tips for protecting your good health

Tips To Soothe Your Fussy Baby

30 April 2016 by Sasha Meyer

A mother's instinct is to soothe her baby, but sometimes it seems like there's no easy solution to soothing a fussy baby. If you've covered all the obvious reasons why your baby might be fussing, such as being hungry, wet, or too hot or cold, try one of these methods to make your little one feel better.

Try Distraction

Your new baby's attention span is so short that a simple distraction is often enough to end the fussing. Try:

• Dangling a shiny object out of reach, such as a piece of jewelry
• Gently ringing a bell
• Moving a wind chime
• Bringing your baby around the home showing them things like the linen closet or the pantry.

Change the Environment

This works in a similar way to the distraction method, but you actually completely change the baby's environment. You could:

• Bring the baby from outdoors to in, or vice versa
• Turn on some soothing music, such as classical or new age
• Turn the lights off while safely holding the baby
• Bring the baby out for a short car ride in the car seat
• Bring the baby on a stroller ride

Try Calming Methods

Many babies become over stimulated. Try these calming ideas to quiet down your sensitive baby:

• Blow very gently and slowly on the baby's face
• Swaddle the baby in a soft blanket. Swaddling makes the baby feel safe and protected, similar to how they felt in the womb.
• Lay your baby stomach down on your thigh and tap very lightly on the back. Alternate this with a slow circular motion with the pads of your fingers.
• Again with your baby on its stomach on your lap, sweep a light scarf across your baby's back, using a feathery touch.

Look for These Causes for Concern

If your baby is inconsolable over a long period of time, there may be some hidden physical cause for it.  Visually inspect your infant carefully, looking for signs of:

• Insect bite
• Cuts, scrapes or bruises
• Red, swollen skin
• Diaper rash
• Diaper pin that came unfastened
• Overly restrictive clothing, shoes or socks

Next, inspect the crib area. Is your baby laying on something hard, such as a pacifier, talcum powder bottle or something else that shouldn't be there?

Consult with your baby's pediatrician regarding incessant fussing or crying that you can't help with. There are many medical reasons why a baby might be overly fussy, and if that's the underlying cause, it should be treated as soon as possible.

Remember that all babies are fussy at one time or another. Stay calm, review everything above, and soon your baby will be calm, too. For more help, contact a clinic like All Women's Clinic.

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