How to Calm a Fussy Baby

How to Calm a Fussy Baby | Tips and Tricks for New Parents

It’s 2:30 in the morning, and your newborn is screaming like there’s no tomorrow. You’ve tried everything to no avail. That’s when the doubts creep in: Am I a bad parent? Is something seriously wrong? It’s normal to ask questions when you don’t know what else to do, but don’t worry, you’re not alone! (And no, you most definitely are not a bad parent. Hang in there; this phase will pass!) As a newborn photographer and former NICU nurse, I’m no stranger to newborn crying. Here’s a bit of info on why your baby might be crying — plus my top tips for calming a fussy baby.

The Period of Purple Crying

Many infants go through a phase that Dr. Ronald Barr refers to as “The Period of Purple Crying.” During this time, babies may cry for hours, no matter how parents try to soothe them. When parents take their little one to the hospital, the pediatrician says the baby is completely fine and might have colic. This diagnosis is troublesome for parents because it sounds like the baby has an unsolvable illness, when in reality, it is a temporary stage that most babies go through. Dr. Barr chose the word “purple” as an acronym for this particularly fussy period.

Understanding Dr. Barr’s explanation of “The Period of Purple Crying” may not relieve the crying, but it should give you hope. You’re probably not doing anything wrong, and this stage won’t last forever.

So, how do you make it through that period with your hair intact? Here are some tips and tricks to help calm your fussy baby.

Step 1 — Check off the basics:

• Change your baby’s diaper
• Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature
• Feed your newborn (although I’m sure you tried 30 minutes ago)
• Burp your baby after feeding (you may try holding him/her upright for about 30 minutes after feedings before laying back down to prevent reflux discomfort)

Step 2 — Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s Method:

1. Swaddle

Babies like to feel secure and safe. This is why swaddling is so effective. It mimics the womb by keeping arms and legs tucked in to help them sleep more soundly and prevent the startle reflex. Only use this technique when the baby is fussy or at bedtime. (While you may have an escape artist on your hands, don’t try to swaddle even tighter due to safety concerns. It’s ok if a hand comes out.)

2. Stomach or Side Position

Babies safely sleep on their backs, but this may not be helpful when trying to calm a fussy baby. Try placing your newborn gently on her side or stomach to calm her down at first. Then, she may resume sleeping on her back.

3. Shush

Most parents believe that a nursery must be totally silent in order for the baby to get adequate sleep. However, this is not the case. Babies are used to noise while inside the womb. Sounds of blood flow and other bodily functions are often compared to the sound of a loud vacuum cleaner. So, babies are used to sleeping through noise! Try getting a sound machine that plays white noise. This will comfort your baby and may put him right to sleep!

4. Swing

Newborn babies are used to lots of movement. After all, you did walk around with them in the womb for nine months! To calm your fussy baby, try a gentle swinging motion. Be sure to support the baby’s head and neck and move him back and forth. This will give your infant a familiar feeling of movement that will be very soothing.

5. Suck

Most babies find it very relaxing to suck on a pacifier while they are falling asleep. This is usually the “go-to” plan for the majority of parents because it works!

Read my blog article on the 5 S’s for more information…

Step 3 — Other Methods:

If those don’t work, it’s time to get creative! Try these tricks to calm your fussy baby (and maybe yourself, too).

Go outside: Your fussy little one may just prefer a change of scenery. Being outside does wonders for most people! Try placing your child in a stroller and going for a walk. He will get some fresh air and feel comforted by the rumble of the stroller against the sidewalk.

Music: There’s a reason everyone loves music — it makes us feel good and has a way of lifting our spirits! Try playing some happy baby tunes or a soothing piano melody. It will be a relaxing time to give you and your infant a little break.

Try a different hold:

Cradle Hold: This hold is the most common for parents. Simply lay the baby on his back on your forearm. Baby’s head should rest in the bend of your elbow, and your hand should support the baby’s bottom. Always support the head and neck since infants do not have control over those just yet.

Lap Hold: While sitting down, hold the baby in your lap. Make sure the baby is facing upwards and that the head and neck are supported. Some babies love facing out.

Face to Face Hold: Place the baby on his back on your legs while seated or on your forearms so he is looking up at you. Make sure one hand is supporting the head, and your other hand is supporting the bottom.

Shoulder Hold: While you are standing, place your child in an upright position. Lay her head on your shoulder so she can hear your heartbeat. Make sure you are supporting her head and her bottom.

“Hello World “Hold: Sometimes babies just want to see what everyone is doing! Turn your baby outward, facing away from your body. Make sure one arm is across his chest and the other is supporting the bottom. Support your baby’s head and neck against your body.

Belly Hold: Simply lay the infant’s stomach on your forearm. The head should be at your elbow with both legs on either side of your arm near your hand. Once again, make sure the head and neck are fully supported, and gently pat your baby’s back. This can also be a useful technique when burping your child.

Football Hold: This hold is great for breastfeeding. Place a U pillow around your waist and gently lay the baby on his back on top of the pillow. The baby’s head should be supported by your hand and the legs tucked under your arm.

*For more information, visit: https://momkidlife.com/parenting/how-to-hold-newborn-baby/

Every parent experiences rough patches when it comes to calming a fussing baby. Just remember that you are not alone in this! Feel free to refer back to these resources, consult with your doctor, or call a friend to vent.

You’ve got this!