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How to soothe a crying baby
Tips for calming your newborn to sleep
Soothing a crying baby to sleep can be one of the most gratifying experiences of parenthood. But as Toronto mom Alison Wood knows, some babies are harder to soothe than others. Her first, Olivia, was a sensitive soul from the beginning and given to evening crying jags. Then along came Jack, now three, who “almost killed us,” says Wood. “You had to wrap him snugly and hold him really tight because he’d get out of his swaddling. He needed loud shushing and jiggling. He would settle down, but it would take a while.” Just over a year ago, Finn was born, a placid baby who cries only when he’s hungry or tired, and is easily comforted.
Whether you’re blessed with an Olivia, a Jack or a Finn, here are some soothing strategies that may help both you and your newborn get a little more sleep.
Check for physical causes
Crying means something is out of whack in your baby’s world. Is he hungry? Does he need a diaper change? Is he too warm? Does he need a change of position? Babies are happiest when they are in close physical contact, and are sometimes calmed simply by being picked up and held.
Don’t hesitate to feed your baby
With tummies the size of a walnut and a rapid growth rate, infants need to eat often, around the clock. (If the baby seems frustrated when he nurses, or you have sore nipples, call a lactation counsellor.)
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