Soothe Crying Baby Naturally

Few things are more upsetting for a parent than to hear their baby's crying. You can lose a lot of sleep and at some points come close to losing your sanity.  Here is some information to help you soothe your crying baby, naturally.

Many will advise you to just leave your baby alone when they are crying.  The philosophy is that if no one comes to help the baby, they will learn to “self soothe”.  The truth is small babies don’t have the emotional capabilities to self soothe.  Yes, the baby will stop crying eventually, but only because it feels it has been abandoned and has given up on seeking help.  A baby who isn’t comforted when they cry believes their parents no longer care.  This can damage the baby's trust and self esteem. 

On the other hand, your psychological health matters too.  There’s bound to be the rare occasion when you can’t take it anymore and no one is around to help you.  If you feel you’ve reached your breaking point, it’s all right to take a break from your child for a few minutes while you regroup.  If your child knows you’re coming back eventually, they will be less likely to feel abandoned.

The best way to learn to soothe your crying baby naturally is to get to know them.  Most of the time, the child is crying because something is wrong; they’re hungry, tired, grumpy, sick, bored, or have one of a multitude of other needs.  If you spend time with your baby and listen carefully, you may be able to distinguish one cry from another.  However, don't think that you're a bad mother if you can't discern your baby's needs.  

Sometimes, babies don’t really have anything "wrong" with them and are just letting off steam.  Here are a few suggestions for soothing your crying baby naturally:

* Play music.  Many babies may also be soothed when you sing to them, play classical or other music,  or even simple white noise like the vacuum cleaner.

* Use Lavender.  It is known to have natural calming properties; you could put it a few drops in their bath, bedroom, laundry, or almost anywhere that the soothing vapors will be able to comfort them.

* Use the 5 S’s.  Swaddling, laying the baby on its Side or Stomach, Shhing, Swinging them in a mechanical swing or your arms, and offering a breast or pacifier to Suck on will trigger the baby’s natural calming reflex and help them relax.

* Distract them.  Try to offer him his favorite toy or make quiet baby talk.  You may be able to get him to forget he was upset in the first place.  Taking walks outside is a classic trick. If baby loves to take a bath, try that.

* Use a baby sling. Take baby for a walk outside in a sling. The motion and comfort of your body along with new scenery may calm him.

* Give your baby a massage.  A massage can be just as relaxing for your baby as it is for you.  Be very gentle with your touch. Here are a couple of tips on massage for babies.

If you’ve tried these and other remedies, but your baby still won’t stop crying, you should take them to the pediatrician just in case to be sure that it’s not something more serious.