(StatePoint) If you’ve ever gone to great lengths to sooth a fussy baby, you may feel like you’ve tried every trick in the book. As most new parents learn quickly, this can be one of the most challenging aspects of caring for a little one.
Keep in mind, some of the most effective methods to get a baby to relax, stop crying and get some sleep, are the safest and the simplest.
• “Shush, shush, shush.†A “shhh†mimics the sounds of a cozy, comfy womb, which can have a calming effect on fussy babies. Try this simple tip in a rocking chair.
• Togetherness. A baby carrier or wrap creates close comfort between parent and child, soothing your baby while giving you an endorphin boost. This is a great technique when you need two hands to move about the house, or want a comfortable way to breastfeed. For added convenience, check out innovative baby carriers that slip on like t-shirts, such as the Baby K’tan wrap, which has a unique, double-loop design and is available in soft, natural and breathable fabrics.
• Make some noise. Making noise may sound counterintuitive when it comes to creating an ideal sleep environment, but the reality is that consistent background noise helps recreate the comfort of the womb. Whether it’s white noise or soft music, find what works best for your baby. Check out versatile baby sleep apps that feature a variety of sound settings, such as fans, chimes and car rides, or classical music and lullabies, set on loops for consistent sleep.
• Wrap up. Celebrated for its role in fostering healthy sleep, swaddling provides a secure, soothing feeling for newborns, along with many other benefits. Talk to your pediatrician about the safe, proper way to swaddle, and be sure to use a fabric that allows for continuous airflow to avoid overheating. For a versatile choice, the Baby K’tan Newborn Swaddle is a good bet. Made from a breathable stretch cotton, it can be used to swaddle now, and can be easily repurposed into a blanket or nursing cover as your baby grows.
• Stick to the program. It will take some getting used to, but putting your baby on a consistent schedule will mean less fuss when it’s time to put your baby down for naps and at bedtime. Whether it’s singing your baby a song or snuggling and reading, creating a parent-child routine will help signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.
Soothing a crying baby can feel like an uphill battle. Luckily, there are plenty of natural, effective ways to calm a fussy little one, from old tricks to new tools.
