At times, we moms are at our wit’s end trying to figure out why the baby is crying incessantly. Sometimes the reason could be colic, hunger, a soiled diaper, rashes, or just lack of sleep. There is no single method of success that works to soothe a crying baby. With time, you will develop a series of techniques which will calm you’re your baby.
Read on to find out some handy tips to soothe a restless baby.
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Create a womb-like environment
Your newborn will take time to adjust to life outside the cozy womb. We may think it is colic that’s making the baby cry but the actual reason could be something entirely different. Try and recreate a similar environment to comfort your baby’s jittery nerves. Go to a quiet room and dim the lights. Swaddle him in a sheet/blanket with his hands inside and swing him off to sleep. Hold him close to you. Swing him around, rock him from side-to-side; sometimes gently, sometimes in rapid motion till the baby is calm. You can also make the baby hear constant pulsating sounds like that of a hair dryer or a vacuum. These sounds are similar to the ones the baby hears in the womb.
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Heal with touch therapy
Touch stimulates receptors in the brain that soothe a crying baby. Caress your baby’s cheeks, hands, stomach, and legs in long soft strokes. You can also keep the baby close to your body and gently stroke her back. Sing hymns, talk to the baby and nuzzle her up while keeping her close to your bosom.
When mom’s gentle caress doesn’t work, try dad’s bear hug. The dad’s strong arms will rock the baby well and provide him protective warmth. And yes, your tired arms will also get a break.
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Is it gas /colic?
Your baby might be uncomfortable due to gas or digestive issues. About one-fifth of the babies develop colic which lasts for a few weeks and the discomfort subsides slowly. For relief, you can try rocking, swaddling, or massaging the baby. Lay him across your knees on his stomach and massage his back. Turn him around and cycle his legs to expel the gas.
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Unexpected Remedies that may work
Sometimes, unexpected measures work to soothe the baby. Take him outdoors in the cool breeze. Put him in the stroller and take a walk around the block, garden, or the park. Mother Nature can also work wonders to change the baby’s mood. Make him wear light breathable clothes and try tricks to distract the baby’s attention.
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Check your diet, if you’re breastfeeding
The reason behind your baby’s restlessness could be an allergy to one of the food items that you are eating. These allergens enter the baby’s bloodstream while breastfeeding and trigger allergies. If the crying persists, try eliminating the following items from your diet.
- Dairy
- Onions
- Caffeine
- Beans
- Allergy-causing foods like soy, wheat, nuts, seafood, nuts, and eggs.
Eliminate the above foods one at a time to test which food item is causing the discomfort. If the problem persists do consult a medical expert on food allergies. Also check out the best Foods for Breastfeeding Moms.
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Use natural and safe baby skincare products
Use only organic and certified natural baby care products for your little one. The chemicals in products that contain toxins might flare up rashes and allergies on your baby’s body, causing immense discomfort.
Crying is the only way a baby can express his discomfort. As a mom, his persistent crying will trouble you, but you must not lose your cool or feel guilty that you can’t handle your own crying baby. After three months, you will become an expert in figuring out the reason for your baby’s cries. As long as you’re responding to baby’s cries and doing your best to console him, you’re doing great.