Whether you’re cradling your sweet bundle of joy or expecting their arrival any day now, you’ve probably heard whispers (or desperate cries) about the “fussy phase.”
As a postpartum nurse, I’ve witnessed my fair share of wide-eyed parents, gently rocking their newborns while silently pleading, “What do I do now?”
Babies tend to be fussy in the early evenings/night, you might have heard the term “witching hour” which most babies go through for the first few months of their lives.
But there is some good news: soothing a newborn isn’t about having a magic touch—it’s about understanding a few tried-and-true techniques. Babies come into this world with brand-new senses, and sometimes, it all feels like a lot for them. Here are 10 amazing soothing techniques that actually work to help calm your baby (and maybe even give you a breather).
1. The Power of the Swaddle
Ah, the swaddle—it’s like a cozy burrito for your baby! Swaddling mimics the snug feeling of the womb, providing comfort and security. The key is to wrap your baby snugly (but not too tight) in a lightweight blanket, leaving enough room for hip movement. Make sure their face is uncovered.
Pro Tip: If your baby seems to “fight the swaddle,” try it when they’re calm. Some babies prefer one arm out or a looser wrap. You can also use a structured swaddle that makes it easy for anyone to achieve a great swaddle!
Try these swaddle blankets from Amazon!
2. The Shush Sound (White Noise Magic)
Newborns are used to the loud, whooshing sounds of the womb. Recreating that environment with gentle “shushing” noises can be incredibly calming. You can make the sound yourself, use a white noise machine, or even an app on your phone.
Bonus Tip: The sound should be as loud as a shower—yes, really! It might seem counterintuitive, but the right level of white noise can be super soothing.
You can use the white noise on your phone or get a white noise machine, trust me, it works like magic!
3. Swinging or Gentle Rocking
Babies love rhythmic motion because it reminds them of floating around in the womb. You can gently rock them in your arms, sway while holding them, or use a baby swing (with supervision).
Safety First: Always ensure your baby’s head and neck are supported, and never leave them unattended in a swing. A great way to soothe a fussy baby is to hold them in a “football hold” or “colic hold” (see picture below)
4. Skin-to-Skin Contact
This is more than just cuddling—it’s a powerful bonding tool. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate your baby’s heart rate, temperature, and even blood sugar levels. Strip your baby down to their diaper, hold them against your bare chest, and cover both of you with a cozy blanket. You can do this in a warm bath as well, babies usually love the sensation of warm water!
Dad Tip: This isn’t just for moms! Dads and partners can enjoy skin-to-skin time too.
Check out all the evidence on skin-to-skin right here on Babytalk!
5. Feeding (Even If They’re Not “Due” Yet)
Sometimes, a fussy baby just wants to nurse or bottle-feed for comfort, not just hunger. This is called “non-nutritive sucking,” and it’s incredibly soothing for babies.
If breastfeeding, offer the breast even if they’ve recently fed. If bottle-feeding, a pacifier can work wonders.
6. Change of Scenery (Or Position)
Imagine staring at the same ceiling for hours—boring, right? Babies can get overstimulated or bored too. Try changing rooms, stepping outside for fresh air, or even just shifting how you hold them. The “football hold” (with baby facing out) can give them a new view of the world.
Sometimes, a simple change in perspective is all it takes.
7. The Magic of the Pacifier
Pacifiers are like tiny miracle workers. Sucking is a natural reflex that helps babies self-soothe. Don’t worry about introducing one just yet if you’re breastfeeding, many lactation consultants suggest waiting a few weeks to establish feeding first.
If you do decide to use a pacifier and are breastfeeding, just make sure to offer it after they’ve had a full feed so they’re not missing out on important calories and nutrients.
Tip: If your baby spits it out repeatedly, try gently holding it in place while rocking or patting their back. You can also try multiple different types of soothers, they might prefer one brand over the other.
8. Warm Bath or Warm Compress
A warm bath can be surprisingly soothing for some babies. The warmth, combined with the gentle motion of water, helps relax tense muscles and calm fussiness. If bath time isn’t an option, try a warm (not hot) compress on their belly, especially if you suspect gas or tummy troubles.
Caution: Always check the water temperature with your wrist to avoid burns.
9. Tummy Time (But Make It Fun)
While tummy time is essential for development, it can also help with gassy tummies. If your baby protests being on their belly, try laying them on your chest instead of the floor. Your heartbeat, warmth, and face will make it more comforting.
Bonus: A gentle back rub while they’re on their tummy can release extra tension.
Try a tummy time mat to make it more interesting for your baby!
10. Rhythmic Patting or Gentle Massage
Babies love rhythm. Gently patting their bottom or back in a steady, repetitive motion can be incredibly calming. You can also try a gentle baby massage using baby-safe oil, focusing on their legs, arms, and back.
Massage Benefits: It not only soothes but also helps with digestion and sleep. Win-win!
Final Thoughts from a Postpartum Nurse
Every baby is unique. What works wonders for one may be “meh” for another. The trick is to mix, match, and try different techniques. Trust your instincts—you know your baby better than anyone else.
And remember: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Soothing a newborn is a learning curve, and both you and your baby are figuring things out together. Be gentle with yourself, reach out for support when needed, and know that with time, you’ll find your rhythm.
If you feel extremely overwhelmed and cannot cope with all the crying, take a break. Place your baby in a safe spot and ask someone to take care of them (or walk away for a few minutes to take some deep breaths). It’s harder to calm a crying newborn if you’re not calm yourself.
Got a soothing trick that worked for your baby? Share it in the comments—because every parent deserves a few extra tools in their toolkit!
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