Crying is how babies express themselves. Is your little one cold, hungry, uncomfortable, or tired? Crying is how they let you know they want to be heard. So crying isn't necessarily a bad thing; get to know your baby so you can better recognise what's going on. Crying babies mostly want comforting, and here are six tips for doing just that.
1. Make physical contact
Most babies love feeling your body warmth. It's soothing and creates a sense of security when you hold your baby close or gently rock them back and forth. Newborns in particular respond well to the sound of your heartbeat, your scent, and your warmth. A baby carrier or sling can help too - keeping your little one close while leaving your hands free.
2. Talk to your baby
Babies love hearing your voice - a familiar sound they already knew from the womb. Speak softly or sing a song to help your baby relax.
3. Give them some quiet
Crying babies are often overstimulated or tired. In that case, all your efforts to stop the crying can backfire and tire them out even more. Put your baby down in their bed, close the curtains, maybe put on a music box, and let them settle.
4. Massage
A massage can be wonderfully relaxing for your baby: gentle, gliding movements over their body, paired with your full attention. No wonder babies love it, often drifting off to sleep contentedly afterwards.
5. Gentle motion
We all know the stories of crying babies who finally settled once desperate parents took them for a drive. Babies love gentle, rocking motion. A walk in the pram, a slow dance, rocking, or indeed a car ride, can lull your baby to sleep.
6. Swaddling
In the womb, your baby felt safe and snug. Once born, there's suddenly so much space around them, which can feel unsettling. Swaddling with a wrap or a special sleep sack can bring back that familiar sense of security and help settle your baby.