5 Tips For Soothing A Cranky Baby

Photo:  Laura Garcia/Pexels

Human beings have a primal response to the sound of a crying baby. Have you ever wondered why it is so difficult to listen to a baby crying on a plane or in a café, even if the baby isn’t your own? The sound has been proven to trigger the fight or flight response within the subcortical part of your brain, inspiring an immediate emotional response. This reaction can be felt ten-fold when it is your baby crying. To help you soothe those cranky little cries, we have five tried and true tips from experienced mommas.

Change Their Duds

One of the first checkpoints when your baby is upset is to make sure they have a clean and dry nappy. Having a wet or dirty nappy is not only uncomfortable but can lead to nappy rash if left for an extended period of time. 

If your baby has red and irritated skin under their nappy, you can soothe their discomfort and repair the skin with Sudocrem nappy rash cream. After around three days, the rash should clear up. If it is getting worse, then take them to see a doctor.

Feed Them

A newborn baby’s stomach is as small as a cherry and can only hold a teaspoon of milk at a time, which explains why they need such regular milk top-ups (and the frequency of nappy changes required!). If bubs is fussing and won’t settle, then a feed might be in order. 

Remember, your little one hasn’t read the books and may not be interested in the three-hourly schedule they suggest! If you’re out and about, a nursing sports bra can be a lifesaver, allowing you to be comfortable all day and feed bubs with ease whenever the need arises. 

Burp Them

Tiny air bubbles can find their way into your baby’s digestive system when they are feeding, crying, or babbling away happily. These air bubbles are incredibly uncomfortable and need to be passed out through their mouth or their bottom. Some babies find this easy to do, others not so much. 

If your little one is squirming, crying, and in clear discomfort, they may have some trapped wind. Try supporting their chin with one hand while you pat their back with the other. Cycling their little legs like they are on a bicycle can also be a great help.

Hold Them

Don’t listen to the naysayers who say that you will spoil your baby by holding them too much. Cuddling, rocking, and having skin-to-skin time with your baby all have crucial benefits for their brain development. Not only that, but we are biologically programmed to want to hold, cuddle, and comfort our young. Plus, they are only tiny for a short amount of time, and you will be sure to look back at that stage with a lot of nostalgia. 

Take Them for a Walk

If all else fails, pop your cranky baby into their pram or carrier and take them out for a walk. Sometimes a bit of fresh air and a change of scenery can work wonders for your mood and theirs. Remember, while it is perfectly natural to feel more tightly wound as your baby gets more and more upset, they are also very responsive to your mood. This last tip can help both of you.

While it can sometimes feel like nothing you do works to soothe a cranky baby, you will learn different techniques to help calm your baby over time. A quick note: if you are worried that they are uncomfortable or unwell, don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional.