Tips for Calming Fussy Babies

baby crying with hands in air

Every time your baby begins to fuss more than usual, you feel helpless. Yes, babies are supposed to cry—that’s how they communicate. However, incessant crying is a signal that your child may need more support and attention than what they’re currently getting.

The question is, what is the best method for soothing a fussy baby? 

Fortunately, several strategies can help with calming fussy babies quickly, giving both you and your child peace of mind. Here’s everything you need to know about how to calm a crying baby.

How to Soothe a Crying Baby: Give Your Fussy Baby a Massage

If your child won’t stop crying, try giving them a massage to soothe them. Start by stroking your fussy baby’s head, going from their forehead to the back of their neck. Massage in slow strokes, one for every breath you inhale. 

You can massage your child in this way when they’re in their crib or when you’re holding them. Your child will likely fall asleep in no time. Consider adding a soothing humming sound or a “shhh” during the gentle massage as you explore how to calm a crying baby.

Swing Your Child

If you’re wondering how to soothe a crying baby, you may want to enlist the help of a baby swing. Some little ones find it easier to stay calm with the help of a gentle, slow swinging motion, as it reminds them of the movements they experienced when in their mothers’ wombs. Still, don’t overdo this motion by putting your fussy baby in a swing constantly; otherwise, they may become desensitized to it over time. You can also rock your child to sleep in your arms or a baby carrier if you’re exploring how to calm a crying baby.

If your child ends up falling asleep in their swing, move them to their crib, placing them on their back. Watch out for suffocation hazards, like bumpers, blankets, or toys, and are in the crib with them.

Introduce Relaxing Sounds

Parents wondering how to soothe a crying baby can also play soft music for them in a quiet, dark room featuring no distractions. Alternatively, white noise, a clock that makes a ticking sound, or even a humming fan can provide the soothing background noise your child needs to fall asleep quickly.

A device that produces white noise may be a viable option for you as you explore how to soothe a crying baby. That’s because this calming sound may remind them of being in your womb. Likewise, a recording of someone’s heartbeat may soothe your child by recreating their experience in the womb, where they heard your heartbeat day in and day out.baby wearing white clothes and sleeping

Choose the Right Position for Your Child

If you’re wondering how to soothe a crying baby, your fussy baby can be calmed down simply by being held in the right position. Gather your child into your arms, then place them on their left side. This may help with digestion and provide support for their stomach. You can also gently rub your child’s back at this time until they fall asleep if you’re not sure how to calm a crying baby. Afterward, put them down in their crib on their back.

Swaddle Your Child

Another way for parents to master how to soothe a crying baby is to swaddle them in a thin, large blanket. This can help your child feel more secure by mimicking the feeling they experienced in your womb. Your child’s doctor can show you the proper way to swaddle your little one.

Feed Your Child Wisely

Finally, consider changing your child’s diet if you’re wondering how to soothe a crying baby and you find that your baby is still fussy after you’ve tried our other tips. 

If you breastfeed your child, consider cutting back on caffeine or milk products, which could irritate your child through your breast milk. Likewise, try to avoid inflammatory or spicy foods, such as cabbage or onions, and see if that helps your little one as you explore how to soothe a crying baby.

If you bottle-feed your child, consider switching to a new formula. A formula designed specifically for babies with sensitive stomachs may be the solution to your child’s fussiness.

Also, when you feed your child, don’t overfeed them, as this might make them uncomfortable. In addition, if you’re trying to figure out how to soothe a crying baby, try to allow two to two-and-a-half hours between feedings. When it’s not feeding time, calm your child with a pacifier if you can, as sucking is known to calm many babies.

Treat Your Child to the Best with Our Top Children’s Products at Abiie

At Abiie®, we’re proud to design and make soothing baby products that parents who are wondering how to soothe a crying baby can trust. With our comfortable baby carriers, we’re excited to be a part of the memories you make with your child every day and help with the process of soothing a fussy baby. 

Our Huggs® Baby Carrier is the “best seat on the go” for soothing little ones. It features a HIPBELT design that ensures a smooth, quiet transition of your baby out of the carrier if they end up falling asleep in the carrier. It also features an ergonomic design with an M-seating position that prevents hip dysplasia. Your child will appreciate the carrier’s dual-layer center panel, too, as its outer layer folds for warmth or air flow through 3D mesh to keep your baby comfortable while they relax with you.

All of our products are eco-friendly, and we believe in their quality so much that we even offer a 30-day return policy. We also offer free shipping across the contiguous 48 US states, with shipping to Alaska and Hawaii costing a small fee.

As you explore how to calm a crying baby, experience the Abiie® difference by shopping our store today. Contact us if there’s anything we can do to help.