As new parents, it can be so frustrating to try to soothe a baby when they fuss and cry.  Here are some ideas that might help you to calm a fussy baby, they have certainly worked for us!

1. Dance together.  Gentle music soothes babies rather than fast music with a lively beat.   By swaying and humming to the music, you can entertain a baby enough to help him relax and stop crying.  If you can, make a tape or CD of your favourite slow songs and enjoy some bonding time together.

2. Carry your baby with you wherever you go.   Babies calm down when they feel you close and hear your heartbeat; a baby sling or a baby carrier will support your back and make it easier to do this.  Newborn babies aren’t able to support their own body weight, so a baby sling works best for the first few months.  Once your baby is able to sit up on his own, a baby carrier is a great choice as it allows him to face outward and see the world. 

3. Swaddle your baby before you rock him to sleep.  New babies like to feel snug and cosy, and swaddling can create that feeling for them.  If you would like more information on how to swaddle a baby please visit www.drmelaniebee.org, click on the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding button, and look for Simple Ways to Calm a Baby on the left side of the web page.

4. Skin-to-skin contact can help.  One of the nicest ways to accomplish this, especially in the evening, is to run a warm bath, light a few candles and turn off the lights.   Sit in the tub, place your baby on your chest, and cover his back and legs with a warm facecloth.  Babies like the feel of the close contact, the warm water, and the pretty lights.  Bath time is an excellent way for dad to have special bonding time and it gives mom a bit of a break.

5. Infant massage provides much relief for babies, as it helps to promote bonding, relaxation and brain stimulation.  It also helps to improve digestion and results in a deeper sleep for your baby.  For more information about infant massage, please visit www.iaim.net.

6. Wrap up your baby warmly in your baby stroller and go for a walk.  Especially if you walk on a sidewalk, the rhythmic bumping movement can soothe a baby quickly.  You both get some fresh air and you benefit from adding exercise to your day.

7. Go for an evening drive.  Some babies find the hum of a running engine to be soothing.  I found that if I placed two rolled up burp cloths on either side of my baby’s head and then tucked a blanket firmly around him as he sat in his car seat, it helped him to feel more comfortable and secure in the car. 

8. Rock your baby to sleep.  Rocking provides gentle movement that can calm a fussy baby.  Either hold your baby in the crook of your arm with pillows for support, or hold your baby on your chest as you rock back and forth. 

9. Vacuum the floors of your house.  Some babies find the hum of a vacuum to be calming.  Place your baby in a sling or a baby carrier and start vacuuming.  If your baby does calm down with vacuuming, you benefit in two ways: you end up with a calm baby and a clean floor.

Here's a start anyway.  Do any of you have great ideas to calm fussy babies?  I'd love to hear from you!

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