How to Calm a Crying Newborn in Five Steps

Crying is a natural behavior for newborns, serving as their primary means of communication. It can be distressing for both the baby and the parents, especially when the cause of the crying is not immediately clear. Fortunately, there are effective methods to soothe a crying newborn. Here are five steps that can help calm your little one.

Step 1: Swaddle Your Baby

Swaddling is an age-old technique that mimics the snug environment of the womb. This method provides comfort and security to your baby, helping them feel safe. To swaddle correctly:

1. Choose a Soft Blanket: Use a lightweight, breathable fabric to avoid overheating.
2. Lay the Blanket Down: Position it in a diamond shape with one corner facing you.
3. Fold Down the Top Corner: Create a small triangle at the top where you will place your baby’s head.
4. Position Your Baby: Lay your baby on their back with their neck just above the fold.
5. Wrap One Side: Take one side of the blanket and wrap it over your baby’s body, tucking it under their back.
6. Wrap the Other Side: Bring the other side across and tuck it securely but gently under your baby’s body.
7. Leave Legs Loose: Ensure that your baby’s legs can bend up slightly at the hips to prevent hip dysplasia.

Swaddling helps reduce startle reflexes that can wake babies from sleep and keeps them feeling secure.

Step 2: Use the Side or Stomach Position

Holding your baby in a side or stomach position can also help soothe them. This position allows for gentle pressure on their tummy, which may relieve discomfort from gas or colic.

1. Hold Your Baby Securely: Cradle your baby in one arm while supporting their head and neck.
2. Position Them on Their Side or Stomach: You can either hold them on their side (with supervision) or lay them across your lap on their stomach for gentle rubbing.
3. Monitor Closely: Always keep an eye on your baby to ensure they are safe and comfortable.

This position mimics how babies might feel when they are being held close during feeding or cuddling.

Step 3: Shush Your Baby

The sound of shushing mimics white noise that babies often hear in utero, which can be very calming for them.

1. Create White Noise: You can use your voice by making a “shhh” sound softly near your baby’s ear or use white noise machines available in stores.
2. Volume Control: The sound should be loud enough to drown out other noises but soft enough not to startle your baby.
3. Consistency is Key: Maintain this sound until you notice signs of relaxation from your baby.

This auditory stimulation helps trigger their calming reflex, promoting relaxation and sleepiness.

Step 4: Swing Your Baby Gently

Gentle rocking or swinging motions can replicate movements experienced in utero, providing comfort to fussy babies.

1. Use Your Arms or a Swinging Device: You can rock your baby back and forth in your arms or use an infant swing designed for soothing purposes.
2. Keep Movements Slow and Steady: Fast movements may overstimulate rather than calm; aim for slow, rhythmic motions.
3. Combine with Other Techniques: While swinging, consider swaddling and shushing simultaneously for enhanced soothing effects.

This motion helps stimulate balance receptors in a baby’s inner ear, promoting relaxation.

Step 5: Offer Something to Suck

Sucking is another instinctual behavior that calms babies by triggering reflexes associated with feeding and comfort.

1. Use a Pacifier if Needed: If breastfeeding isn’t an option at that moment, offering a pacifier can provide similar soothing benefits.
2. Breastfeed if Possible: If you’re nursing, offering breast milk not only nourishes but also comforts through skin-to-skin contact.
3. Ensure Safety First: Always supervise pacifier use to avoid any choking hazards.

Sucking releases endorphins that help soothe pain and anxiety in infants, making it an effective calming strategy.

In conclusion, calming a crying newborn involves understanding their needs and employing techniques that mimic womb-like conditions—swaddling, positioning them correctly, using soothing sounds, gentle movements, and offering something to suck on are all effective strategies parents can utilize during these challenging moments.

By following these five steps—swaddle, side-stomach position, shush, swing gently, and offer sucking—you increase the chances of soothing your crying newborn effectively while fostering bonding experiences between you and your child.