Understanding and responding to a crying baby can be a challenging experience for new parents. It can lead to frustration, fear, and a sense of powerlessness. The inability to immediately identify the cause of the crying can be particularly distressing for parents. However, in the meantime, various techniques and tricks can be helpful in soothing a crying baby. Here are some effective strategies to help you out.
Apply the Shoosh-Bounce Technique
The shoosh-bounce technique involves rocking your baby in a carrier while repeatedly making a soothing “shooshing” sound in their ear. This combination of movement and sound can trigger a calming response in the baby’s brain, leading to a slower heart rate and relaxed muscles.
Put Out Lights
Creating a dark and quiet environment can be beneficial for overstimulated crying babies. Babies are accustomed to the quiet and darkness of the womb, so blocking out excessive stimulation from lights and noise can help them feel more secure and relaxed.
Play it Back
Recording your baby’s crying sounds and playing it back to them can sometimes help break the cycle of distress. Babies can become stuck in a crying state even after the discomfort has been resolved. Introducing a new sound, such as their own crying, can provide a surprising distraction that helps them shift their focus and calm down.
Make Some Noise
White noise, such as a fan, vacuum cleaner, or white-noise machine, can mimic the sounds babies hear in the womb. These sounds can be soothing to them and also help mask other distracting noises in the environment. But remember to keep the volume low to prevent potential hearing damage.
Turn Up the Tunes
Playing different music can have a calming effect on crying or fussing babies. The music helps to calm the nervous system, reducing the baby’s heart and respiratory rate. Your own voice can be particularly soothing to the baby as they find comfort in the familiar sound and rhythm.
Change the Scenery
Sometimes, a change of environment can help shift a crying baby’s mood. Moving to a different room or going outside to a new location can provide a fresh focus for the baby, distracting them from their distress and helping them calm down.
Get Out of the House
Spending some time outdoors can be helpful for both the baby and the parent. Fresh air and a change of scenery can help reduce stress levels and provide a calming effect. Even if the baby continues crying, being outside may be less overwhelming than being confined indoors.