The best methods to calm a crying baby: proven tips for parents
A baby's crying can often be a source of stress and frustration for parents, whether experienced or new. It's completely normal to want to find effective methods to calm your little one when he's agitated.
Knowing why a baby is crying can sometimes seem complicated, but don't lose hope! In this article, we will offer you practical techniques and advice to soothe your child's crying while creating a reassuring environment for them.
Some practical tips to soothe your baby's cries
During the nine months spent in his mother's womb, the baby was constantly lulled by movements and noises from outside. When he is born, he finds himself in a world where he lies flat on his back, a completely new position for him, without the movements he knew before. It may therefore take time to adapt. Don’t hesitate to rock your baby; This will not make him dependent on arms or make him an "arm baby" if you rocked him during the first few months.
Effective methods to soothe a crying baby
For calm a crying baby, it is useful to test different methods based on their effectiveness. Start with the actions that seem to best meet his needs based on his behavior, then try those that seem least restrictive to you. If a technique doesn't work, don't insist. Instead, try other solutions to quickly find what can comfort him.
Stay calm!
Faced with your baby's cries, it is essential to speak to him serenely, calmly or cheerfully. Getting angry is counterproductive. If you are too stressed, tired, or at your wits' end, it may be best to ask someone else for help. According to mirror neurons, a baby will have more difficulty calming down if you are agitated.
The pregnancy ball and skin to skin: Two techniques to soothe baby
If squats seem too exhausting for you, you can opt for the pregnancy ball. Hold your baby upright against you and lightly bounce the ball to calm him or her.
Another often overlooked method is skin-to-skin. Although the maternity wards regularly recommend this technique, it is often forgotten once at home. However, skin to skin is very comforting for your child: he finds the warmth of his parent, hears their heartbeat and smells their scent. This soothes everyone sense of a baby. So don’t hesitate to take advantage of skin-to-skin moments to comfort your child!
Squats: An effective technique to calm baby
To soothe your baby, try this technique: pick him up in your arms, keeping him in a grouped, upright position, as if you were giving him a hug. Then bend and unfold your knees slightly to make up and down movements. There is no need to go very low; a slight movement is enough. This method is very effective! If mom is doing the squats, it is important that she ensures that her perineum is in good shape and that it is contracted to avoid any damage. We used to do squats at the gym, but today we use them in the living room to calm our babies' cries. Who would have believed it?
Walking and carrying: Other solutions to soothe baby
To calm baby down, why not consider taking one or two walks a day? The constant movement, combined with the change in air and environment, can be very calming. By leaving the routine of the house, baby discovers new sounds and landscapes, which is beneficial for him, and for you too!
Babywearing is also an excellent method of comforting baby. By being against you, with his ear close to your heart, he feels cradled and safe. It’s a truly magical experience!
Relieve gas: Belly massage for babies
Frequent crying in the first few months can sometimes be caused by gas that is bothering your baby. To help him relieve himself, lay him on his back and gently fold his little legs against his stomach. Then make circular movements with his legs and pelvis. A light belly massage can also bring relief to your baby.
Swaddling and rocking: Great techniques to calm your little angel
Swaddling, or wrapping your baby in a blanket, can give him a sense of security and help him to control his emotions little by little. This method can also improve their sleep. Rocking and rhythmic movements are also effective in soothing a crying baby. You can try gently rocking them in your arms or placing them in a rocking chair. Tender whispers can also be very comforting.
Swaddling can sometimes be extremely effective. You just need to master the technique to wrap baby in a large swaddle or place him in a corner of the crib. Many children enjoy this feeling of comfort and security.
A surprising but effective method is to rock baby dynamically, making up and down movements while bending the knees. This can capture his attention and help calm him down. Some parents also find that beds suspended from the ceiling can rock baby on their own, which is an alternative to the electric bed, which can sometimes get the child too used to being rocked.
Co-sleeping can also be a temporary solution to calm him down. Additionally, using white noise, such as the sound of rain or a hair dryer, can soothe baby by imitating the sounds he heard in the womb. Soft music, such as classical music or lullabies, can also help calm him down.
White noises to calm your child
Singing to your baby can be a great way to calm him or her. Even if you're not a professional singer, your soft voice can have a comforting effect. You can also record your singing with your smartphone and play it in a loop near your bed (in “airplane” mode to avoid distractions). New technologies are really practical for that! Some comforters also allow you to make recordings.
There music that you listen to regularly can also soothe baby, because he has already heard these sounds in utero. It's often easier than singing, and can help baby relax.
Vacuuming is another surprising method. Some parents find the sound of the vacuum cleaner reminiscent of the soothing sounds of the womb.
Finally, a music projector can be a great addition to night lights. Images projected on the ceiling can distract baby and help them fall asleep, while allowing you to leave the room discreetly. A wall mirror can also be a great idea.
Pacifier or other comfort items
Giving your baby a pacifier can help him calm down and fall asleep more easily. If your baby refuses the pacifier, you can try offering him a comfort toy, such as a stuffed animal or a small blanket.
Some parents choose to give their baby a finger to suck on, or a pacifier, although this can sometimes spark debate. It is true that some babies have a strong need for sucking. In the past, practices like using sugarcane or honey were recommended, but these methods are best avoided because they can lead to sugar addiction, as some reader comments point out.
Remember to create a calming environment
For help baby sleep, it is important to reduce exposure to excessive light, which can stimulate rather than calm it. Of the wall night lights with soft, subdued light can be an excellent solution for creating a relaxing atmosphere without disturbing your sleep.
Another effective method is to walk your baby in a stroller. The fresh air and the soothing movement of a walk are often very beneficial in calming crying. If possible, let your baby sleep in the stroller to avoid waking him up by transferring him to his bed.
Placing baby on his play mat with mobiles or luminous objects, such as a soft garland, can also capture his attention and distract him from boredom, especially if the ceiling is too monotonous for him.
Finally, leave baby in the living room surrounded by family can be reassuring, especially for younger children who are used to falling asleep with a little background noise. It is often best not to force your baby to sleep alone in his room if it stresses him out. He will eventually fall asleep at his own pace.
Other Tips
A bath can be very soothing for babies, just as it is for adults. If baby is restless in the evening, take a few minutes to gently immerse him in lukewarm water while giving him caresses. This can often prevent long hours of crying.
Skin-to-skin contact is also very beneficial. It strengthens the bond between you and your baby and gives him a feeling of security. Gentle massages are another effective method of calming a baby by providing comfort and soothing.