SOOTHING TIPS

There are a few things you can do to help calm your crying baby. While going through the process of elimination above, try using these calming strategies from Meg Faure, author of Baby Sense:

REGULATE THE ENVIRONMENT

There could be something in your baby’s immediate environment that’s overstimulating her. It could be something like a mobile, a strong smell or even a bright light. Move your baby into a quiet, dimly lit room to help her calm down.

SELF-CALMING

Babies self-soothe by sucking on their fingers or touching their faces. It’s an important skill for your baby to learn, so fight the temptation to pick her up at the slightest squeak. Meg says to watch out for signs of self-soothing and allow your baby to use them.

TOUCH AND MOVEMENT

Your baby loves to be held and moved. According to Meg, movement similar to that in the womb will calm your baby down. The movement that is created when you carry her while walking is such a movement. This is best done while carrying your baby in a sling or pouch.

SOOTHING SOUNDS

White noise, like radio static, or the sound of a tumble dryer can help soothe your crying baby. You could also try playing a CD of classical or baroque music, or singing a lullaby to her.