How to Soothe Your Tiny Bundle of Joy When They Aren’t So Joyful
Mothers and fathers say that their baby’s cry is unique and that they can identify their own child’s distinctive cry among others. And, it’s no wonder because babies cry so much. Parents are constantly being confronted with loud indications that a baby needs food, changing, sleep, or some other attending. This is why it is so important for parents to find ways to calm their children during their infancy. Of course, there isn’t a magical method that works for all babies, but learning multiple ones gives you an opportunity to experiment until you find some that work.
Try Movement
Your baby spent nine months in a womb, experiencing every single motion of the body around them. When that child is born, remaining still and immobile in a crib or car seat won’t feel right. It will be upsetting. To help your child feel comfortable, make sure they get to experience motion.
There is a reason Rock-a-Bye-Baby is so popular. Babies love to be rocked. All you need to do is hold your baby, stand with your feet apart and swivel at the waist. Some babies like to be rocked quickly and others like nice, gentle swaying. You will find the rhythm that works for your little one. If you are worn out after a rough night or long day, a rocking chair is a great option.
If you just can’t rock anymore or you need a break, try using a baby swing, bouncer, or rock n play. Each of these should give you some peace.
Wrap Them Snug
In addition to being a place of constant movement, a womb is also close quarters. Your baby grew accustomed to being tightly surrounded by warmth. Making an effort to provide that sensation may be what your little one needs to feel pacified.
Many experts recommend swaddling, the act of wrapping a baby snugly with arms across the chest in a lightweight blanket. Some people say that swaddled infants sleep more soundly and for longer periods that ones who are not.
You can get in on the wrapping too. Babies like human contact, so take off your shirt, lie down with your baby pressed closely to your warm, bare skin, and cover the two of you in a blanket. You can also keep your baby close by employing a sling. Infants love to remain in motion with a parent but to also remain warmly ensconced.
Make Some Noise
You may notice a pattern here. You are trying to replicate the experience of being in a womb. Movement may work. Tight wrapping may be the key. Or, your baby may be looking for the constant sounds that it experienced in utero. Wombs are noisy places. Blood rushes, the heart beats, and the stomach growls and grumbles.
To introduce some comforting noise to your baby’s life, try turning on a fan. The consistent whirring can be incredibly soothing. Just make sure your infant doesn’t get cold. Another household item that makes good, repetitive noise is the vacuum cleaner. Some babies love to be carried while a parent vacuums. They enjoy the movement and the noise.
It’s natural to comfort a baby by making tender shushing noises, and it works because the sound is very much like the sounds of a womb. So, hold your baby close and shush quietly in his or her ear.
If these methods don’t work, you can simply get a white noise machine. These typically have a range of sounds, so you can find out whether your baby likes the sound of the ocean or of rain.
Mark Draper is a professional blogger and stay-at-home father of two. He knows how difficult raising children is, so he focuses his writing on informing and supporting other parents. In the future, he hopes to volunteer in a children’s hospital. His recent post is about Rehab Centers in the state
