The reader understands that the term “Babynurse” is often a word used to describe a newborn caregiver. However, unless otherwise disclosed, we are not licensed nurses in any state. By reading and/or utilizing any information or suggestions contained in this blog, the reader acknowledges that we are not medical professionals and agrees to and waives any claim, known or unknown, past, present or future. This blog may contain affiliate links.

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