When it comes to the art of parenting, finding the best ways to calm a baby can feel like an elusive treasure hunt. Picture this: It’s the middle of 2024, and your little bundle of joy has decided that sleep is for the weak. You’re bleary-eyed, hair looking like you’ve just survived a tornado, and only half aware that you just tried to soothe the cat with a pacifier. Been there, right?
As a seasoned parent who has survived the trenches of sleepless nights and tantrum-filled days, let me tell you, new parents, calm babies don't come with a magic button, but I do have some pearls of wisdom. From tried-and-true sleep strategies to quirky personal tricks, I’ve compiled some genuinely effective ways to help quiet your crying little one, much like unearthing that last piece of chocolate hidden in the pantry.
First on the list, soothing music. Trust me, whether it's classical Mozart or a lullaby playlist on Spotify, melodies can work wonders. There’s something about music that whispers “sleep” into baby’s ears. As a friend of mine humorously quipped, “If that white noise machine had a cult, I’d be the first to join.”
Next, let’s get swaddling. This age-old technique will transform your fussy baby into a snug burrito of calm. It reminds them of that warm, cozy, womb-service they’ve lost. Learn different swaddling methods in the “Swaddle Wizard” section of our guide.
Moving along, who can ignore the power of bathing? A warm bath is like a gentle embrace, easing the baby into a state of pure bliss. Just make sure to keep the water temperature comfortable and don’t be surprised if your baby turns into a happy little splash monster. Get into the nitty-gritty with our “Bath Time Bliss” tips.
Ah, the infamous pacifier. This tiny silicone miracle worker. Critics might frown on it, but when you’re desperate for some quiet, the pacifier becomes your best ally. It offers them a sense of security and comfort that is hard to beat. Using a pacifier effectively is an art, which we delve into in our comprehensive piece.
Lastly, let’s not forget about hugs and cuddles. Sometimes the best remedy is the simplest – your touch, your warmth, and your heartbeat are the ultimate soothing balm for your baby.
Ready to tackle the rest of our top tips and become the calm whisperer your baby needs? Let’s dive deeper into these life-saving techniques that will have you and your baby resting easy, and maybe even cracking a smile. Welcome to the world of calm!
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10. Rocking
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Photo Credit: naomi sews & sews
This is a common soothing method that most parents start with. Some have a rocking chair in the nursery or out in the living room that they will sit in with the baby. My son slept in our 3 Easy Ways to Dress up Your Bedroom on a Budget ... @BonnieMattern, beside my bed in a cradle and sometimes just slightly rocking the cradle would calm him down.
9. Bouncing
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Photo Credit: Turkinator
Bouncing is one of the ways to calm a baby that doesn't require any special equipment. You can sit on the edge of the bed and bounce as you hold the baby close to you. Some people find that it is easier to bounce the baby a bit while holding him/her in their arms as they stand. Pick whatever is most comfortable for you.
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8. Singing
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Photo Credit: loopykd
You don't have to be a pop star to sing to babies. They don't care what you sound like, they just like the constant melody. If you aren't comfortable with singing or can't think of asong, then humming works well also. Most of the time I know the tune to a song, but not the words. It's not even funny how humming has come in handy so many times! And if you really can't hum, try reading a children's book to him in a soothing voice.
7. Pets!
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Photo Credit: aunqtunolosepas♥
30 Pictures of the Cutest Dogs Ever ... @Katieand cats don't only soothe adults, they can have the same therapeutic effect on babies as well. I had a cat when my son was little that would lie next to him when he would be playing on the floor. When the cat would start to purr, my son would end up falling asleep. It was the strangest, cutest thing!
6. Give a Bath
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Photo Credit: insashi
There are bath soaps for babies that have lavender in them. This scent has a calming effect on them. For many babies, just the feel of the water is soothing enough. Other ways to calm a baby with a bathis by simply letting the water run. I found that those small fountains that run off of a couple of AA batteries are very intriguing to babies. They really get interested in watching it circulate through the fountain and forget all about whatever was bothering them.
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5. Turn on the Dryer
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Photo Credit: bradameeks26
The sound of the dryer is very soothing in itself, but even setting the baby in his/her carrier on top of the dryer while it is running can be even more relaxing. If you don't have a dryer, I've found that going to the laundromat works well also. The dryers are often enclosed so that nothing can be set on top of them, but they still make a constant whirring sound. Babies often find it interesting enough to watch the clothes tumble around.
4. Massage
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Photo Credit: Massage Photos
If you can get it, I recommend the baby lotion with lavender in it but really any baby lotion will do. Sometimes something as simple as touch is all that is needed. Massage is one of the ways to calm a baby that isn't often used but I have notice that it works wonders. I guess babies loves massages as much as you love your Swedish massage.
3. Create a Distraction
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Photo Credit: PatrickSmithPhotography
There are tons of ideas that you can follow to create a distraction; play peek-a-boo, show the baby him/herself in a small mirror, find a happy cartoon with lots of colors and interesting noises in it, just about anything that makes a sound or is interesting to look at should do. Sometimes you are lucky enough to find a distraction that works every time!
2. Go outside
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Photo Credit: PatrickSmithPhotography
Going outside was sometimes the only way my son would calm down. It was almost immediate. As soon as we'd walk out the door he would perk up. I recommend investing in a baby backpack that is comfortable for you both and have it set by the door. I kept mine stocked with a few diapers, wipes, powdered formula, and a few other travel necessities, just so it was ready to go when we were. Usually, by the time we had made it down the driveway, he was asleep!
1. Take a Drive
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Photo Credit: Ben Heine
This seems to be the method that most people rely on as the ultimate calming procedure. I have yet to see a baby that doesn't immediately calm down once the carstarts moving. Having a tape of classical music or children's songs tends to help as well.
While I've tried all of these ways to calm a baby, my favorite was going for a short car ride. It worked every time! This seemed to work for my sisters and me when we were babies, for my son, and for many of my friends when their children were small. If you've already found what works best for your baby or any babies that you interact with, be sure to pass it on to other people including us!
Top Photo Credit: LeighTaylor
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