For first-time parents, getting the baby to stop crying can be a real ordeal. It is natural for babies to cry daily, especially in the first few months of life. Over time, you can begin to wait for your child to calm down on their own, but in the beginning, it's essential to immediately address your baby's needs, starting with the most basic. If the little one keeps crying, try to rock him a little or distract him. It may take you a while to understand what your baby needs and what are the best techniques for calming him down.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Caring for Your Baby's Basic Needs
Step 1. change the baby's diaper if it is dirty.
If your baby is crying, smells strange, damp in the genital area, or is moving nonstop, take a look at his diaper. Take it off if it's dirty and clean the baby's genitals and legs with baby wipes. Wait for the skin in the region to dry, apply an ointment against diaper rash and dress the little one with a new diaper.
- Have a look at your child's diaper every two to three hours to keep him comfortable and free of nappy rash.
- Wash your hands before and after changing your diaper.
- Change the baby's diaper on a warm, clean surface, such as a clean towel spread on the living room floor or a baby changing room.
Step 2. feed the baby if you think he's hungry.
Feed the baby breast milk or powdered milk. If your child has already switched to solid foods, try giving him a little cereal or baby food. It is possible that your baby is hungry if he:
- Lips smacking repeatedly.
- To cry.
- Turn head towards you when being touched on the cheek.
- Bring your hands to your mouth.
Step 3. Tap baby on the back to make him burp after a meal
As soon as you finish eating, your baby may start to cry because of the buildup of gas in the belly. The best way to make him burp is to put him on your shoulder, with his belly facing you. With one hand, hold the baby from underneath, and with the other, support the baby's head and neck. Hold it in this position and gently pat your child on the back until he burps.
The baby's spine must be straight so that he can release all the gas
Step 4. Get your baby to “pedal” to relieve the discomfort caused by gas
If your baby continues to cry after burping, he may need a little more help to get rid of the gas. Lay him on his back on a soft blanket and gently pick up his legs. Move them as if he were riding a bicycle. Continue the exercise until the gas goes away or the baby stops crying.
- Ask your child's pediatrician for gas medicine recommendations for babies.
- Talk to your pediatrician if your child has gas very often. It is possible that he is suffering from gastric reflux, lactose intolerance, constipation or gastroenteritis, among other problems.
Step 5. Give the baby a pacifier if he does not respond to other techniques
Babies feel a great need for suction, especially during the first seven months of life. If your child continues to cry even after eating, burping and changing his diaper, he may need something to suck on. Try giving him a pacifier or helping him find his own big toe. Maybe he doesn't calm down?
A pacifier can also help your baby to sleep
Step 6. Take the baby out of the crib if he is sleepy
Sometimes the best solution is the simplest. Babies often cry when they are sleepy. It is also common for them to yawn, complain or even pass out from sleep. Cradle your child in your arms for a little while before taking them to the bed. After the little one calms down, put him in the crib, lying on his back.
- Never leave blankets, pillows, pets and other objects in the crib with the baby. Items may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
- Hang a musical mobile over the crib to help your baby sleep.
- Always leave a baby monitor turned on in case you need to leave the room.
Tip: Talk to your pediatrician if your baby cries for three to four hours without stopping for more than two days a week for a period longer than two weeks. This crying is indicative of colic. Your pediatrician can teach you techniques to relieve your baby's pain.
Method 2 of 3: Soothing the Baby
Step 1. Wrap the baby so that he feels warm, comfortable and safe
The secret is to wrap it tightly, but not too tight. Take a small blanket and place it in the shape of a diamond on a flat surface. Then take the top edge of the blanket and bring it to the bottom edge, forming an upside-down triangle. Put the baby in the middle of the blanket, with the little arms inside.
- Move the left edge of the blanket to your baby's right side and tuck it under her back.
- Pass the right end to the baby's left side and secure it in the same way as the left. To finish the wrapping, tuck the bottom edge of the blanket under the baby's body.
- Keep baby's head uncovered. If you feel the wrapping is too tight, loosen it a little.
Step 2. Cuddle your baby so he feels safe
Especially during the first few months of life, babies need a lot of care and attention. Hold your child with both arms, supported by the dominant arm. Put his little head in the crook of your elbow. Rock it, rock it, or walk around with it. Keep the baby close to your body so that he can see your face and hear your heart.
Tip: Keep your baby close to you at all times without holding your hands up with a sling or a kangaroo bag. Carefully follow the product instructions so that your child does not get hurt.
Step 3. Adjust the noise level in your home
While some babies like noise, others prefer dark and quiet environments. Dim the light in your home so that the light doesn't hurt your baby's eyes. Turn off the television, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer and any other equipment that makes noise. If none of this works, turn on the fan and set it to play a playlist of quiet songs or sounds of rain, ocean or water in general.
Keep an eye on the temperature of the house. If it's too hot or too cold, the baby may be uncomfortable
Step 4. Massage the little one
The heat from your hands can soothe your child almost instantly, especially if he or she has pain in the muscles or joints (so-called “growing pains”). Lay your baby down in a comfortable position on the couch or bed. Take off his clothes, leaving him only in a diaper. Massage using a lotion or baby oil. Spread the product with smooth and gentle movements. Stop and try another technique if your baby starts to cry even more.
- Massage the baby's face, arms, legs, back and belly.
- Use slow, circular motions, and try placing one hand on top of the other. With the toes overlapping, massage the baby's hands and feet. Then separate your fingers and massage all of the little one's fingers individually.
Method 3 of 3: Distracting the Baby
Step 1. Sing to distract the baby
If your child is crying and having trouble sleeping, sometimes a simple remedy, such as a lullaby, can be a handy tool. Sing or hum while looking at the baby. He will relax as he concentrates on the rhythm of the song and on your face. You can either sing to the baby in the crib or rock him in your arms.
When singing to a baby, you can choose either a lullaby or a popular song. What he likes is the sound of your voice
Step 2. Play with the baby
Cover your eyes with your hands. Then take your hands away from your eyes and say "You found it!" Make faces to make him laugh or place him on the mat and crawl on the floor with him. Another play option is to put your hand in front of your child's face and wait for him to touch you.
You can also try talking to the baby in a funny voice. Try doing this with your face very close to his
Step 3. Take your child for a stroll in a stroller or sling
Put your baby in a stroller or sling and take him out to see the world and get a little fresh air. He will love it! Just be sure to bring a baby bottle, pacifier, diaper pack, and other necessary items with you. Take a 30-minute to an hour walk with your child. The stroller swing can also be a great way to calm you down.
Avoid places with very uneven ground
Step 4. Take your child to visit friends or family
Taking the baby to a friend or relative's house can be a nice change in routine for both of you. Breathing fresh air, driving around in a car and visiting new places activate babies' senses and make them forget to cry.
Security measure: Follow safety measures when driving with your young child. Place it securely in the car seat, in the back seat and with its back to you.
Tips
Don't give up hope if any of the above methods don't work. Try other options
Notices
- Take your child to the pediatrician regularly. Excessive crying can be an indication of serious problems that need medical attention.
- Never hit a baby. They are too young to understand physical punishment. A spanking will only make your child cry more and traumatize him.
- Never shake a baby. The jolts can cause brain damage and even death.
- Always keep an eye on the baby. Never put him in a secluded or hidden place, not even if he doesn't stop crying.