How to calm a restless baby can be challenging even for experienced parents. The main reason is that there are no babies that behave in the same way. The excessive crying can even make a parent feel resentful towards the little one. In this article, I would share some techniques I used myself and what I have learnt from other mummies facing the same problem.
Table of Contents
During the first several weeks at home, most babies are generally not fussy yet and easily soothed. They tend to be relatively easy to care for, mostly eating and sleeping. If the cry is related to hunger, it normally subsides after feeding.
However, if the baby is still crying after feeding and changing his/her diapers, it may mean they require some soothing. He/she will probably be ok after you pick up and hold them in your arms.
There are many reasons that can cause baby restlessness. Colic can be one of the reason which happens to around 20 – 25 percent of babies. You may also like to check out what is the best formula for colic in the market.
If it is not due to colic and all basic needs like feeding, changing of diapers and sufficient sleep are fulfilled, you may need to look out for signs that your baby might be coming down with something.
Rashes on their skin, unusual behavior, feeding less, cough and flu or fever can be signs that cause baby restlessness. Visit your pediatrician if he/she is showing the above symptoms.
One good way to calm a colicky baby is to change their dietary habits. Clinical studies have shown that reducing lactose in baby’s feed have helped to reduce the symptoms of colic. (Source) However, it is recommended to always consult your pediatrician before making any changes to your baby dietary habits
The fastest way you can try to calm a crying baby in 15 seconds can be as simple as offering them a finger or pacifier. You may also like to use a carrier for newborn to walk them around the house or go outside.
If you are facing a fussy newborn all day, here are some of the baby care techniques to soothe your baby.
If none of your soothing efforts works, simply place your baby in a safe place(such as a bassinet or crib) and let him cry for a while. Check on him every five to ten minutes to make sure he’s all right. For convenience, you can also install a baby monitor with sensor mat to monitor him/her from range.
If you can, call your friend, neighbor or family member to come over and relieve you for a bit. The key is to be patient, take regular deep breaths and count to ten when feeling frustrated.
Swaddling and sucking are the most important soothers that will calm and relax your baby during the first few months. Because her nervous system is still highly immature, swaddling her securely in a light blanket can help give her a sense of comfort and security. The feeling will be like what she had in the womb.
The pacifier is one of the tools you can consider to help your baby sleep at night. The American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) recommends the use of pacifiers at nap time and bedtime throughout the first year of life. (Source)
However, it is recommended that pacifier introduction for breastfed infants to be delayed for the first two to three weeks to ensure that breastfeeding is firmly established.
Do not force the pacifier if your infant refuses it. Forcing will make the baby push it out of the mouth and negate the soothing purpose of it. Gently rub your baby’s lips with the pacifier and wait for him to be interested enough to draw it into his mouth.
Some other tips for effective pacifier use include:
You don’t want to give up on swaddling right away. If your baby is crying and doesn’t calm down try give him a pacifier or finger to soothe him/her to sleep.
If your baby is too sleepy during the day, try to swaddle him more loosely and leave his hands free. This will encourage him to wake up for feedings. If the baby is too active during night time, swaddle him a bit tighter with his hands down.
This will help to increase his stretch of uninterrupted sleep. Another thing to take note is always place your baby to sleep on his back and not to the side or stomach. This is a safety precaution for Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). You can also install baby monitors for SIDS so you can monitor from anywhere in the house.
To make a baby sleep fast, there are some good habits that you can introduce them like fixing a sleep schedule for day and night. You can read up everything about this topic from the library and or find a program which can help to shorten your learning curve. (Check out the article we wrote about this topic.) Do note that strategies may varies depending on the age of your baby.
A Final tip on How to Calm a Restless Baby
Consider joining a new moms group to learn more soothing techniques and share your experiences. It will be nice to find out that other moms are going through the same things with their newborns. What is your best strategy on how to calm a restless baby? Leave a comment below. You may also like to check out the best co sleeper in the market for your baby.
Are you in need of the best breast pump to induce lactation? Are you finding…
Are you looking for best car seat for baby with reflux? I will help you…
During the days when I am pregnant, I always have a lot of difficulties getting…
Breast pumping is on the rise, especially with modern moms. Breastfeeding your baby with a…
Helmets constantly evolve, one of the most recent helmets we have reviewed that is also…
Your baby will grow fast, and before you know it, they will have outgrown their…