A fussy newborn baby can be a handful for any new parent. Luckily I have a few proven tips to soothe your Newborn.
Tip 1: Create a calming environment
If your newborn baby is fussy, one of the best things you can do is to create a calm environment. This means keeping noise and lights to a minimum, and avoiding any stimulating activities. Nursing or rocking your baby can also have a calming effect.
Tip 2: Swaddle your baby
Swaddling your baby in a blanket can help them to feel safe and secure. Swaddling can help to recreate the feeling of being in the womb which is very calming and soothing to your baby. Make sure that the blanket is not too tight and that your baby is able to move their head freely. Also do not leave your baby swaddled unattended.
Tip 3: Use white noise
If your newborn is having trouble getting settled, one thing I swear by is white noise. White noise is vey good tool to help settle and calm your baby. It helps to block out any unwanted background noises that may be disturbing to them whilst they are trying to sleep. There are a variety of white noise machines available on the market or you can even download an app on your phone. Just remember to make sure the volume is not too loud as you don’t want to risk damaging your baby’s hearing. I love the baby shusher which I use regularly in my Newborn Photography Sessions.
Tip 4: Give your baby a massage
One of the most calming things you can do for a fussy newborn baby is to give them a gentle massage. Start by lightly stroking their head and face with your fingertips and work your way down their body. If your baby seems to enjoy it you can massage their legs and feet, be careful not to apply too much pressure.
Tip 5: Take your baby for a walk in the pram or baby carrier
f your baby is still unsettled why not take them for a walk in their pram or a baby carrier. The fresh air and movement will help soothe them and hopefully help them to fall asleep.
Tip 6: Rock your baby to sleep
Try gently rocking your baby in your arms. You can also try swaying back and forth while standing up or sitting in a rocking chair. The rhythmic movement of rocking can help soothe your baby and lull them to sleep.
Tip 7: Give your baby a warm bath
There’s nothing quite like a warm bath to help soothe an irritable baby. The warmth of water can help relax and and provide a calming effect on your newborns muscles. Even better add a nice lavender baby bubble bath to add to the calming effect.
Tip 8: Try different positions for soothing
When it comes to soothing a fussy baby, one size does not fit all. You may have to try different positions and techniques before you find what works best for your little one. Here are a few positions you can try:
- Cradle hold: This is the classic holding position for newborns. Place your baby’s head in the crook of your elbow and support their bottom with your hand. Use your other hand to gently rock them back and forth.
- Football hold: This position is great for babies who tend to spit up a lot. Place your baby on their side across your forearm, with their head and shoulders supported by your hand. Use your other hand to hold their bottom and legs.
- Lap hold: If you’re nursing, this position will be familiar to you. Place your baby in your lap so their facing you, with their head supported by one of your hands. Use your other hand to help them latch on correctly. You can also use this position to burp them after feeding.
- Swing: Gently swing your baby back and forth in your arms or in a baby swing. This rhythmic motion can be very calming for fussy babies.
- Car ride: Sometimes the best way to soothe a fussy baby is just to take them for a ride in the car. The movement of the car will help lull them to sleep.
Tip 9: Sing or talk softly to your baby
When your baby is being fussy, it can be difficult to know what to do. You may feel like you’ve tried everything, but nothing seems to work. Sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest difference. Try singing or talking softly to your baby. This can help them to relax and may even help them to fall asleep.
I hope these tips to soothe your Newborn has helped you and you’ve been able to take away some useful tips, I would love to hear how you get on and if you’ve got any tried and tested tips to soothe your Newborn that I haven’t mentioned. I’d love to hear from you.
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Images displayed in this article were taken by Sage and Eve Photography.
