Tips for Consoling Your Baby

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Are you asking yourself "Will the crying ever stop"? Take a deep cleansing breath, relax, and read our tips to help you calm your little one.

Crying is your baby’s way of communicating with you. Your baby may be trying to tell you that he/she is hungry, in pain, too hot or too cold, has a dirty diaper, is sleepy, or is over stimulated. On average, babies cry for 1 to 4 hours a day.

During some of these periods, nothing that you do seems to console your child; this can be extremely unnerving for many parents. Here are some tips to help calm your baby:

Give your baby a pacifier to suck on or use your clean finger if you don't have a pacifier handy.

Try burping your baby. Sometimes a gas bubble is stuck in your baby's belly causing pain and discomfort.

Rock your baby.

Touch and stroke your baby.

Swaddle your baby.

Sing and talk to your baby.
Baby Swings and Bouncers

Play soft relaxing music for your baby.

Carry your baby in your arms or use a carrier. I find that if I put a baby facing tummy-to-tummy with me in my arms (as if I am breastfeeding) and offer the baby a pacifier, the baby usually calms quickly.

Take your baby for a walk or for a car ride. A change of scenery is always nice.

Give your baby a warm bath.

Give your baby a massage.

If your baby is over stimulated, remove him/her from the object or situation that is causing the stimulation.

Use a vibrating infant seat or a baby swing.

If these tips don't work for you, put your baby in a safe place (like his/her crib) and go to a quiet place to relax and regain your composure.

Some babies, no matter what you do, may not be easy to console at certain times throughout the day. Some are colicky or have reflux. Unfortunately, there is not much else to do for an infant that has colic besides trying to console and calm them. The good news is that colic usually resolves by 3-4 months of age. If you suspect that your child has reflux, consult your pediatrician for further information.