Thursday 5 August 2010

10 Ways to Soothe Your Fussy Baby



  •  Feed and Burp your Baby. Babies cry when they are hungry, or they may have swallowed a bubble of air with resulting gas pains. Make sure you always burp your baby after they eat.


  • Try a Pacifier. Babies have a strong desire to suck, which is a soothing mechanism. Some babies prefer to suck their own thumb (my younger daughter), some will prefer a pacifier (my older daughter) and then there will be babies who prefer neither. Let them choose-they seem to have a natural instinct on which one to use.


  • Soothing Sounds. Sometimes soft lullabies will help, but some babies need monotonous sounds, like "white noise". I am sure you have heard of parents running the clothes dryer, vacuum, or taking their baby for a car ride. We were fortunate-all we ever needed were the lullabies.


  • Swaddle your Baby. Many babies feel comforted when they are wrapped up snug & tight in a blanket. Babies have been used to little room in the mothers' womb. Being out in the open world can be a little frightening at times. There is a particular way to swaddle your baby so they feel as snug as a bug in a rug!


  • Look for Clothing Discomfort. Make sure their clothes are not too tight or that the baby is caught in a string of fabric. You never know, it could be some little thing like this.


  • Check for diaper Trouble. Wet diapers can be cold and diaper rash can occur. Babies can also cry just before a bowel movement. Isn't that amazing?  I always dabbed a little diaper rash ointment on after every diaper change-not a lot-but just enough and my daughters never got the rash. Look in my store for some great Diaper Rash Remedy & Prevention products.


  • Get Some Fresh Air. Changing a babys' environment may help a fussy baby go back to sleep.  They could be bored also, and want a change of scenery.


  • Provide Movement. Babies love to be held in your arms and swayed back and forth. I did so much swaying that now, every time I pick up someone elses' baby, I automatically start to sway! All the "swayers" are usually Moms! Babies also like to be rocked in a rocking chair. The movements should be steady and rhythmic.


  • Try a Baby Sling. This is called "wearing your baby". Babies love to be held and to be close to their parents. This helps you bond to your baby. When they are nestled up near you in a sling, they will be comforted by your heartbeat. Dads: you can wear a Baby Sling also! This isn't just for Moms!  In my store, you can find a great selection of Baby Slings.


  • Relax! Getting tense and nervous yourself can make matters worse, especially when you are tired and grumpy. Take a nice walk by yourself, try a bubble bath, or get some exercise and you will feel refreshed.

I hope my 10 ideas to Soothe your Baby will help. I know a lot of them are pretty obvious, but it is always re-assuring to know that we all go through it. Before you know it, they will be toddlers and you will have to deal with a whole new set of behaviors!




Lori J Walker writes articles relating to Babies and Decorating the Nursery.

Her store http://www.BabysNursery-BeddingandMore.com has an abundant supply of Baby Nursery Bedding, Wall Decor, and Coordinating Nursery Room Accessories.

If you are looking for Baby Shower Gifts, Baby Slings, Organic Blankets, Unique Baby Gifts or Baby Keepsakes, http://www.BestBabyThings.com carry beautiful quality items at today's affordable prices.